Monday, November 28, 2011

Book Bloggers Holiday Card Exchange 2011

Book Bloggers Holiday Card Exchange 2011
hosted by Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog
It's not too late.
Signups open until Nov 30!

details and signup here


The twist with this exchange is that...

Since it’s a book-lovers card exchange you have to include something book-related in your card. Some ideas:

a. Write about a book you’ve read recently.
b. Give a few book recommendations to your partner.
c. Tell a book-related story.
d. Something else book-related that you think up yourself.



Winner of Gratitude HOP


Here are the winners for giveaways that
ended November 27, 2011
during the Gratitude HOP event

Thanks to all contestants!



Random Magic by Sasha Soren
Winner: Katie of Book Bowl


~*~

* to see the original giveaway offer, click on the prize title links

* I will email winners for mailing addresses this week.
Winners, feel free to contact me with your info if you don't get my email
or if you are just too darn excited and want to let me know -- like NOW ;-D

* contest policy

* keep in touch with my giveaways and learn about other book giveaways by subscribing via email on my sidebar (you may want to go digest mode)

* if not this time, maybe next time

--> check out the current giveaways and upcoming events on my sidebar


Pemberley Ball: Epilogue continued


At the sound of the alarm, the Bennet sisters assemble into formation to defend the Pemberley estate from the unmentionables.

Lord Swineberg the 3rd
See!!!! I was right! There were zombies at the ball!

Lady Blodeuedd
Feels like a wallflower as she has spent much of her time at the ball lurking behind a flower. She is horrified by what Lord Swineberg the 3rd exclaims and quickly gathers her belongings while running towards the nearest carriage.

Miss Tabiadora Jensen
Tis true tis true - I am a zombie! I carry the plague! Will hurt but for a moment - then you will feel no pain evermore! Come into my bone gnawing embrace my dears.

I do believe the Duchess de Borde might be able to do me harm - not some Lord Swineberg the 3rd. Pish posh


As for the Duchess de Borde, she takes a fortifying swig from her flask and replaces it within her décolletage and...

*Harumph* exclaims the mildly intoxicated Duchess! First there were waving tentacles to be dodged and now a grim melee of disenchanted dead to be dispatched posthaste.

Of course, by all appearances the valient Lord Swineberg & his rapacious rapier were doing a magnificent job all on their own.

Daintly stepping across a body carelessly placed between her and the buffet, the Duchess popped a cherry between her lips while she studied the rum-cake with a contemplative eye.

Well, as the saying goes 'too many cooks spoil the broth' - thus the Duchess saw no pressing need to offer her services in the depatching department. A tentacle whipped out from beneath the buffet and snatched the last slice of rum-cake.

*HARUMPH* snorted the Duchess as she brought her flask down hard upon the offending alien. Bad manners, no matter how other worldly, were simply NOT to be tolerated!


~~!~~!~~!~~

READ more about this DARCY world…

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--


Pride Prejudice and Zombies
Dreadfully Ever After
by Steve Hockensmith

When we last saw Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy—at the end of the New York Times best seller Pride and Prejudice and Zombies—they were preparing for a lifetime of wedded bliss. Yet the honeymoon has barely begun when poor Mr. Darcy is nipped by a rampaging dreadful.

Elizabeth knows the only acceptable course of action is to promptly behead her husband (and then burn the corpse, just to be safe). But when she learns of a miracle antidote being developed in London, she realizes there may be one last chance to save her true love—and for everyone to live happily ever after.

Complete with romance, heartbreak, martial arts, cannibalism, and an army of shambling corpses, Dreadfully Ever After brings the story of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies to a thrilling conclusion.


WIN a copy of this book!

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 15, 2011

TO DO: (2-parts)
1. ONE of these:

ADD this book to your Goodreads

or

ADD this book to your Shelfari

or


TWEET this: (or click the twitter button on this post)
Giveaway: Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2011/11/pemberley-ball-epilogue-continued.html

2. AND, let me know in comments what you did along with your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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~~!~~!~~!~~


~*~

* see Pemberley Ball epilogue part one

* image source Bennets

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Book Nooks - 2

Book Nooks
*Every weekend*
Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
Show us something pretty!


~*~

Mansfield Park Library
-per Nooks, Towers and Turrets

I selected another Jane Austen themed place to read this week ;-D

~*~






Saturday, November 26, 2011

Paranormal Turkey Tour


Ah yes, Thanksgiving. Nothing says the holidays like sitting around a fully decked out dining room table with mouthwatering temptations waiting to be gobbled up. Everyone waits anxiously for the big reveal… the turkey!

Lovingly prepared since early that morning, the turkey is brought out in a covered, silver serving platter. Aunt Edith smacks little Tommy's hand as he attempts to steal a candied yam dripping with marshmallow. The collective breath is held as the silver cover is removed… revealing… a zombie turkey!

What—what? That's right folks, this year, we are celebrating this American holiday paranormal style. And what says paranormal holiday better than a walking, talking zombie turkey?

This zombie turkey brings you important tidings of great prizes that shall be for all people… who participate and win of course.

November 25-27 you could win up to $200 in prizes!

Three days. Four YA paranormal books. Five chances to win!


And who are these crazy paranormal authors? Check them out. It's like the Nightmare Before Christmas, Thanksgiving style!



Emlyn Chand, author of Farsighted


"Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering 'the next big thing' for YA." ~ Emily Reese, author of Second Death

Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

Monster Mash: Emlyn says… I. AM. WEREWOLF! And why's that you ask? First off, my name (Chand) literally means moon in Sanskrit. Next, werewolves are super cool--we can blend in with common folk, and then out of nowhere, kapow! I'm a werewolf, and I sure am hungry. Lastly, Team Jacob 100%. Now excuse me while I cock back my head and howl at my namesake.



Patti Larsen, author of Family Magic

"Patti Larsen is truly gifted because I read Family Magic cover to cover and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment!" ~ from Goodreads review

Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord, but she just wants to be ordinary. When her coven comes under attack, Syd must face the fact only her power can save her family's magic.

Monster Mash: Patti says… I am a witch. Naturally. I weave spells with my words, cast incantations from my keyboard, mix up the very best potions in my cauldron of documents. You want to stay on my good side. Trust me. Unless you enjoy waking up as something... unnatural.



Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind

"Forbidden Mind is a thrilling, dark and deeply romantic read that had me sitting on the edge of my seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment." ~Refracted Light Young Adult Book Reviews

Paranormal teens with unimaginable powers. An evil organization with deep secrets. When Sam, a girl who reads minds, meets a boy who controls minds, she discovers her future isn't what she thought. Together they must escape and free the others… or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.

Monster Mash: Kimberly says… I may look like a demon, but I'm actually a succubus. Enchanting and seductive, I weave stories that will fuel your passions and make you fall in love. But be warned… once you fall under the spell of my words, your world will never be the same.



John Corwin, author of The Next Thing I Knew

Corwin does a phenomenal job of including humor throughout this novel. This book was like . . . Ghost (the movie) meets The Host (by Stephanie Meyer) meets MIB (Men In Black the movie). ~Maryann, Chapter by Chapter

The afterlife is the last thing on Lucy’s mind until she and every other human on the planet drop dead and find themselves in the hereafter. Lucy drags her social life back from the grave and enlists her friends to figure out the rules of the afterlife and, more importantly, to discover who or what killed everyone and why anyone would do such a mean thing.

Monster Mash: John says… I am a ninja. After all, vampires are simply ninjas with fangs. They can hide in plain sight, right in your living room. Jump out and scare the wits out of you. Drop a smoke bomb and poof! All you’re left with is stinky smoke in your house and soiled underclothes.



The Prizes


Four $25 Book Entries: For each of the four books in the contest, you can enter to win $25 (up to $100 in giveaways!) Simply buy a copy of the book (each is priced at just 99 cents for this special promotion) and email the proof of purchase for that book OR submit the first sentence of the fifth chapter for that book to ParanormalTurkey@gmail.com. Winners will be chosen randomly. Each person can submit one entry per book. Here are the links for each book:

And... if you buy all FOUR books, you are entered to win the Grand Prize!


The Grand Prize


One randomly selected reader who enters to win all four book prizes (Family Magic, Farsighted, Forbidden Mind and The Next Thing I Knew) will win the grand prize of $100.

So go on now and pick up a copy of these fantastic paranormal reads before the zombie turkey eats you!

What? Still around? Then enjoy these fun book trailers and Paranormal Turkey Tour trailer. (Then go buy the books.) Also, leave a comment and help your favorite blog host win a $50 prize!



Notes:
  • All winners will be chosen randomly using random.org.
  • Amazon links are provided, but books purchased through any online vendor will qualify with proof of purchase.



Thursday, November 24, 2011

Winners for November pt4


Here are the winners for giveaways that
ended November 13, 2011

Thanks to all contestants!


for October Trix-n-Treatz event:


Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Winner: Mary Ellen of The Reader's Shop


Dangerous Designs by Dale Meyer
Winner: (ebook) Patricia's Particularity
Winner: (print) Jessica of jbronder book reviews


Diamonds And Toads by K.E. Saxon
Winner: Julie of jwitt33


The Dishonored Dead by Robert Swartwood
Winner: Holly S of Bitchin' and Stitchin'
Winner: Rinni of Top Shelf Reviews
Winner: Teressa Oliver


The Eternal Child by David Wasserman
Winner: Krysykat of Because I Said So


Farsighted by Emlyn Chand
Winner: kah cherub of Come to the Dark Side...We have Cookies!


The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
Winner: Lena of psyxx


Laddertop by Orson Scott Card and Emily Janice Card
Winner: Suz of klaxon


Salem Witch Trial by Kathryn Wesley
Winner: Brandy of Brandyz Books


The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities edited by Ann Vandermeer and Jeff Vandermeer
Winner: MAD of Mary Ann DeBorde Writes (and Reads!)


Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell
Winner: Janiera of From This is from my Heart


The Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKenna
Winner: (print) Pabkins of Mission to Read
Winner: (ebook) AimeeKay of Reviews From My First Reads Shelf
Winner: (ebook) Jel of Book Jelly
Winner: (ebook) Lieder Madchen of Songs and Stories


The Witch's Handbook by Rachel Dickinson, Timothy Crawford, Paul Kepple
Winner: Yiota of Splash Of Our Worlds

Alice in Whenland Challenge
Winner: Pabkins of Mission to Read

October Trix-n-Treatz book pick: Random Magic by Sasha Soren

Historical ebook pick:
Laurel Line:
An Anthracite Region Railway
by James N.J. Henwood and John G. Muncie

~*~

* to see the original giveaway offer, click on the prize title links

* I will email winners for mailing addresses this week.
Winners, feel free to contact me with your info if you don't get my email
or if you are just too darn excited and want to let me know -- like NOW ;-D

* contest policy

* keep in touch with my giveaways and learn about other book giveaways by joining the GoodReads Book Giveaways group

* if not this time, maybe next time

--> check out the current giveaways and upcoming events on my sidebar


Happy Thanksgiving!




~*~

* image source zombie turkey, we better get going and EAT them first!

*thanks to MAD for sending me this zombilicious turkey day treat ;-D

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Pemberley Ball: Epilogue


The final transports leave the Pemberley estate in a sedate manner during the late hour. We remain outside and wave here and there as the procession passes through the gates.

And in that barouche we see...

Lady Stellectric
Good day!
I am the widow of Sir Gilhead of Meryton.

He died tragically at Goodnestone Park, though no one is quite sure of the circumstances. I love to shop and have a keen interest in collecting parasols. You can never have too many, and I would like one for each corset I buy.


~*~

The carriage behind Lady Stellectic, hold Lady Lena and Lord Nic. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet them. Perhaps they will drop in again and introduce themselves.

~*~

Oh, but look there! We see Lady Nelle of Orkney


Good day to you, Lady Vee.

I am here to dance the night away and spend time with my dear friend Lizzy.


I hail from the isle of Orkney which, while lovely, is rather lacking in balls. Dancing is one of my greatest pleasures despite the fact that I do not do it as well as I should wish to, hopefully I will get plenty of practice here. It was a pleasure to meet you.


~*~

Lord Swineberg the 3rd, Duchess de Borde and Miss Tabiadora Jensen remain in conference at the foyer.

Whatever could their worries be?

Apparently, Lord Swineberg the 3rd is convinced of most unusual movements in the garden... there... just there!

The Duchess de Borde is in agreement after much squinting in the dark.

Miss Tabiadora Jensen is at the ready for within her cloak is a weapon appropriate for the situation.

~~!~~!~~!~~

READ more about this DARCY world…

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--


Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Deluxe Edition
by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”

So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded version of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem.

This deluxe heirloom edition includes a new preface by coauthor Seth Grahame-Smith, thirteen oil painting illustrations by Roberto Parada, and a fascinating afterword by Dr. Allen Grove of Alfred University.

Best of all, this limited special edition features an incredible 30 percent more zombies—via even more all-new scenes of carnage, corpse slaying, and cannibalism.

Complete with a satin ribbon marker and a leatherette binding designed to endure for generations, this hardcover volume honors a masterpiece of classic zombie literature.


WIN a copy of this book!

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 15, 2011

TO DO: (2-parts)
1. ONE of these:

ADD this book to your Goodreads

or

ADD this book to your Shelfari

or


TWEET this: (or click the twitter button on this post)
Giveaway: Pride and Prejudice and Zombie deluxe edition http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2011/11/pemberley-ball-epilogue.html

2. AND, let me know in comments what you did along with your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~~!~~!~~!~~


~*~

* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source gown for Lady Stellectric aka Stellectric

* image source gown for Lady Nelle of Orkney aka Lieder

* image source Elizabeth Bennet

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pemberley Ball 2011: End Credits

PEMBERLEY BALL
November 14-22, 2011

END CREDITS

The hour is late.

It is time for the donning of coats, cloaks and shawls.

Barouches and carriages await outside.

Georgiana gives kisses and thanks you all profusely for your presence at her musical performance.

The Darcy's have enjoyed your company at this year's event and bid farewell to you fine ladies and gentlemen!

Until next year...

~*~

Thank you dear readers for joining me for this virtual book event.

Please note all giveaways end December 15, 2011 unless specified otherwise.

THANKS TO: Authors, Publicists and Publishers for Book Giveaways & Guest posts

For the Skylark
by Debra Brown


Georgiana Darcy's Diary: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice continued
by Anna Elliott


Miss Darcy Falls In Love
by Sharon Lathan


Mrs Darcy Versus the Alien
by Jonathan Pinnock


My Darcy Vibrates...
A Collection of Pride and Prejudice-inspired steamy short stories
by Enid Wilson


Mr. Darcy's Little Sister
(Pride & Prejudice Continues)
by C. Allyn Pierson


Mentioned but not Jane Austen related:

Across Eternity
by Aris Whittier


Random Magic
by Sasha Soren


The Wedding Gift
by Kathleen McKenna


~*~

* Picnik was used for some graphics creations for this event.

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Guest: gatecrashers


Lady Winnifred and Calico Critic
There are some ladies preparing to leave who we have yet to meet. They arrived earlier but were not introduced.

Perhaps they will come forth with goodbyes before they depart.

~~!~~!~~!~~
Bit o'sip sip gossip...


Did you know...

Pemberley Celebrations
The First Year
by Kara Louise
Just released: October 2011

Join Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy in this compilation of short stories as they celebrate the holidays and special events in the first year of their marriage. Beginning with Christmas, the decorations are being put up, but it has not been a joyous holiday at Pemberley for many years.

Can Elizabeth bring back the Christmas Spirit?

There are three other Christmas stories, as well as stories about a New Years Eve Ball, a Valentine's Day Mystery, an Easter Visit, and several others that will entertain you throughout the year.


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~*~

* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source regency coats

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Guest: Miss Tabiadora Jensen

Miss Tabiadora Jensen ...essentially - I would steal the heart of Mr. Darcy. But too sad for him - I am already taken by one said Mr. Jensen. So I allow him one dance and his skulks off sullen and distraught and hence why he will settle on Miss Bennet. Alas, we are not able to view Miss Tabiadora's gown properly due to something somesuch called copyright. Although the gown can be seen here in its glory.
~~!~~!~~!~~ Bit o'sip sip gossip...
Did you know...
Mr. Darcy's Undoing (Pemberley Variations) by Abigail Reynolds Just released: October 2011
A passionate new Pride and Prejudice variation explores the unthinkable-Elizabeth accepts the proposal of a childhood friend before she meets Darcy again. When their paths cross, the devastated Mr. Darcy must decide how far he'll go to win the woman he loves. How can a man who prides himself on his honor ask the woman he loves to do something scandalous? And how can Elizabeth accept a loveless marriage when Mr. Darcy holds the key to her heart? As they confront family opposition and the ill-will of scandal-mongers, will Elizabeth prove to be Mr. Darcy's undoing?
~~!~~!~~!~~
~*~
* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs * image source gown for Miss Tabiadora Jensen aka Pabkins * image source Mr Darcy
~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~

Guest: Lady Aurelia Langley


Lady Aurelia Langley
Hello! I am Lady Aurelia, the daughter of Lord Langley.

We are visiting my dear aunt Catherine and at the same time, my father plans to seek a suitable husband for me. I have heard that there will be many beautiful ladies in breathtaking gowns, and dashing, debonair young men in handsome suits attending this major event.

I look forward to meeting you and sincerely hope that we can be good friends.



Oh dear, we are into the wee hours of the Pemberley Ball.

After speaking with Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Aurelia senses that Mr Darcy is off limits. Perhaps she should pursue Mr Bingley over there before the last dance...

~~!~~!~~!~~
Bit o'sip sip gossip...


Did you know...

Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy:
'Pride and Prejudice' meets 'A Christmas Carol'
by Barbara Tiller Cole
Just released: October 2011

'Pride and Prejudice' meets 'A Christmas Carol' A Jane Austen/Charles Dickens crossover story, 'Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy' takes the best of both classics and spins them into a delightful Holiday treat!

F.E. Darcy has fallen into pitiful self-loathing and sorrowful angst-ridden despair; all of this due to his belief that he has lost forever the chance to marry the only woman he has ever loved—Elizabeth Bennet. Seeing her son in such a state, the Ghost of Anne Darcy reaches out to him; informing him that three ghosts would visit him and give him hope. Will these Spirits provide him with the courage to try again to win the esteem of his one true soul mate?

Barbara Tiller Cole, an Atlanta native and the writer of the popular book 'White Lies and Other Half Truths', presents this family friendly classic—a delightful combination of the best of her two favorite authors, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Barbara credits her parents with fostering a love for both of these authors. Each Christmas, Barbara’s father would sit and read Dicken’s classic 'A Christmas Carol' to the family. Her mother consistently challenged her to improve her mind by extensive reading, Jane Austen style. This book is dedicated to the memory of Cliff and Jeanne and the season they loved the best.


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~*~

* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source gown for Lady Aurelia Langley aka Aik

* image source Elizabeth Bennet

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Guest: Lady Apple


Lady Apple
I am a proud bluestocking and welcome spinsterhood.

Only a man who dares defy conventions will earn my notice. My unique name reflects my personality well. Common enough but people will take notice to my vibrant nature.

That is all.

Have a dandy ball all!



Lady Apple spies Elizabeth Bennet sneaking glances at Mr Darcy from afar. Lady Apple makes her way towards her to share the current fashion from France trends.

How do you think Elizabeth would react with such news?


~~!~~!~~!~~
Bit o'sip sip gossip...


Did you know...

His Good Opinion:
A Mr. Darcy Novel
by Nancy Kelley
Just released ebook: November 2011
visit Indie Jane
for the giveaway here -ends Nov 28

Mr. Darcy Speaks from the Heart:
Pride and Prejudice from his Point of View

Though tired of Society's manipulations, Darcy never thought to be enchanted by a country maiden. Yet on a visit to rural Hertfordshire, Elizabeth Bennet captivates him. Lovely and vivacious, she is everything he is not, and everything he longs to have.

Unfortunately, her connections put her decidedly beneath him, and the improprieties he observes in her family do not win his favor. Putting her firmly out of his mind, Darcy returns to London, but Elizabeth is not so easily forgotten.

When chance throws them together, Darcy can no longer deny his love, but Elizabeth, put off by his manners, refuses him. To change her mind, he must set aside his proud ways and learn how to please a woman worthy of being pleased. It takes a serious incident for his true character to shine, and for Elizabeth to learn just how valuable is…

His Good Opinion


~~!~~!~~!~~


~*~

* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source gown for Lady Apple aka Na

* image source Elizabeth Bennet

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


At the Pemberley Ball by Jonathan Pinnock


~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Jonathan Pinnock
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

I have to say that I hadn’t been looking forward to the Pemberley Ball. Dancing isn’t really my thing, you see, and I am terrible at the witty small talk that all those other Regency folk seem to be so good at. However, I certainly hadn’t expected to be chased down a corridor by a madwoman waving a machete.

The other thing I hadn’t banked on was the corridor terminating in a locked door.

“Got you!” she screamed, waving the evil-looking weapon in my face.

“Um… excuse me?” I began, unsure as to what the best way to open the conversation might be. (As I have said already, small talk is not my forte. Indeed, it is very much my pianissimo.)

“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you now!”

I looked desperately over her shoulder. “Because we are at a Ball?” I essayed. “The place is teeming with revellers.”

“All busy revelling, I fear,” she said. She was right. There was not a soul to be seen, and the noise from the ballroom was deafening. The band had just started a medley of hits from the 80s – mostly Mozart, of course – and there was no chance that my screams would be heard above the din.

I racked my brains as to who this strange person might be. Perhaps it was something to do with Georgiana’s present. For some reason I’d left it at home and she’d made some sarcastic comment about it being no surprise, seeing as I’d left her out of my book as well. I tried to make light of it, remarking that no good would probably have come of such an appearance, but she remained unimpressed and more than a little sullen. So I resolved to leave her out of the sequel as well. Either that or have her subjected to death by a thousand tentacles.

Then the penny dropped.

“Oh my God, “ I said. “I think I’ve just worked out who you are.”

“Took your time, Mr P, didn’t you?” She prodded me in the ribs with the tip of the machete.

“Miss Austen, I can explain.”

“Well, go on then. I must say I’m looking forward to this.”

“Perhaps you could put the machete down first?”

“No.”

“Right,” I said. “Right.” I paused. Where to begin? Where on earth to begin? “I didn’t mean any harm, you know,” I began. “It’s not as if I’m the first or last person to write a sequel to one of your books. I mean PD James – ”

“Baroness James is a distinguished author,” replied Miss Austen, “And in any case, as I understand it, there are no tentacled aliens in her book. Or ghosts. Or indeed any dubious reinvention of Mr Wickham – “ she spat out the name “ – as some kind of hero.”

“It seemed a potentially interesting narrative direction – ”

“Interesting? Admit it, sir, you were merely trying to court controversy!”

“Well, maybe a bit – ”

“And as for poor Charlotte!”

“Ah, now surely her fate came as no surprise to you? Especially when she fell in with Lord Byron.”

“Oh yes, Lord Byron.” The faintest twinkle of a smile came into Miss Austen’s eyes at the mention of his name. Then she seemed to come to her senses. “Disgraceful man. All those revolting double entendres.”

“All in the eye of the reader, ma’am,” I began, before immediately regretting it. The machete tip returned to my midriff with a vengeance.

“How dare you, sir! How dare you insinuate that I understood any of it?” There was a brief pause whilst we both considered the implications of this. “Anyway,” she continued, “you appear to have forgotten that Lord Byron is not the only writer that you have unnecessarily introduced into my work.”

“Ah. I was wondering if you were going to mention that.”

“How could I not? Although I scarcely recognise the woman who turns up in Chapter Fourteen claiming to be Jane Austen.”

“I … I know not what to say, Miss Austen. It was merely a jest – ”

“Ha. The classic response of the bully throughout the ages: ‘Can’t you take a joke?’ Well, on this occasion, I fear the answer is no, Mr P.” She withdrew the machete and for a moment I thought she was going to set me free. Instead she repositioned it next to my jugular vein. “So then, do you have anything else to say before I dispatch you?”

I thought about this for a second or two. “How about: watch out for that tentacle around your leg?”

Miss Austen shook her head. “Dear me. Is that the best you can do? Prepare to die!” She brought back the machete in order to deliver the fatal blow, then gasped and looked down at her ankle. I looked down too. There was indeed a tentacle wrapping itself around her. With a scream, she dropped the machete and fell to the floor, flailing her hands at me before being dragged off to God knows where.

Miss Austen had, alas, forgotten the golden rule of literature: however much power the characters think they have, the writer is always in control. The only problem now was that I had unleashed an alien in Pemberley. But that could be dealt with later. Now it was time to dance, and for once I actually felt like it.


~end

Guest post created for Pemberley Ball event by Jonathan Pinnock, author of Mrs Darcy versus the Alien
© 2011. All rights reserved.

Visit Jonathan:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Shelfari
Twitter

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Jonathan Pinnock
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~


READ more about this DARCY world…

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of author ~--


Mrs Darcy Versus the Alien
by Jonathan Pinnock

preparations to be made for the Pemberly summer ball, and her youngest sister Lydia has been abducted by aliens. As Regency England sleepwalks towards tentacled oblivion, will she be able to reunite with her old foe Wickham and put a stop to their evil plans?

Meanwhile, in the East End of London, the repulsive Mr Collins is running a Mission for fallen women whilst his poor wife Charlotte has fallen under the malign spell of Lord Byron and is now a laudanum addict. But is everything at the Mission all that it seems?

What is Mr Darcy doing there? And why are there strange lights in the sky over Lady Catherine de Bourgh's seat at Rosings?

This is probably the most unconventional sequel to a Jane Austen novel ever written. It is certainly the funniest.

WIN a copy of this book!

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 15, 2011

TO DO: (2-parts)
1. Sign Pemberley Ball guestbook (if you haven't already)

2. Leave a comment or question for the author.

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* image source created at savivi dress up doll - go make your own

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Guest: Miss Lizzie Evening


Miss Lizzie Evening
"Hello, there! I am Miss Lizzie Evening, an old friend of the Darcys.

I had a pleasure of attending last year's fabulous Pemberley Ball, which I had a fantastic time.

I am very pleased to attend again this year and hope to get reacquainted with everyone I've met last year and meet new friends as well."



Behold! Miss Lizzie has managed to get a dance with Mr Darcy.

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Bit o'sip sip gossip...


One to watch out for...

Dreaming of Mr. Darcy
by Victoria Connelly
Release date: January 2012
a review copy is currently available at Netgalley

Fledging illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy.

Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay. But it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.


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* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source gown for Miss Lizzie Evening aka Jeane

* image source Mr Darcy

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Return from the Dead by Enid Wilson


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by Enid Wilson
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“Anne, what are you doing?” George Darcy said to his wife.

“I’m looking at the crystal ball.”

“You are checking up on Fitzwilliam again. You know that’s not allowed except at the full moon.”

“But he's grown up into such a lonely, serious man – nothing like the cheerful, happy young boy he used to be.”

“I know. We both died too soon. Georgiana and the company are such a burden on him.”

“And all the women! They are only after his money. None of them are interested in his heart. Luckily, Fitzwilliam is smart and has refused to be tempted by them. It's a good thing that he has Richard and Charles as his friends. I don’t want him to be lonely. He is not young anymore, and he should be starting a family.”

“Wow, that ‘matchmaking mama’ mentality doesn’t die for women, even when they are living in heaven. Let him be. He has to choose his own destiny.”

“But he loves this Elizabeth. We should cross over to help him.”

“Cross over? You mean in a dream?”

“No, I hate dreams.”

“Then how do you want to cross over?”

“I loved Mission Impossible – not Tom Cruise though. I mean the old TV series. Let’s do a recording like this: ‘These are instructions from your late mother and father. Carry them out or risk punishment from the other world. This recording will be destroyed in ten seconds’. I think I’ll have Bingley gave the Mission Impossible score to Georgiana to play at a costume party and the words will only be heard by Fitzwilliam.”

“You want to scare the hell out of our boy? What if you cause him a heart attack?”

“Posh! He is not some sissy to be frightened by hearing the voices of his parents. I will make it fun. Maybe I'll send him a code to decipher. He and Richard used to mess about with secret codes.”

“You want to send him straight to this Elizabeth?”

“That would be too easy. Let’s just send him out to socialise a bit. Lately, his life revolves solely around Pemberley and Georgiana.”

“Then send him to Richard. He knows how to party.”

“Richard is fine, but he likes to gossip. Bingley is better. He is a cheerful chap and won’t tease our boy too much.”

“So your grand plan is to get Fitzwilliam out of Pemberley, and to let Bingley and him party together? How do you think he will end up with this Elizabeth?”

“As you said, he needs to choose his own destiny. What happens after that is up to him.”

~end

Guest post, Return from the Dead, created for Pemberley Ball event by Enid Wilson, author of Mr Darcy Vibrates...
© 2011. All rights reserved.

Visit Enid:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads

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by Enid Wilson
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READ more about this DARCY world…

--~ eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ~--


My Darcy Vibrates...
A Collection of Pride and Prejudice-inspired steamy short stories
by Enid Wilson

What if Darcy was an immortal? What if Mr. Darcy had certain urges? What if Elizabeth professed her feelings to Mr. Darcy first? What if Elizabeth was rumoured to be in love with Mr. Wickham? What if Mr. Darcy’s dead parents intervened?

This collection of over 20 short stories contains sexy, over-the-top "pick-me-up" stories across the historical, fantasy and modern genres. They are not for the faint-hearted. Some may call the stories wild and say that they bear no resemble to the original, but Wilson finds Miss Austen's characters timeless and inspirational.


WIN a copy of this ebook!

Open to worldwide readers over 18 years of age.

Offer ends: December 15, 2011

TO DO: (2-parts)
Comment below with the answer to this question...

I hope you like the adapted excerpt above. I ask you to imagine Georgiana playing Mission Impossible and her parents scare the hell out of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy who was in Count Dracula’s costume. On his mad dash to…the garden, he met with Elizabeth Bennet, dressed as Mina, with a pocketful of blood.

What do you think will happen in the garden?


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Contest has ended - winner is here

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~*~

* image source created at savivi dress up doll - go make your own

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


Guest: Lady A---


Lady A---
Good evening (I can't help being very, very fashionably late!).

You may know me as Lady A--- (the gossip has been so cruel!) but it is completely untrue that I've eloped with a pirate or a rake. My honor is quite unsullied, thank you very much!



Lady A--- sidles up to Captain Wentworth as the next dance tune begins. Perhaps she will be able to add his name to her dance card.

Little does she know that Mr Wickham is keeping his eye on her lovely figure. But now he is distracted by an offending smell (see comments section) about his person. What in God's name can it be?

The evening is coming to a close soon.
Take a look at your dance card.
Who is your next dance companion?
If it is blank, who would you like to fill that spot?


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Bit o'sip sip gossip...


One to watch out for...

The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After
by Elizabeth Kantor
Release date: April 2012

Women today are settling for less than what we want when it comes to men, relationships, sex, and marriage. But we don’t have to, argues author and editor Elizabeth Kantor. We can have the relationships, love, and happiness we truly deserve, just by asking ourselves one simple question: What would Jane Austen do?

In her new book, The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After, Kantor shows how Austen heroines such as Elizabeth Bennett, Elinor Dashwood, and Anne Elliot can teach us how to navigate the modern-day minefields of dating, love, relationships, and sex. By following these heroines' examples—and steering clear of the examples set by Austen’s tragic characters such as Maria Bertram and Charlotte Lucas—Kantor reveals the path to lifelong love and true happiness. Featuring relationships, characters, and situations from all of Jane Austen’s books, The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever After tackles the dating and relationship dilemmas women face today, including:

Settling for less—why lifelong love and happiness depend on NOT settling for less and how you can avoid doing so

Figuring out his intentions and how to exit a situation—with your pride intact—if he’s “just not that into you”

Handling commitment-phobes and why waiting for a guy to commit is much better than waiting for guy to be ready to commit

Friendship—why being a good friend now will help you be a better mate and wife down the road

Complete with “Tips for Janeites,” ways to “Adopt an Austen Attitude,” and “What Would Jane Do” callouts, The Jane Austen Guide to Happily Ever is the perfect book for Jane Austen enthusiasts or women searching for lifelong love and true happiness


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* guest post is based on Pemberley Ball RSVPs

* image source gown for Lady A--- aka Audra

* image source Captain Wentworth

~~- Pemberley Ball schedule -~~


 
Imagination Designs
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