I am thrilled to share that it’s Publication Day for the first book in Cass’s new Little Cornish Cove series of heartwarming contemporary romances, New Dreams at Polkerran Point.
I don’t need to tell you that Cass specializes in cozy romance and engaging characters which she delivers beautifully here. Without giving too much away, the story is set in Cornwall, where Anna Redding spent happy days as a child. She has returned, having been willed a cottage and a new start.
You cannot fail to fall in love with Cornwall while reading this story. Cass is able to bring her readers on location with her, weaving together rich descriptions, charming characters, and heartfelt emotions. This book is more than a must-read. It is a gift to your heart. And while you’re in a giving spirit, it would make a lovely gift for a friend, too. I’m serious! This series is a hug on a gloomy day and a perfect complement to a brighter one.
You can follow the release of this book and the rest of the series on Cass’s blog here.
On a personal note, I am so proud of Cass and excited for the whole series to fill up bookshelves!
The second book in the series,Escape to Polkerran Point, is already available to preorder here, and will be published on 22nd February 2024!
PS: New Dreams at Polkerran Point was originally published in 2020 as The Cottage in a Cornish Cove.
We’re having a three month anniversary celebration of Mr Darcy’s Persuasion’s publication sale! That’s a mouthful! For 24 hours the eBook will be on sale for 1/2 price!!
While I’m here, I thought I’d share a screenshot that I came across last night when organizing my computer desktop!!!
I took this screen shot during the first draft of Mr Darcy’s Persuasion. For those of you that might not remember our co-writing process, one of us is usually writing while the other one is sleeping due to our respective time zones. We have a lot of fun and we know each other really well, therefore… when I woke up one morning and opened the working manuscript and found this in the place of the chapter I expected, I definitely started laughing loud enough to wake the entire house:
For years Cass has sent me beautiful work night after night when we are writing together and I send her beautiful work… and also a lot of “umm, something good happens here” or “Cass figures out what is wrong with the conversation here” so this was very funny to me.
Thank you for all the support for Mr Darcy’s Persuasion! If you haven’t already picked it up, we hope this sale will entice you to give it a try!!
I’d only share this with you guys. Ada being the true nerd she is…
It’s a very different launch day for Cass and I! Normally we are together having a party with our family, friends and closest supporters!
We’ll be having a fab time, though, and will be celebrating from the time Cass gets up in Switzerland until I go to bed in California – an extra LOOOOOOONG day. Look out for posts and a giveaway or six. You can find us hanging out here (when we’re awake in our respective time zones): Facebook – Ada ond Cass and Instagram – @adacakes & @cassgraftonwriter
We’ll be doing some polls and silly interviews and contests in which you win nothing (but there will be giveaways too, lots of them)! Check in on Cass’s blog here to find out about the fab gift bundles we’re offering throughout the day!
We’re going to make it fun, we hope you join us and have some fun as well!
Hello! Cass and I are very happy to welcome the very charming Julia B. Grantham on our blog today. Many Jane Austen fans know her as the author of the beautiful Mr Darcy’s Guide to Pemberley. She also happens to be a friend of ours. Here we are together for the paperback launch of The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen in Bath!
Julia has a new children’s book called A Mole Like No Otherso we thought we’d ask her a few questions about it and her process. Stay tuned below for instructions on a promotion for the book AND a giveaway!
Julia! Welcome to Tabby Cow.
[JB] Thank you very much for inviting me!
First of all, please tell usabout your book!
[JB] Gosh! Where to start! My book might seem unusual for your readers, because, on the surface it is a children’s book. But, I hope, as the readers dive a little deeper, they’ll find that it is a book for adults and children to read and enjoy together.
It is a story of a toy mole, who in the beginning doesn’t even have a name. The girl, he was given to as a present, threw him under the bed with the words “an ugly old mole”. Eventually he ended up in a box of unwanted toys and spent quite a bit of time there. But, as it says on the cover, “our mole believed that there were better things in store for him and waited for them to happen.”
In a way, this very much describes the situation we’ve all in at the moment, wouldn’t you agree? Locked in our homes, hoping for the better things in our future…
Mercifully for the mole, he found a new home, new family and many new friends; and although he hadn’t ventured very far from the garden – he found plenty of adventures too! Perhaps, another lesson for us all – life is full of adventures, if we allow them to happen, even if only in our own backyard.
Interestingly, when I started writing the book nothing of this was happening in the world – no pandemic, no lockdowns – because I started it 7 years ago. But the message was the same then as it is now – stay optimistic and better things will happen to you.
What theme or message did you want to convey in your story? Why?
[JB] Apart from what I’ve said already, the main theme is, perhaps, finding your place in the world. The little mole, once he’d got his new home and a name – Moley, is very keen to be heard, to be noticed, and he makes some mistakes trying to achieve it, mainly because he is too eager to prove himself. But he is a very helpful mole, who is always the first to rush to help his friends, if they are in trouble. He gradually learns the value of teamwork, learns to rely upon his friends and believe in himself too. He actually learns a lot of important lessons in the course of the story – lessons that will be helpful to children in many tricky situations – like starting in a new school, moving home, learning new skills, looking after their personal safety and many others.
What was one of your favorite children’s books as a child? as a parent?
[JB] As a child I moved pretty quickly to books that nowadays we would call “young adult”, perhaps. I absolutely adored Dumas’s “The Three Musketeers” and read it dozens of times. Interestingly, I came to English children’s literature as an adult, reading and re-reading Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Paddington, Winnie-the-Pooh. But my absolute favourites amongst the books for children are the Harry Potter series and Watership Down. I’ve just said this and thought, that, arguably, these two are also created for adults and children alike.
What is a writing quirk you have?
[JB] I write with pen and paper. Can’t write directly into the computer. Maybe that is why it took me seven years to complete my book?
What was it like switching from a book like Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley to a children’s book? Which was more difficult?
[JB] Mr Darcy has managed to squeeze himself in the middle of Moley’s writing. So, perhaps it is fair to say that three years from Moley’s seven were dedicated to Mr Darcy. I guess, Mr Darcy is such an irresistible character that he finds the way into one’s mind, doesn’t he? Funnily, I am such a huge fan of Jane Austen in general, and Pride & Prejudice in particular (find me on facebook here and here) that lots references to P&P book and P&P95 adaptation ended up in my Moley’s book. Dedicated Janeites told me that they chuckled many a time having come across some familiar lines while reading “A Mole Like No Other”. I wonder who can spot them all?
I think, some parallels between Mr Darcy’s Guide and Moley’s book happen on a subconscious level. To start with – both books take place in beautiful English gardens, (of different sizesI need to point out) but of similar enchanting qualities. Both Mr Darcy (in the mini-series) and Moley happened to end up in a pond at one point. There is a lot of misplaced pride in my book, and plenty of misunderstandings. I guess – the books you love always influence you, even when you least expect it.
If you were a children’s book character, what character would you be (in your own book or an older classic?)
[JB] In my own book I am definitely Moley. Well, and Mummy, a little bit. Mummy is an interesting character, because, although humans don’t know about the hidden life of toys and animals in the garden, I think, Mummy knows and understands much more than she lets on.
In other books I always associate myself with characters who are loyal, bright, often with a sharp tongue, who love books and learning in general. Can you think of a couple?
What was the easiest character to create/and who was the hardest to figure out?
[JB] It all started with Moley, so he was, perhaps, the easiest. Even though he is the most complex one in the book. You see, all the toys and animals, who I describe in the book, are real: Moley, Owlie, the dogs, the dinosaurs, the ducks, even Gordon – the limping pigeon. So, it was easy to write about them, because I knew them so well. Humans were more difficult, because I didn’t want to base them on our family. But, luckily, the humans don’t participate in the story that much.
I must mention also my wonderful illustrator. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to find the illustrator that is “just right”. It took me a long time – but I’ve found the amazing Carol Wellart. She loves painting nature and animals and I was sending her hundreds of photographs of the toys, animals, our garden, the pond – everything. And she’s created the pictures that fit the story perfectly and ring true to me every time. It was a very happy collaboration of like-minded people.
Where can we order a copy?
[JB] It is on Amazon WORLDWIDE. I love the fact that this way the book can reach every corner of the globe. At least – that is how I imagine it.
Currently it is on special offer – only £4.99 in the UK, or $7.50 in the US in large paperback format. The prices are adjusted accordingly in other countries.
For this blog appearance I’ve created a special Kindle promotion – get it FREE – expires in 2 days. (So that is the 25th and the 26th only friends!)
It is very easy to find – just search for Julia B. Grantham
Thank you Julia, that was awesome. I think I need to know more about Gordon, the limping pigeon!!! We’re so excited for you and can’t wait to see where Moley takes you!
Finally, we are delighted to announce that Julia is offering a giveaway of the physical book here to our Tabby Cow readers! One lucky commenter will receive A Mole Like No Other (the contest is open internationally)! To enter*, please comment with the answer to this question: If you were a children’s book character, what character would you be?
*Entries must be made before midnight GMT on March 2nd. The drawing will be done on March 2nd and the winner announced shortly after! If the prize is not claimed within 5 days, a new name will be drawn.
Hey everyone! We are getting close to the release date for Mr Darcy’s Persuasion and it is time to dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. Cass sent me this shot of how she’s tracked the timeline of the novel, checking that everything could actually happen the days and times that we have them set to happen! Cass is amazing, this is spectacular and it’s so pretty too!!
As you may have seen around social media, Cass and I have our new co written Austen Inspired book up to pre-order. It is called Mr Darcy’s Persuasion and is a crossover between the stories of Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice.
(oooooo look at that beautiful cover!!) ——>
Two of Jane Austen’s classics collide in this intriguing tale of pride, prejudice and persuasion, set in England’s beautiful West Country.
In the aftermath of the Netherfield Ball, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are determined to find respite—Darcy from the allure of the lady and the feelings she evokes in him, and Elizabeth from the drama unfolding at Longbourn.
Fate is not done with them, however, as they both—unbeknownst to the other—take refuge on the Kellynch estate in Somersetshire, home to Sir Walter Elliot and two of his daughters.
Whilst Elizabeth takes solace from her friendship with Anne Elliot, Darcy finds little comfort in his reacquaintance with the woman fast taking hold of his heart—or, indeed, in the eldest Miss Elliot’s company, whose fluttering eyelashes make her intentions plain.
As for Anne, it is five long years since she last laid eyes upon Frederick Wentworth, and though her regret lingers, she has found some contentment in life… until distressing news of the captain arrives.
When hints of deep secrets emerge—some recently stolen, others harboured for decades—the mystery begins to wrap tendrils around Darcy as he struggles to free himself from its ever-tightening bonds.
Can Darcy discover the truth before it is too late? Will Elizabeth even care if he does? And just what has become of Captain Wentworth?
If you enjoy Austen-inspired variations, then you’ll love Mr Darcy’s Persuasion—a tale of romance, friendship and mystery from award-winning writing duo, Cass Grafton and Ada Bright.
It will be released online and on paperback March 9, 2021 and we couldn’t be more excited about it.
Hello! Cass and I are so very thrilled to announce that Dreamscape Media is releasing The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen in audio book format TODAY, October 13 (physical CDs released Nov 3) and you can find it here!!!
There are a host of reasons why we are excited about this, but number one is that talented actress, comedienne and author, Alison Larkin, is the artist narrating our comedic tale of time travel and friendship. Alison is a multi-award winning Austen narrator—and the only person to narrate all six of Jane Austen’s novels—and we cannot wait for you to hear her read our characters.
The audiobook release is also an opportunity to reach a new audience which is always fun, so please feel free to share the news with any friends you think might enjoy the book but read primarily in audiobook form!
Also, did you miss out on attending the annual Jane Austen festivals, notably the one held in Bath in September? Well, this is the perfect opportunity to participate by living through Rose and Morgan’s adventures!
Happy listening, everyone!
PS: The audio of the sequel, The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen, is available for pre-order and will release on November 17. You can pre-order here!
What a year it has been for everyone so far. We hope everyone is staying safe and keeping well.
Cass and I, of course, have always been socially distanced unless we’re in the same country—which only happens about once a year, if we’re lucky—so between us, things have been pretty much as usual.
We have lots of exciting things coming up later in the year, but in the meantime, we’ve kept busy on various projects, some solo and some together, and here’s a roundup!
Solo Projects
In case you missed it, Cass’s first ever contemporary romance novel, The Cottage in a Cornish Cove, was released in February, and it’s been really well received (despite Cass’s worries!). It’s also the perfect ‘lockdown summer’ companion, allowing you to armchair travel as you escape with a book to the stunning Cornwall, England coast (I know it’s stunning because I’ve been there)!
I also happen to know that when she was writing it, Cass was imagining the gorgeous Richard Armitage (more in his John-Thornton-Look-Back-at-Me guise than as a hairy dwarf) as a certain gentleman in the novel. Cass says this is why it took so long to write…
It really is the perfect quarantine read, described by reviewers as ‘romance to make you weak at the knees’, ‘like a warm hug’ and ‘brilliantly atmospheric and absolutely unputdownable’!
It’s available in both paperback and eBook in all the usual online stores, so what are you waiting for? Pick it up here!
As for me, I gained a new excuse not to be finished with my romantic suspense novel because, like so many moms, I became an unintentional and unwilling home school teacher when the world shut down.
I am still constantly working on it though and have joined a morning writing group to help me keep going and hone my plot (y’all… you don’t understand the dedication I must finally have to join a morning writing group. Mornings and me… we are not usually friends). Oh my gosh guys this sounds so sad. The whole thing is ready, it’s just that my murderer is so crappy at hiding that he’s the murderer! I’m wondering at this point if the suspense part of my romantic suspense novel really needs to be a whodunnit? Maybe it’ll just be a surprise exactly ‘what he done’?
Co-Writing News!
As we’ve mentioned, due to the time difference that we always have to deal with when we communicate, the pandemic has not had that much of an impact on how Cass and I write together.
Book Three of our time traveling Jane Austen series (*spoiler alert*) is still safe in outline form. Cass says it’s the final in the series. I think it’s the jumping off point of a Marvel Comics esque universe. Cass doesn’t talk to me for a few days after I say things like that. We can’t tell you too much about it just now other than you’ll get to spend more time with our time-travelling adventurers, Rose, Morgan and, of course, Jane! (I will acquiesce that it might be the last one with them in it).
If you haven’t given the earlier books a try, you can find out about them at the following links here on our blog:
We also have some very exciting news coming about these books in the autumn, but for now our lips are sealed!!
So, if we’re not writing time travel, what are we doing?
Let’s be honest, it’s hard to write anything set in the present day just now, so guess what? We decided to take a little detour back to Regency England, and we’re almost finished writing a crossover between Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion. Yes, that’s right: Mr Darcy and Captain Wentworth in one book!
I don’t want to say too much about it yet, but I have been enjoying going back to where it all began (in a way—did you know Cass and I co-wrote a couple of JAFF short stories back in the day, after we’d finished with the Harry Potter fan fiction)?
Incredible Cass, as usual, keeps us grounded in the source material when my fancies forget that Darcy would not be celebrating Thanksgiving (I’m kidding! I’m kidding! I haven’t made that mistake in decades!).
It’s been a lot of fun, as it always is when we co-write, and we hope to be sharing the opening chapters here on Tabby Cow with you next month, with the book planned for release in the Fall.
Much more to come on that project as it develops. In the meantime, I’m also busy delving back into cover art for Cass, updating A Fair Prospect and A Quest for Mr Darcy to make them more in line with Canelo Escape’s e-book branding (seen here):
Once done and out there, I think Cass may just do a give away of the new cover paperbacks, so keep checking in! I’m excited about working together on visual art for a little bit, but we never stray too far from our writing.
Well, that’s it for now. We just wanted to hop in and say hi, and we hope you and your families are staying healthy and as stress free as possible in these challenging times.
Ada (& Cass)
Oh, And because all our pictures together in 2020 look alot like this…
…I thought it would be fun to bring out a video outtake from our very first book launch together in Bath when people were allowed to travel and stand next to each other! As you can see we are incredibly suave and brilliant with timing and words all the time always.
Hello!! Happy New Year from Tabby Cow (i.e. Cass and Ada)!
2019 was an incredible year for us, with both The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen and it’s sequel, The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen, being published by Canelo Escape. Not without note, we also wrote said sequel in 2019 and got to spend an incredible week IRL together in Bath for the Jane Austen Festival which… oh, have I not mentioned recently – we actually got to be part of the program?
We haven’t actually been in a cave, we’ve been hard at work writing… well, Cass has been writing (her novel, The Cottage in a Cornish Cove, is due out on 11th February, pre-order it here!). Ada has been deep in thought piecing together her fictional murder plot and avoiding writing by watching a lot of The Mandalorian on Disney +. There’s also the outline for the third book in our Jane Austen time-travel series in my tablet files, and Cass and I are excited to get back to these characters that we’ve grown to love so much.
We’re also about to go on a bear hunt… no, wait! A blog tour! The lovely Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources has arranged a ten-day tour for us with all the lovely bloggers on the banner below from January 25 through February 3!
Otherwise, we’d just like to say that we so appreciate the support of our loyal fans. Every “like” and “retweet” and “share” warms our hearts and makes us a little bit more guilty that we keep ending our novels with cliff-hangers. You must admit, they are mild cliff-hangers… that’s not as bad, surely?
Thank you!!!
Ada (and Cass)
P.S. In unrelated to writing news, but maybe related to this post news, Ada’s track pad on her laptop is possessed and can no longer be trusted. Okay actually, a little bit of Googling has suggested that her laptop track pad has become overly sensitive with age (#relatable). But what that means is that she has to know where the cursor is at all times, because if it is allowed to hover over anything clickable: a ‘buy now’ button, a different web page, an ad, any link what so ever, then it will actually double tap on its own. Yes, she was going to buy those paper towels on Amazon, but she doesn’t appreciate the track pad deciding on the when. She also cannot seem to log in to the blog as an owner, and therefore she is sending this to Cass to post for her 😉
P.P.S. We had two fab reviews come through this past week for The Unexpected Past of Miss Jane Austen (the second book in the series), and you can read them at the following links. Thanks so much to Anna at Diary of an Eccentric and Meredith at Austenesque Reviews for taking the time to read and review!
Tabby Cow 