Colonel Brandon's Widow and Willoughby by Marianna Green - Book Tour - Book Sale - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hello lovelies!  It gives me great pleasure today to host Marianna Green and her new book, “Colonel Brandon's Widow and Willoughby”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with Marianna and to increase your chances of winning!

This book is on SALE during the book tour for ONLY $0.99!!!  See below for more details.

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

Colonel Brandon's Widow and Willoughby

by Marianna Green

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GENRE: Romance Historical Jane Austen Sequel

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BLURB:

Mrs. Brandon, the former Marianne Dashwood, is now a widow, and not yet twenty-five.

Her former admirer Willoughby is as unhappily married as ever, and the thought that she is free to marry again drives him to distraction. He has continued in his dissolute lifestyle, which Marianne abhors, while his wife Sophia's life has been poisoned by jealousy of Marianne.

Marianne urges him that the only possibility of happiness for Willoughby and his wife is for him to give up his empty pursuit of pleasure - but now the Colonel is gone, Marianne finds that she can no longer push aside thoughts of Willoughby easily herself; she must find some way of occupying her own empty hours. Willoughby retains his rascally charm, which an older and wiser Marianne is determined to resist; Elinor and Edward are as astute as ever, while Sir John and Lady Middleton are as foolish. Mrs. Jennings remains determined to marry off all her associates as before, while Sophia Willoughby is even more sour as the wife of the man she wanted, and Willoughby's friends are suitably cynical rakes.

This sequel to Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' strives to emulate some of the light ironic touch of the inimitable style of Jane Austen; it is both funny and sad, and is told as dark comedy.

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EXCERPT ONE:

The union of the Willoughbys’ only resembled that of the Brandons’ in being childless. Unlike the latter couple, they had no common interests to compensate, unless an unfortunate tendency to over indulge in wine and other stimulants could count as a mutual source of diversion. It is true that they did share in common a manner of relating to each other that involved raised voices behind slammed doors, angry silences and periods of cold civility; but this shared inclination brought them no closer together.

It could be further urged on their behalf , that in this conduct, they provided society with the diversion of much talk, and their staff with constant entertainment; - for Willoughby’s confidential valet knew all about his improper pursuits, while his wife’s lady’s maid could recount how Mrs Willoughby had cursed him for a fortune hunting libertine in full hearing of the servants, and of how savagely he had kicked shut her sitting room door before retorting that, ‘Devil take it, in his whole worthless life, he had only cared for Mrs Brandon, and he’d be damned if he pretended anything else to please a scolding…’

But the reader does not wish to hear any more of this. Seemingly their staff lacked any discretion, and soon enough, the content of the Willoughbys’ exchanges leaked out into polite society, which showed still less decorum in repeating them assiduously. Many a man had dined out for a month on his knowledge of episodes that ought to have been cloaked in decent silence, and Miss Steele was one of many maiden ladies agog for the latest outrage…

“Not another word, damn it!” he exclaimed, coming again to a stop and turning on her in a fury she had never seen in him before. “I cannot endure to hear this from you, of all people. As to my wife, it must come to a separation; we are so at each other’s throats. Then, Mrs. Brandon, you recommend to me a life devoted to duty?” He stood breathing quickly, while unseen by either of them, a hare bolted across their path. Willoughby’s normally fractious mount did not even notice. Throughout their talk, it had showed remarkable patience at being stopped and started at every other minute, and now stood gently waving its ears, almost as if it felt for its master’s desperation.

He rushed on, “No doubt that is how you plan to waste your youth and beauty. No, I cannot find comfort in a life devoted to good works. Mrs. Smith’s tenants must go to the hell in a handcart along with their master, when he comes to inherit. Lord, but I am well served for my former misdeeds and treachery.”

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

Have you ever wondered what happens to your favorite characters AFTER the book ends?  Usually I make-up HEA’s for them if the author “forgot” to end the book that way LOL!!  Ms. Green seemed to wonder the same thing as she created a sequel based on everyone’s past favorite characters from the beloved Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”

This book was charming, enchanting, intriguing, witty, and entertaining!

This book was a delightful step back in time and true homage to the original story.

This book effortlessly picks right up with the characters seven years down the road.  Marianne Brandon is now a widower at the young age of just twenty-four.  Even though her and Colonel Brandon had a marriage of convenience, she had grown to love him, and was deeply saddened and heartbroken by his departure.  Since the Colonel left their house to the next male heir, and they had no children, Marianne is forced to move out, and so she retreats back to her mother’s.  Marianne’s youngest sister, Margaret is temporarily still living at home, as she is engaged, and soon to be married.  Now back home, it isn’t long before Marianne’s path crosses with her former flame, Willoughby, and even shorter than that before he begins flirting with her and offering himself up to her.  But Willoughby is still married to Sophia, the wealthy woman he dumped Marianne for.  However, it’s obvious Marianne is still smitten with Willoughby and at a time of grief perhaps he is exactly what she needs to help get over her late husband?

It isn’t hard to see Marianne’s attraction for Willoughby.  First loves are tough to forget.  And when you see that person – or even come across an old gift or memento from them it’s difficult to remember why you’re not with them anymore.  Those hateful feelings or whatever caused the rift just melts away and it’s like butterflies again.  But this time Marianne is older and wiser, and just getting over a tragedy.  Perhaps Willoughby’s timing is off?  And spark or no spark, Marianne knows better this time?  Or now that Marianne is free to marry again will she end up with her soulmate Willoughby?  No spoilers here!!  But you definitely will want to read this book and find out!!

It is truly enjoyable reconnecting with old characters, the setting, culture, and of course that witty banter!

It was fascinating to see where the characters have ended up and how their life has evolved since the first book.  I always liked little Margaret and am happy to see she found someone great and is getting her own HEA!  I was sad to see Marianne a widow so young, but that was an important part of this story.  Willoughby was still the ever so dashing, seducing, and charismatic fool.  Willoughby continued to be a philandering, despicable, scoundrel that took no responsibilities or consequences for his nefarious actions until it was pretty much too late.  I enjoyed that the author included even the smaller, secondary characters, and positioned them in true stance with their historical reconstruction from the original book as well, even though little detail may have been initially provided from the first book it still felt authentic.

I really liked that this book revolved around second chances.  I, personally, strongly believe in them.  It was the way I was raised.  But I have to say, after all the things Willoughby did, it was difficult to see him given a second chance.  Especially since he was not apologetic or remorseful until the very, very end.  I felt he actually needed to repent more and atone for his atrocious behavior.  He seemed only contrite when it suited him and when he realized he was running out of time to make amends.  I realize sometimes you need to hit rock bottom before you awaken and comprehend that you need to change.  Perhaps that’s what Willoughby needed?  Perhaps I am holding out resentment for girl power and once a cheater always a cheater mentality?

Regardless, I applaud this author’s creative take on this storyline and find it rather intriguing!  I only hope that Willoughby really would turn over a leaf, make amends, and become a better man.  Not just in the hopes of getting a chance to be with Marianne – but because he wants to be a better person, a pillar of the community, and someone his friends can count on.

This book also brings a second chance to Marianne as she now has to start over with her new life.  Although her husband did not leave her their house, he did leave her enough money to be comfortable for the rest of her life.  It is very fortunate that she does not need to worry about finances, and she can concentrate on herself and wait to marry someone she truly loves instead of rushing into a marriage for support or financial gain.

This book was an entertaining, short read at just 127 pages!  I was able to quickly read it over the weekend out on the deck.

This book was truly respectful, considerate, and kind to the original and I think Ms. Austen would agree if not compliment the author as well for taking such good care of her characters!

Although this book is technically a sequel it can be read as a standalone.  However, there is a significant amount of references to the first book and the characters substantially overlap.  There is so much backstory that would be missed out on if you didn’t know the particulars of the original book.  I don’t think you would be confused or lost necessarily, just would not get the full ambience or foundation of the story.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it!  I think all historical romance readers and Jane Austen fans will like this book too!  So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

Did you find this review helpful?

If so, please, please, please mark it as helpful on Amazon here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R116AMQSQB7TKX

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AUTHOR BIO:

Marianna Green is lives in the UK, has a geekish fascination with English Literature and History, and an irrepressible sense of humour.

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CONNECT WITH MARIANNA:

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8058693.Marianna_Green

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43196531-colonel-brandon-s-widow-and-willoughby

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/2VkmRMg

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BOOK BUY LINKS & BOOK SALE INFO:

**Colonel Brandon’s Widow and Willoughby is on SALE during the book tour for ONLY $0.99!!!**

Amazon Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/2V4rwNx

Amazon Paperback:

https://amzn.to/2vG3DkZ

Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/colonel-brandons-widow-and-willoughby-marianna-green/1125362580

Barnes and Noble Paperback:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/colonel-brandons-widow-and-willoughby-marianna-green/1125949257

Kobo eBook:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/colonel-brandon-s-widow-and-willoughby

The Book Depository Paperback:

https://www.bookdepository.com/Colonel-Brandons-Widow-and-Willoughby-Marianna-Green/9780992736118

BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Colonel-Brandons-Widow-Willoughby/Marianna-Green/9780992736118

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Marianna will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.