The Wait is Over! Wait for Love: Expanded Edition Excerpt and Giveaway

I am thrilled to announce Wait for Love: Expanded Edition is finally here! As a token of appreciation for your unwavering support and enthusiasm, I am excited to share an another excerpt from this new release and a special giveaway.

Book Blurb:

While visiting her friend in Kent, Miss Elizabeth Bennet finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the enigmatic Mr. Darcy, whose refined demeanor masks a passionate heart—a heart he ardently proclaims belongs solely to her.

Imagine if Darcy offers his hand in a more gentleman-like manner. What if the revelation of his role in separating her beloved sister, Jane, and Mr. Bingley casts a shadow over Elizabeth’s budding feelings? 

Torn between her sensibilities and her principles, will Elizabeth obey her heart’s inclination and give Mr. Darcy a chance to prove his love, or will the weight of misunderstandings and misgivings keep them apart?

§ If you have read and enjoyed the original edition of Wait for Love, a 6,500-word short story originally intended for mature readers, this expanded edition will satisfy your thirst to know what happens after the ‘happy for now’ ending.

This sweet, romantic 18,000-word expanded edition, while very much a short story itself and intended for all audiences, will satisfy your desire for a charming escape with Darcy and Elizabeth, where a happily-ever-after conclusion is guaranteed.

Excerpt:

Catching sight of her friend Charlotte’s reflection, Elizabeth drew in a deep breath as though summoning her courage and turned to greet her friend after slipping the engagement ring from her finger and tucking it inside her pocket. Though she had been the one to insist her understanding with Mr. Darcy remain a secret between the two of them, Elizabeth absolutely needed to confide in someone. Besides her dearest sister Jane, who was better than Charlotte, who would undoubtedly detect the truth of it all the moment she was in company with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy again.

Charlotte inquired about Elizabeth’s health and hoped she was feeling better. Charlotte also said, “I understand we had the pleasure of an evening caller. Mrs. Hunt took it upon herself to inform me that Mr. Darcy was here. Dare I ask what the purpose of his visit was? I can only assume he was concerned for your health.”

“Dear Charlotte, as for Mr. Darcy’s visit, I want nothing more than to share everything with you, but I can only do so if you vow to repeat it to no one—not even to your husband, Mr. Collins … especially not to Mr. Collins.”

“Elizabeth, you know you can tell me anything. How often have we vowed to carry our most closely held secrets to our graves?”

“If only this were as inconsequential as our girlish musings. I fear the consequences if it were discovered that you knew what I need to confide and kept it to yourself.”

“Elizabeth, what has happened? Does this secret have anything to do with Mr. Darcy’s visiting you? Did—”

“Mr. Darcy proposed to me!”

Charlotte’s eyes widened, and her face was filled with joy. “Is this not a cause for celebration? Why do you insist it is a great secret?” A look of concern overtook her features. “Pray do not tell me you refused his offer of marriage,” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with worry and dismay.

“No! On the contrary. Well, initially, I refused his offer—”

Charlotte’s eyes grew wider, and she gasped before quickly composing herself. “Oh, Elizabeth,” she whispered sympathetically.

“Again, I said initially, but then I allowed myself to be persuaded into agreeing to marry the gentleman. Only now, I am not so sure I was not simply swept up in the moment. Oh, Charlotte, you better than anyone know I have always suffered strong reservations for Mr. Darcy and once supposed him to be the last man in the world I could be prevailed on to marry. And yet, during the course of a few scant hours, I ignored all that and agreed to become his wife.”

Tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes as she finally allowed herself to feel the gravity of her decision.

Charlotte touched Elizabeth’s shoulder and said, “Whatever your reasons may be, I know they were not made lightly. I will support you no matter what.”

* * *

Hasty words, once escaped, cannot be unsaid or unheard.

* * *

As Charlotte’s words washed over her, Elizabeth felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She was grateful for her friend’s understanding and support during this difficult time.

“Charlotte, I cannot claim a true understanding of my motives or my heart in this matter, but I am sure what I may or may not feel for him does not equate to love,” Elizabeth confessed, her distress evident as she wrung her hands. “I acted hastily, allowing my sentiments to sweep me along in the heat of the moment. But in the light of day, I admit I do not know Mr. Darcy well enough to promise him my hand without reservations.”

“There now, do not fret so. Marriage founded on esteem and respect may nurture affection in time. Not all matches begin as grand romances.”

In espousing this sentiment, Charlotte was indeed speaking from her heart. Her own marriage to Mr. Collins was evidence of that. Charlotte did not seem as unhappy as Elizabeth had feared she would be. Her demeanor did not betray any signs of misery or regret. On the contrary, Charlotte appeared as contented in life as she had ever been.

Elizabeth remembered how she had initially reacted to the news of Charlotte’s engagement. She felt a pang of guilt recognizing how wanting was her support for Charlotte’s decision, and part of her wished she had been a better friend.

“You know my feelings on the subject,” Charlotte continued. “In such matters as this, what does love have to do with it? Shall you sit around and wait for love for some indeterminate time and possibly miss the chance for happiness and security?

“I sincerely wish that what you are interpreting as a change of heart is merely a case of nerves…

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No doubt, Mr. Darcy hopes so too. What say you? I invite you to comment and share your thoughts!

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Grab your copy of Wait for Love: Expanded Edition today!

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Giveaway Details:

I am giving away a $5 Amazon gift card to celebrate my new release. Comment below for a chance to win. One winner will be chosen. The winner must be able to claim the gift card on Amazon.com.

Hurry! The contest ends on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.