The Goodness of Men by Anngela Schroeder - Blog Tour - Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I'm joined by Anngela Schroeder who is bringing us an excerpt of her new book, The Goodness of Men, which sees Elizabeth Bennet having another chance to sketch his character. There's also an international giveaway.

Let me share the blurb with you, and then we will move on to Anngela's excerpt.


Book Description

“This will not do,” said Elizabeth. “You never will be able to make both of them good…Take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man…” -Pride and Prejudice  

From her youngest days, Elizabeth Bennet’s ability to accurately judge the character of others has been recognized and noted by those around her in such a consistent manner as to lead her to believe it herself. The misfortune of meeting Mr. Darcy, a wealthy landowner from the north, only solidifies this belief.

The memory of his disapproval of her family, proves his character is lacking and sadly unlike his childhood friend's, the charming and affable Mr. Wickham, who is esteemed by all he meets. Although her opinion once lost is not lost forever, the effort to regain her favor is great.

With Elizabeth’s youngest sister fortunate to be in company with Mr. Wickham in Brighton since the spring, and her own travels to Kent cancelled, she must await the pleasures of a summer holiday to the North with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. However, it is there that she is once again thrust into Mr. Darcy’s presence and must determine if he is truly the architect of the many wrongs she has laid at his door.

Fitzwilliam Darcy cannot exorcise Elizabeth Bennet from his thoughts. A chance meeting at the estate of his friend reignites all the flames he has attempted to suppress since their last meeting. Believing in her partiality, he is stunned to overhear her true estimation of him and is determined to change her opinion. Battling with memories and secrets from his past, Darcy must fight against his natural reserve to win the heart of the woman he loves.

Will the unexpected appearance of a stranger encourage Elizabeth’s change of heart? Might an episode from Mr. Darcy's past force Elizabeth to see the man within? Can one man have all the goodness and the other only the appearance of it?

Join us for another sweet "Pride and Prejudice" reimagining, suitable for ages teen and up.

Excerpt from The Goodness of Men

Aunt Gardiner stood in the doorway. “Lizzy, I was wondering if you were ready to go down to dinner.”

“I am ready.” She closed the door behind her and breathed deeply, hoping to seem unaffected by the letter.

“My dear Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner began as they walked down the hallway, “I noticed you were in company with Mr. Darcy on your walk this morning.”

“Yes, but we did not walk out together nor was it a secret assignation.” Lizzy rolled her eyes at her aunt’s implications. “I stumbled upon an old ruin, and he happened to be there reading. He offered to escort me back, and I accepted. Nothing untoward occurred.”

“Nor would I think it would have, Lizzy. It is only that I thought you were quite set against him. I do not wish him to assume the wrong notion from your friendliness. And I have noticed he has a partiality towards you.” At Elizabeth’s surprised expression, Mrs. Gardiner continued. “He cannot help but gaze at you across the table at dinner. Or stare at you when you are playing the piano. I believe he is enchanted.”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “Oh, Aunt. Mr. Darcy has no interest in me. You know he finds me only tolerable—and that from his own lips. No, he is destined for a greater match than a poor country miss, and I, hopefully, for someone who loves me.”

“If you think so,” Mrs. Gardiner replied sniffing. “Only see that you understand your feelings before being set against him. From what Amelia tells me, he is not the man you believe him to be.”

“On that, you are correct.” She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “Mr. Darcy is proving to be more than I originally believed.”

“Then you must not make a hasty judgment. More than one man has gone against his social standing for a woman he loves.”

“Now you are talking nonsense. Come, come. Change the subject before I believe you have a fever or have had too much of the wine.”

Mrs. Gardiner, raised her eyebrows at her niece. “Mock me all you wish, young lady, but I know the look of love in a man’s eye.”

“Love? Oh, Aunt. I have seen him only for a few days. How can you declare it is love? I assure you whatever feelings Mr. Darcy had for me in Hertfordshire have altered, but love? I am certain the man has only gained a level of comfort with me that he could not while surrounded by Miss Bingley.”

“Yes, well. If that is what you wish to believe. But I warn you to not take lightly what I say, dear girl.” She patted Lizzy’s arm lovingly and then continued. “On another score, I am to understand that
Mr. Turner means to take us on a most intriguing outing in two days’ time.”

“Oh, you know how to raise my curiosity. But, come, let us hurry to dinner.”

The two women flitted down the hallway, unaware their conversation had planted a seed of doubt in the heart of a man from Derbyshire standing quietly in a doorway.

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OOOOH!

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Author Biography

I have a degree in English with a concentration in British Literature and a Masters in Education. I love to travel, bake, and watch college football with my husband of 17 years and 3 rambunctious sons. My goal in life is to make not only my children, but also my students feel that they are loved, and to bring magic into everyone's world. My weaknesses are yellow cake with chocolate frosting, French bread with real butter, and my father's Arabic food, namely grape leaves, and falafel. I live in California where I dream of Disney adventures and trips across the pond.

Connect with the Author:

• Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Amazon • Instagram •

Giveaway time

Anngela is giving away 2 copies of the ebook of The Goodness of Men, which is open to international entrants, and a US reader can win a signed physical copy of the book. Enter using the rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But what if a giveaway is too uncertain - "You have no compassion on my poor nerves." - well, don't worry, you can buy it right now!

Buy Links:

The Goodness of Men is available to buy or read on Kindle Unlimited  - Amazon US / Amazon UK / Add to Goodreads Shelf.

Thank you so much to Anngela for stopping by!