Adventure Awaits by Virginia Kohl - Excerpt and Giveaway

I’m pleased to be welcoming a new visitor to the blog today, author Virginia Kohl. Virginia has written two Austeneque books, which unusually are based on Sense & Sensibility. Of all the variations and sequels I have read, I think I’ve probably read the least based on S&S, so I’m really pleased to feature this book today. Adventure Awaits is a story about Margaret Dashwood. Virginia has visited us with an excerpt of the story and there’s also an ebook giveaway for those who get their ebooks from Amazon.com. Let’s look at the blurb first.

Book Description

Beautiful, venturesome Margaret Dashwood, known to her family and friends as Daisy, has always dreamed of traveling to exotic locations. With her first Season behind her, those dreams are relegated to the stories she tells her niece.

Alexander Mallard, a handsome young doctor, came to the small village of Delaford straight out of medical school. With the knowledge and desire to help everyone, he soon settles into the life of a country physician.

The day Daisy and Alexander's paths cross, an adventure grander than either ever imagined begins.

Excerpt from Adventure Awaits by Virginia Kohl

Since writing my debut novel, True Love Comes to Delaford, I knew I wanted Daisy to have her own story. Despite a grand London Season, she remains the adventuresome young woman who dreams of traveling to exotic locations.  

* * *

Rays of early afternoon summer sun danced across the walls and floors of Delaford estate. Margaret Dashwood made her way down the long corridor to the family’s two-story library. The seventeen-year-old, known to her family and friends as Daisy, thought back on her first London Season. By all means, it had been lovely. In addition to family outings to various museums and attractions, she had gone to afternoon teas and nights at the theatre. At balls, various gentlemen asked her to dance, and some had even called on her the following day.

Daisy shook her head at the memory; determined not to settle for anything less than the true love match her sister and the Colonel shared. After nearly six years of marriage, Colonel and Mrs. Brandon were more in love with each other than ever. 

* * *

Stopping in the doorway, Miss Dashwood gazed fondly at the scene in front of her. Across the room, the family sat together on the settee during their daily reading time. Colonel Christopher Brandon read aloud, inflecting his tone to match the scene or character. Isabella, who would turn five the following month, listened intently from her position on his lap. The young girl’s mother had her head on his shoulder while her hand, entwined with her husband’s, rested on her growing abdomen. The story came from Mrs. Brandon’s journal, where the aspiring writer had woven a tale about a happy family of ducks. 

He closed the book upon completion of the story. Evident pride shown in his eyes as he turned to his wife. “Our little girl always loves mama’s stories.”

Elinor beamed, “I am sure her enjoyment has to do with how papa reads to her.”

Pushing a strand of her curly medium brown hair behind her ear, Daisy watched the loving glances the couple exchanged. Looking between them, her blue eyes met those of her niece.

Isabella wiggled free, “Auntie Daisy! Auntie Daisy!”

Her blue-green eyes sparkled when she wrapped her arms around her aunt and looked up, “Can we go and play in the treehouse?”

The young woman had always displayed a keen sense of adventure. Since moving to Delaford five years ago, Miss Dashwood had planned numerous travels to exotic locations while sitting in the treehouse the Colonel had commissioned for her.

“Yes, we can. If your mama agrees,” she replied looking over at her older sister. 

Once approval was readily given, they made their way out of the room. Eager to play outside, the family’s two curly coated retrievers left their spot on the rug near the hearth. Magnus and Zeus barked with excitement as they joined the pair.

* * *

Leaving the dogs to frolic around the garden, Isabella climbed up the rope ladder. Walking behind, Daisy noticed her slower-than-usual assent. She hoped the little girl had not contracted something during their recent stay in Somerset with the Palmer family. With a mix of curiosity and concern for her uncharacteristic tiredness, she shifted the weight of her treasured atlas from one arm to the other. Since receiving it for her eleventh birthday, the book of maps had accompanied her everywhere – even to London, much to the amusement of her family.

“Where should we go for our next exploration?”

“To where Colin’s mama is from,” the little girl suggested, referring to the birthplace of her best friend’s mother.

As if on cue, the boy ran through the terrace doors and across the grass.

Watching him from the treehouse entrance, Isabella cupped her hands around her mouth, “Hurry, we are planning an adventure to the East Indies!”

Surprised, Miss Dashwood briefly excused herself, leaving the children to play. Knowing what the unexpected visit of the Delaney’s son meant, she went inside to find her sister.

* * *

If you enjoyed this excerpt, Adventure Awaits is available in both Kindle and trade paperback.

About the Author

Virginia Kohl has been fascinated with the regency era since discovering Jane Austen’s works at the age of eleven.

Originally from Germany, Virginia Kohl shares her Texas home with her illustrator mother and faithful rescue dog. When not passing her love of learning on to her students, this college math professor enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and being an active member of her local writer’s guild.

Virginia Kohl can be reached at her website and via Facebook. You can find her novels on Amazon and Goodreads.

Buy Links

Adventure Awaits is available to buy now in Paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.   

• Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Add to Goodreads shelf

Giveaway Time!

 

Virginia is kindly offering a giveaway of an ebook of Adventure Awaits to a commenter on this blog post. To enter, just leave a comment on this post by the end of the day worldwide on Friday 31 July. This giveaway is open to people who get their ebooks from the Amazon.com website.

If you can’t add your comment please contact me and I will add your comment for you :)

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