Friday 10 July 2020

Missing Jane by Bronwen Chisholm - Guest Post and Giveaway

Book cover: Missing Jane by Bronwen Chisholm
Today I’m very happy to be welcoming Bronwen Chisholm back to Babblings of a Bookworm with a post about her latest story, Missing Jane. Bronwen has come here today with a guest post and giveaway.

What I find particularly exciting about this story is that it crosses over into Wales, which is the part of the UK where I come from. I’m not sure how polite the society was here in Regency times, which is why Wales may be a bit of a mystery to some historical romance readers (there is also the interesting point of the moving border, which means that although I live about 30 miles from the England/Wales border, the part of Wales I live in was part of Monmouthshire which was technically considered part of England in those times!). I think the closest Austen gets to Wales is a mention of a picture of Tintern Abbey (also in Monmouthshire) in Fanny Price's little room in Mansfield Park.

Let’s take a look at the blurb and then I will and over to Bronwen for her guest post.

Book Description

Mr. Bennet is dead; his daughters “scattered to the winds,” according to Mrs. Bennet.

And the eldest Miss Bennet? No one really knows.

Poor Mr. Bingley is led to believe she is no more, but her sister swears she is alive.

Can Mr. Darcy and his friend find her and, in turn, their own happily ever afters?

Book cover: Missing Jane by Bronwen Chisholm
Guest Post from Bronwen Chisholm

Hello! I am so pleased to be back at Babblings of a Bookworm today as this is the release date for the Kindle version of my latest novella, Missing Jane. When I was here last summer, Ceri asked me about my next book, so it is only fitting that I come back to visit today.

This story quickly became my favorite – even before I finished it. Most of my books focus on Elizabeth and Darcy, but this one had to be Jane and Bingley’s. When I get a story idea, it normally comes in the form of a scene. Those that really grab me then get a rough outline (well, my version of an outline) and go into the “To Be Written” file. The scene for this one was an argument between Bingley and Darcy that ends with Bingley tossing Darcy out of Netherfield. From the moment I wrote it, I could not get it out of my head. The reason Bingley is so upset is he believes Jane Bennet has died. So this leads us to the outline. Obviously, I could not kill off Jane, but where was she?

Many of you probably know that Bronwen (or the traditional Bronwyn) is Welsh. My family is not Welsh, but I had an aunt who read How Green Was My Valley and determined someone in the family would be named after her favorite character. As the last girl born of that generation (and because my mother could not think of any other name), I was that someone. I have always loved my name even if it isn’t spelled with the y (it made me stand out from the other 4 Bronwyn’s who came after me in York, Pennsylvania). The same aunt loved Wales and had a pen pal from there. When I took a school trip to Great Britain my senior year of high school, the two ladies demanded my itinerary and then attempted to find a place where I could be snatched and taken to Wales until I had to return. Unfortunately, the tour was a whirlwind and the closest I got to Wales was Stratford-upon-Avon.

When the scene between Bingley and Darcy came to me, I quickly decided that whatever happened to Jane, she had to be in or near Wales. Like my aunt, I have always loved the country even though I had never been there. With that decision made, the story came rather quickly, but when I went back to reread it, I realized my characters sounded Scottish, not Welsh. You see, on that trip back in the 80s, I did make it to Edinburgh. In addition, Chisholm is Scottish, so I was more familiar with that accent. I put the story aside and decided I just had to go to Wales and in 2018 my friend and I did just that. Well, technically, I invited her to go with me to Scotland and then added the side trip to Wales after she agreed, but she loved it. The country was as beautiful as I had anticipated and I was only sorry I could not see more of it. Plus, the fabulous manager at Mellington Hall Country House Hotel reluctantly agreed to read aloud the dialogue I had written so I could hear what I needed to change. Fingers crossed, I got it right. I can guarantee that without her, it would have been much worse.

The fun part about writing this story was tossing in little things for people. The manager I mentioned said “crikey” so, of course, one of my characters had to say it also. And you might see a tribute to our lovely mistress of Babblings of a Bookworm. (If you are going to set a story in or near Wales, you must have Welsh names.)

So that is a little bit of the backstory to this short, sweet novella. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

And now, a GIVEAWAY! Just make a comment on this blog and Ceri will pick 1 lucky winner to receive an ebook copy of Missing Jane. Good luck! I can’t wait to read your comments.

Author Bronwen Chisholm
Author Bio:

Bronwen Chisholm began her writing career working on suspense romance, but finally became a published author with her Pride and Prejudice variations. She takes great pleasure in searching for potential “plot twists” and finding the way back to a happy ending.

Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, and she is currently serving as the vice president of the Riverside Writers and organizes the Riverside Young Writers.

For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.com.

Book cover: Missing Jane by Bronwen Chisholm
Buy Links

Missing Jane is available to buy now for Kindle.

Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon CA • Add to Goodreads shelf


Giveaway Time!


Bronwen is kindly offering to giveaway a kindle version of Missing Jane to one of you. To enter, please just comment on this blog post by the end of the day worldwide on Friday 17 July 2020

If you have any difficulties adding your comment please contact me and I will add your comment for you :)

Blog Tour Schedule

Blog Tour - Missing Jane by Bronwen Chisholm

If you don’t want to miss any of my future posts, please subscribe:


If you'd like to be friends on Goodreads then please invite me - just say that you visit my blog when it asks why you'd like to be friends with me.


42 comments:

  1. The synopsis sounds interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have this on my wish-list. I can't wait to read it. So... NOW Charles stands up for himself? Where was that gumption when he needed it back after the Netherfield Ball and his sister closed the house behind his back? I'd have kicked her sorry behind all the way back to their aunt in the north. Then I would have told Darcy what I thought of his interference. But then, I am not Bingley and he did none of these things. Thanks Ceri for hosting, and thanks to Bronwen and her publisher for the generous giveaway. Good luck to everyone in the drawing. Blessings on its success, stay safe, and healthy, everyone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :D I totally agree! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Hi Jeanne. Bingley is often lacking in resolution and confidence isn't he. I hope you enjoy this when you read it :)

      Delete
  3. Well, I wonder if Darcy was surprised to be thrown out of Netherfield, or if he expected it. I sure hope that they make up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe Darcy was surprised when he first confessed to Bingley and WASN'T thrown out. This time, he was just in utter shock by what was said that he understood completely and would have done the same in Bingley's shoes.

      Delete
    2. I wonder! There was always a chance, but Bingley is as bad/good as Jane, so forgiving!

      Delete
  4. Team Jane!!!!! I saw a review on Goodreads and had to read this right away. So very moving. Several scenes will stay with me. Hope to reread during the holidays. Lol...I suppose I should ask a question..did you have a particular Jane Bennet movie actress in mind? While Rosamund Pike is my favorite, LBD's Laura Spencer is a strong second. Towards the last third she came to mind. Thank you! Cheers!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you - some of these scenes haunted me until I finished writing it.
      I do not have an actress or actor in mind when I am writing, but I am flattered that it reminded you of one.

      Delete
    2. Hi Kirk, so glad you enjoyed. That's a great question, too. Sometimes when you read a variation it seems as though the author had a particular adaptation actor in mind.

      Delete
    3. Thanks!!! Yes indeed... laugh at myself...I have a short one-shot P&P scene I'm avoiding writing that I picture the '95 grouping for Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy, and Bingley. :)

      Delete
  5. I am from Worcestershire which because of the boundary move has changed its distant from Wales. Not surprised that Darcy was thrown out by Bingley.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like the moving boundary between Germany and France - a few years ago we discovered part of our heritage that we thought was German was really French.
      You really can't blame him, given the circumstances.
      Thank you for commenting.

      Delete
    2. Yes, it's not that far is it, closer than it was in Austen's time.

      Delete
  6. Such an intriguing idea - love Jane! Looking forward to reading this one! Thank you for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Where does Darcy go when he is thrown out? To look for Jane? I hope to enjoy this book as much as I have your others. Congrats on the release Bronwen. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. As it is late in the day, he goes to Meryton. He doesn't know at that point that Jane is lost - he thinks she is dead because that is what Bingley told him.
      Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for commenting Maomac :)

      Delete
  8. Well, we know that Bingley is not always well informed. Darcy will sit and ponder, walk and ponder and come up with a plan because he is secretly wanting for Elizabeth to be alive and found; he also wants his friend back. I am so looking forword to reading your book. Thank you for the opportunity of winning a copy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. But Jane has been missing more than a week, they need to get moving! ;)
      Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  9. The book sounds fascinating. Love the backstory.

    I'm not too far from York, PA.

    denise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? You might know a Bronwen, or rather a Bronwyn. ;)
      One of these days, when we are allowed to congregate again, I need to do a book signing up that way.

      Delete
    2. Hope you enjoy it when you read it, Denise!

      Delete
  10. I really like this premise and that there is low angst. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not in the mood for high-angst at the moment either!

      Delete
  11. Intriguing. Thanks for a chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have a comment to add from Eva:

    I didn't know that Ceri lived in Wales. I have driven around Wales and treasured the landscape. Missing Jane sounds like a wonderful story. I like the fact that Jane (rather than Elizabeth) is missing. I hope Bingley decided to look for her and not allow Darcy to do it. Thank you for the giveaway. Enjoyed the history of your name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eva. Even though I am biased, I think Wales is beautiful!

      I agree with you regarding the book, it's refreshing that the story is about Jane rather than Elizabeth.

      Delete
  13. Thank you. I agree, it is time for Jane to step into the spotlight. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the info about this story. I have not met anyone from Scotland/Wales.This is awesome info ( I did wonder about your name before) Love to know history/origins of last names/names.

    Eager to read you rnew book.

    Thank you for the chance wi a copy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My friend and I spent 15 days traveling through Scotland, Wales, and England. She is more outgoing than I am and made certain that we talked to someone at every stop - asking questions and picking up on things locals know about the areas. It was amazing.

      I love learning about names also - when I started writing, the first thing I did was buy 2 or 3 name books to help me name my characters correctly.

      Good luck!

      Delete
    2. I don't personally know a Bronwen although I would have assumed the 'wen' rather than 'wyn' spelling because of the names 'Gwen' and 'Gwyn'. They both mean fair/white but the 'e' spelling is a woman's name and the 'y' is for men.

      Ceri is a Welsh name too (pronounced with a hard C as there is no letter K in the Welsh language), although in olden times it would have been Ceridwen (pronounced Kerri-dwen) rather than just Ceri :)

      Delete
    3. I always wondered about the e and y difference - and I have been called mister many times in my life. I love your name - that's why I had to use it. ;)

      Delete
    4. I just remembered, there is a Welsh name of Gwyneth (ladies's name) so there's no consistency! I get called Mr too, although in my case it's more allowable, as Ceri is a unisex name! I am glad that you like it :)

      Delete

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