Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby - Review

Today the blog tour for Gill Hornby’s Godmersham Park stops by at Babblings of a Bookworm. Godmersham Park is where Austen’s well-off brother Edward lived, and this book is a fictionalised account of the time that real-life governess Anne Sharp spent there. Read on to find out more about the book, and what I thought of it. 

Book Description

A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1 International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.

On January 21, 1804, Anne Sharp arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At thirty-one years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died, and she has nowhere else to go. Anne is left with no choice. For her new charge—twelve-year-old Fanny Austen—Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.

The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the "upstairs" and "downstairs" members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.

When Mr. Edward Austen's family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming, and competent; she is clever too. Even her sleepy, complacent, mistress can hardly fail to notice.

Meanwhile Jane's brother, Henry, begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess. And from now on, Anne's days at Godmersham Park are numbered.

A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller – Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I am welcoming Kelly Miller back to Babblings of a Bookworm with her latest book. It’s a Pride & Prejudice variation called A Dutiful Son. Read on for a lovely excerpt from the book, plus an ebook giveaway.

Book Description

What will Fitzwilliam Darcy do when his beloved father stands between him and happiness?

Darcy has always emulated his wise and honourable father, George Darcy. But following a sinister act of betrayal by a former family friend, his father rejects his most benevolent principles.

When Georgiana forms a friendship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy convinces his father to allow the association to continue. However, Elizabeth soon presents a thorny problem: she entices Darcy as no other lady has before, and with his father’s current outlook, he would not approve of her as a daughter-in-law.

Still, Darcy’s problem may resolve in time: his father, after getting to know Elizabeth, is certain to recognise her many admirable qualities and change his mind. But what if he does not?

In this Pride & Prejudice Regency variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy is caught between the influences of love and duty. Which of these will wield the greatest power?

An Appearance of Goodness by Heather Moll - Blog Tour, Guest Post and Excerpt

 The blog tour for Heather Moll’s latest book, An Appearance of Goodness stops by here today, with an excerpt and a giveaway. Let’s look at the blurb, and then I’ll hand over to Heather to introduce the excerpt. 

Book Description

Can a Derbyshire meeting lead to love or will Pemberley be plunged into mystery?

In the rainy summer of 1812, Mr Darcy returns to Pemberley with a large party in the hopes that coming home will help him recover from the disappointment of his failed proposal. He lost Elizabeth Bennet’s good opinion, but Darcy did all he could to rectify his errors. Meanwhile, Elizabeth hopes that travelling with her newly-wed sister and Bingley will raise her spirits and distract her from thoughts of Darcy.

When a misunderstanding causes the Bingley party and Darcy’s to spend a fortnight together at Pemberley, both Elizabeth and Darcy wonder if the other could love them. When the season’s wet and cold weather causes flooding throughout Derbyshire, Darcy’s attention reluctantly shifts from his guests–and Elizabeth–to managing the tragedy.

But when someone drowns and Darcy refuses to believe their death was an accident from the storm, he and Elizabeth must work together to uncover the truth before his houseguests leave, and before anyone else gets hurt.

Content note: mature content, mild violence

Preludes: A Modern Persuasion Improvisation by Riana Everly - Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

I’m very happy to be welcoming Riana Everly back to Babblings of a Bookworm with her latest book, which is something quite different for her. Rather than a historical story it’s a modern update. The story is called Preludes: A Modern Persuasion Improvisation. I have the blurb to share with you, a guest post from Riana about Preludes, plus an excerpt. Riana is also kindly offering an ebook giveaway. Read on for more details.

Book Description 

A heartfelt and absorbing modern interpretation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Eight years of heartache…

Anne Elliot is a successful composer, a shining light in the world of music. But her heart still aches for the man who left her eight years ago when she was persuaded to put her career above her heart.

Eight years of anger...

Fred Valore has found fame and glory as a brilliant orchestra conductor. He has studied in Europe, travelled the world, but cannot forget how Anne rejected him eight years ago. And now he’s coming home.

Suddenly, Fred and Anne are living in the same city again, and forced to work with each other. Old feelings are hard to ignore, but now Fred is waltzing about town with an attractive musician, and Anne has caught the eye of a handsome businessman.

When a whirlwind of misunderstandings gets in the way of a tentative reconnection, is their long-lost love doomed to remain a thing of the past? Or can they somehow find a path back to each other to make beautiful music once again?

~ ~ ~

Set in the vibrant and arts-loving city of Toronto, Canada, Preludes is perfect for Austenites and Contemporary Romance lovers alike.