From the back of the book:

What if Jane Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet shrewdly accepted Mr. Darcy’s offensive marriage proposal, instead of rejecting him; in order to gain power over him and the situation, to ultimately succeed in her sister’s happiness in love? Such a question inspired the creation of Miss Houston’s story.

Confidently saucy Fontana Houston is in the midst of making a true love match in marriage for her dearest friend, when the seemingly proud Mr. Buckingham suddenly throws a hitch into her worthy works. Miss Houston soon sees that Buckingham fancies her as his own potential wife, so she deceptively relents to his offer and temporarily becomes his false fiancée; that she might philanthropically conspire towards her beloved friend’s betrothal of destiny. By the time her dear friend happily marries his, instead of breaking her fiancé’s heart to complete her somewhat heartless but pragmatic scheme; Fontana’s own heart is turned upside down in the bargain, assuring complete alteration to her future life.

Story Inspiration:

It seemed like every time I read or watched Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I wondered what the story might have been like if Elizabeth Bennet had been conniving enough to falsely say yes to Mr. Darcy’s first proposal as a temporary means to helping her sister Jane marry his friend Bingley.

Not that I thought Austen did it wrong. No, not at all. I couldn’t really imagine Elizabeth being false in that way. Manipulating a man for her own sister’s ends didn’t seem to suit Elizabeth’s character or personality.

Thus, I began thinking of more of a Jane Austen’s Emma character. Spoiled. Rich. Used to getting her own way. And the matchmaker with her Miss Smith to care for and guide towards a true love match. Fontana Houston was born and her story began growing up in my mind.

“Miss Houston” is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Houston-Kerri-Bennett-Williamson/dp/1439204586