Reader Reviews for "Loving Mr. Darcy"
"Sharon Lathan's Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys beyond Pemberley, is the second volume of her Darcy Saga. In the novel she continues her loving portrayal of the blissful marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, my favourite fiction couple ever. I loved the book as much as I loved the author's first novel Mr and Mrs Darcy: Two Shall Become One.
I was drawn into the book immediately and completely, due to the writer's captivating, beautiful and stylish writing style. The novel is romantic, passionate, heart-warming, sensitive, moving and humorous. Full of vividly painted human emotions. Moreover the book gives a wonderful insight into daily Regency life, based on extensive and accurate research.
Sharon Lathan lovingly paints a happy marriage based on deep, true love and respect. The wonderful way she portrays the Darcy marriage, is exactly as I always imagined it. She writes exactly what I have always wanted to read about the Darcy marriage. In this novel the writer also introduces wonderful new characters and follows familiar ones. One of the new delightful characters is Dr Darcy, who stands out and stole my heart.
Loving Mr Darcy and Mr and Mrs Darcy are the most beautiful, positive books about a happy marriage I have ever read. The (timeless) essence of a happy marriage and of a wonderful relationship between two people who share a deep love are captured brilliantly.
Loving Mr Darcy is a captivating, beautiful, wonderfully romantic, passionate feel-good novel, with much attention to detail. Reading the book warmed my heart. I so love this fabulous book! I wish there were more books like it and I will therefore look forward tremendously to the third volume, which will be published in January 2010 (and hopefully in future there will be much more from this writer!)." Simone in The Netherlands
"This book touches and warms your heart in all the right places. As much as I enjoy reading about the bedroom action between Lizzy and Darcy, however I particuarly enjoyed that the couple ventured outside of the bedroom and of Pemberley. As a big history buff, I found it fascinating how Ms. Lathan enriched the book with the history of Derbyshire, Regency Era and even how medicine was practiced during that specific period.
It was great to see Darcy portrayed as big sap! Someone who is overjoyed with Lizzy expecting their first child and is overprotectiveness of her every step. Yet I still found the relationship between Lizzy and Darcy growing even more passionate, and incredibly loving. Sometimes we forget that true love does exist, and the author truly lets the passion reflect in the way she writes. Ms. Lathan has outdone herself with this book and I look forward to the next continuation. I highly recommend this book, but in order to understand the book, you must read "Two Shall Become One," before reading "Loving Mr. Darcy" I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I!" Naysa Woomer
"I became a fan of Sharon's when her fabulous tales of the adventures of Lizzy and Darcy were posted on her website. I would constantly keep her webiste up so that I could read the next excerpt as soon as she posted it online! Imagine the happiness when the self-published books were ready to be purchased, I was one of the first. Ever since I have been a follower of hers, I have read and re-read her heart-warming novels and sincerely refer them to anyone who wishes to indulge themselves in not only a wonderful love story but a journey back in time to the Regency era. I will admit I have read nearly every sequel to Pride and Prejudice I could get my hands on just because I, like so many others, crave the 'rest of the story' of Lizzy and Darcy, and let me tell you there are a very few fairly good stories out there but Sharon's books are the only ones I continue to read over and over because the story captivates you and takes you through every detail of their story. You will not find a better continuation of our beloved characters. You will feel as if you are Lizzy blushing from a romantic comment made from Darcy or dancing the night away at the Masque, or learning to drive her new curricle, or learning all the ways to becoming the esteemed Mistress of Pemberley. It is all wonderful! Highly recommended. Cannot wait for more installments! Way to go Sharon!" H. Meronk
"I eagerly awaited the release of Sharon Lathan's Loving Mr. Darcy and finished it last weekend. It is a continuation of the first months of Lizzy and Darcy's married life. The historical details were richly described in this book, from the new gadgets of the day to the stunning countryside to medical treatments of that time. The newlyweds' love is growing deeper daily and they rejoice in expressing it. Lizzy is coming into her own as the Mistress of Pemberley and the house in London, showing that grit and determination that I love in her character. Darcy is fascinated by their unborn child and enthusiastically prepares for his arrival. Several delightful new characters are introduced and a few existing ones, such as Anne and Mary, get fleshed out in interesting ways.
To sum up, the "happily ever after" is what draws me to these books. I can read about bad things in the news. This series provides me with a blessed escape into a world where love, family, and trust reign supreme." Diane Gibson
"I waited FOREVER for this book and it almost killed me! Yes I read it in the self published version and when it was on Sharon's website. It was amazing then and I counted the days until she would post the next chapter. But this is even better! There are a bunch of new scenes added to the already amazing scenes and chapters that were there before. I didn't think it could be better but it is.
The PW reviewer is crazy. Lots of people, including me, DO want to read about the Darcys daily life! How dumb to say no one wants to read of their life and will be bored when the first book's success clearly proves otherwise. And then to refer to something that happens ONCE in the entire book as if that is all that the book contains. Who writes this stuff? PW should fire that reviewer because she couldn't have even read Loving Mr. Darcy after what was written there. So much for respectable review magazines.
There is so much in this book that I don't know where to start. Billiard tournament, Anne's healing, opera, Mary falling in love, the Bennets, visit to Hertfordshire, a festival, extended touring through historic places, the most incredible birthdays EVER, Dr. Darcy!, Lady Catherine and Lizzy dealing with her, a ball, several dramatic encounters, Lizzy's pregnancy, and history history history.
And all the while Lizzy and Mr. Darcy remain happy and in love. What a shocker that is! This saga of Sharon Lathan is so fantastic there should be another word for it. Now I am counting the days until Darcys at Years End and it will kill me to wait until Sept for the fourth one. Thanks for such a great sequel to my favorite book, Ms. Lathan." AmyB
"I can't get enough of this story. My sister and I love these stories and since she bought this book first, I had to wait a full two days for her to finish it before I could begin. It was the longest two days of my life. Again Sharon Lathan has written a beautiful love story, well really a continuation of the beautiful love story that she began in Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. I won't get into plot and spoilers. All I will say is that I loved everything about Loving Mr. Darcy." Amanda
"Sharon Lathan has done it again with Loving Mr. Darcy. Others have given the details, so I will not bore you with repeating them. All I will say is that this is a beautiful sequel to the most treasure love story of all time. Beautifully written and beautifully told, I felt pulled into the romance of the times." MK Baxley
"Loving Mr. Darcy is the second book in Sharon Lathan's continuation of the life of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. This book takes our characters away from Pemberly as they travel to their London home after their first 6 months of marriage. While in London Lizzy will celebrate her birthday for the first time during their marriage. In true Darcy fashion, Mr. Darcy captivates our hearts as he showers her with very special birthday surprises. They also attend society balls, and the opera which adds for many exciting moments. Also we get introduced to some very interesting new characters as well as being re-introduced to many characters we already know and love. During all the exciting events and of the story, we watch Lizzy grow in her pregnancy and we experience many special and tender moments as husband and wife discover the preciousness of anticipating the new life they have created. This book is packed full of many many special and heart warming moments. You will not want to put the book down, and you will be greatly anticipating book 3 to come out in January of 2010!" Deanna T.
"I would like to start off by saying that if you are the kind of reader who is intrigued by historical/romance literature, you will really enjoy this story. Furthermore, if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice and especially the 2005 movie version based on Jane Austen's book, you will love this tale. Ms. Lathan's newest sequel to her first successful novel, "Two Shall Become One," brings you along on Elizabeth and Darcy's eventful "Journeys Beyond Pemberley." At the conclusion of this first novel, the Darcy's are overjoyed with the news that they will be expecting their first child. In this continuing saga, Ms. Lathan brings us on their journey as they leave Pemberley to visit family and friends in Longbourn and London where they share their joy. Along the way, we meet many new interesting and endearing characters who help round out the Darcy's circle of dear friends and family. As the story continues, we travel with them to many different areas of Derby and Derbyshire as Darcy proudly shows Lizzy the district where he grew up and the many old structures, churches, and other historical sites they encounter in each town. It is evident and impressive the amount of research that Ms. Lathan compiled for this story, as depicted in the descriptions of the different old structures and the history behind them. While reading about this facet of the story, it is as though you are there admiring and discovering these fascinating sites at the same time that Lizzy does.
I would also like to say that I strongly disagree with the above editorial review from Publisher's Weekly on several counts. This is a love story about two people who are deeply in love for the first time in their lives and who are also newlyweds, who were both chaste before they married. Yes, they are affectionate, loving, have an active sexual life (as is normal for newlyweds) and there is some angst written when they are separated from each other. However, isn't this truely the way of life for a young couple, newly married, who are discovering each other in every way in the first year of marriage? Is it impossible to believe that they want to spend as much time together as possible and is it not only natural, nay, necessary for a newly wedded couple to have this period to bond? I believe it is, and I think I can speak from experience being married to my wonderful husband for many years, I firmly believe that this is true. But this story does not always revolve around their intimate life, as I earlier described their many excursions outside Pemberley. We also get several glimpses of the lives of other family members and their backstories, and the day to day responsibilities of Darcy as well as Lizzy as she continues to grow in her role of Mistress of Pemberley.
I also want to comment on the above review that Lathan's writing is "un-austenesque," etc. There have been several different Pride and Prejudice sequels written that many will either agree or disagree as to whether any one of these books are in the style of Jane Austen. In my way of thinking, who really has the say of what is right or wrong or "Austen like?" Everyone's interpretation of this beloved story and how it may have played out is different. Not everyone will agree on how Darcy or Lizzy would act or what they would say. I believe that Jane Austen would want the Darcy's to live happily ever after, period. As for the reviewer saying that there is not a plot to this story, I must disagree again, as the author is giving her take of the continuation of the Darcy's life after marriage and beyond, with some very interesting twists and unexpected turns. I believe that Ms. Lathan's writing and especially the dialogue between the two main characters and other key subjects is witty, intelligent and delightful. I cannot recommend this story enough. After seeing the 2005 version of this movie, I was looking for a continuation of this enchanting tale. I have read other sequels, but I wasn't satisfied with any of them until I found this story, and I cannot wait for more of Sharon Lathan's continuation of it in future works!" Jules in Cleveland
"Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley is a wonderful book for us happily ever after readers. It continues the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett Darcy beyond their marriage. This book gives us a look into the personal lives of the Darcys as well as a description of how life was during their time.
Sharon Lathan does an enormous amount of research for her books. Not only are we reading a wonderful love story but we are getting educated about the lives and times of that period. Seeing how Lizzy and Darcy discover each others' interests and watching their love for each other grow is very heart warming. It is just the way I hoped their story would continue.
I love Sharon's books and know many of her readers agree with me. I have enjoyed reading them and plan on reading the rest of her books as they are published. In this day and time we could all use a little more happy ever after. I have never written a review before and hope I do Sharon justice in this one. I look forward to the continuation of her "Darcy Saga"." Esther Ann Hartsell
"A lot of people try to write Pride and Prejudice adaptation's but Sharon Lathan excells at it. Loving Mr Darcy is the second book in the Darcy Saga trilogy and is just as fabulous as the first. I highly recommend this book for the simple reason that it is a very worthy read. Can't wait till the next installment." Melissa Wright
"This is the sequel of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and is the continuation of the lives of my favorite couple. The first months of the marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth are as should be. They are in love! Deeply, madly and passionately, and it shows! All they want is to be together and become ONE in every sense. Its follows the development of two people into a marriage of true love. While Lizzy learns to be mistress of Pemberley and Darcy house, Darcy learns to give his soul freedom and enjoy life, that he can be who he is without the bounds of decorum while he still manages to be a gentleman. This intelligent couple does not stick to rules because society demands it!
We meet friends and family. There is even a `new' family member that stole my heart. I can't wait to learn more from Dr. Darcy. Old traditions are restored and new ones developed. Sharon Lathan gives us ROMANCE and COMMITMENT. I am a strong believer in both. When the book arrived I start reading (re-reading book number one first, of course) until the end. I loved all of it and now I am waiting until next year when The Darcy's at Year's End will be there and I can start re-reading the entire saga. I will be amongst the first to buy that book too." Kaguyahime in The Netherlands
"This is the second in her series. Sharon Lathan's books give the reader a chance to explore Mr. and Mrs. Darcy like never before. They are just plain fun, fun, fun! It's a must read for Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts!" Dayna Taylor
"Loving Mr. Darcy is a wonderful book. It gives a happy, intimate continuation of Pride and Prejudice. It was exactly what I imagined Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's life would be like. It is truly written from the heart of a romantic. It tells the story of the life any woman who found her Mr. Darcy would want. I highly recommend this book as well as anything by Sharon Lathan to a true Jane Austen fan." Jessica Zacher
"I am a true fan of Jane Austen, and Pride and Prejudice will always be my favorite for all time! Having said that, I have on occasion picked up a continuation novel written by other authors who have attempted to finish the story of Darcy & Lizzy. Each of those novels I have either not finished or returned. However, when I picked up "Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy" just by chance...I couldn't put it down! I read the entire book in a day in a half! Who was this author, and how was she able to capture the essence of Darcy & Lizzy along with their boundless, timeless love? It was Sharon Lathan, and I had to find out everything about her and her novels! Needless to say I was overjoyed when I learned that there were future novels to come! "Loving Mr. Darcy" has been equally exciting and loving as her first novel!!
Sharon's respect for these characters is evident on every page! Her storytelling makes me feel as if I am watching the movie in my head. Her words and details are addicting! I would and have recommend this series to all my Jane Austen friends and family!! I eagerly await for "The Darcy's at Year End" to be released; I know it will not disappoint!!" K. LeBlanc
"The second novel in the Darcy Saga series has definitely captured my heart. I enjoyed reading the day to day life of Darcy and Lizzy as they expect their first child. It is an innocent and refreshing story of true love that has a place on my permanent book shelf!" Karol
"Sharon Lathan's "Loving Mr. Darcy" is by far the most beautiful story you will read this year. From the moment I picked up the first book "Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy" I could feel it's soul. This particular book absolutely captivated me. The words seemed to spill from the pages into my heart. I read it time and time again until it was tattered and torn (a sign of a much loved book), yet I hungered for more. When the new book "Loving Mr. Darcy" hit the shelves it was like being hugged by a dear old friend. "Loving Mr. Darcy" is every bit as sweet and addicting as the first book. The story is enticing and relaxing at the same time. Lathan's writing is both beautiful and brilliant. "Loving Mr. Darcy" will fill your heart with warmth and joy, no matter what your day has been. Do something for yourself,for your soul. Open the pages and lose yourself in a romantic tale of true love and compelling hope. Read Sharon Lathan's "Loving Mr. Darcy," a story you will never forget." Emmarie
"This book is for you if you LOVE Jane Austen novels. Sharon has taken Janes story and continued it the way it should have. It's a great story, very touching and romantic. You are totally immersed in that time period which I love. I've been waiting for this book (book 2 in the saga) to come out and I have not been disappointed. Can't say enough good things about this book. Read it and enjoy!" Molfetta
"Sharon - the book is amazing!! Loving It!!! We've had an extremely busy weekend with friends and family so I barely got to read all weekend, but I'm chomping at the bit to get back into it! I'm on Chapter 8 right now... they are headed to the Opera!! Everything I have read so far has been absolutely captivating.... Mr. & Mrs. Darcy's love and marriage is beautiful! You have done such a wonderful job writing their story Sharon! Can't wait to read the rest." Deanna
"Wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed both your books and am so excited to know that you will be having a third book come out in January. Thank you, a great treat!" Judy K.
"Thank you for writing such a wonderful series. This series is so addictive and enthralling. My only complaint is that January is too long to wait for the next book! Thank you for continuing where Jane Austen left off and answering so many unanswered questions. Thank you again!" Katy
"This is the 2nd much awaited book of Sharon Lathan's Saga and it will not disappoint. You will enjoy it from beginning to end. In Loving Mr. Darcy the story continues after the Darcy's have enjoyed their honeymoon time at Pemberley and are ready to venture to their home in London. Elizabeth meets the challenges of a London household, new friends and society as Mrs. Darcy. Her husband is a welcome support and lovingly guides her. Elizabeth celebrates her birthday, a wonderful birthday with her husband. They are also expecting their first child and we share those special moments. Sharon introduces us to wonderful, fascinating new characters and we also have time to spend with the Bingleys. Elizabeth and her sister enjoy special talks and much needed sisterly advise. Sharon also gives us wonderful writing in the descriptions of the beautiful countryside. The book is full of love, excitement, laughter, some concerns, and lots of romance!. The pages come to live and the moments are very special and not one page is wasted on silliness. I cant wait for the continuation in January to this great story. You will enjoy it very much." Seli in Florida
"Sharon Lathan does it again! The first in this series introduced the new couple Mr. & Mrs. Darcy; now we follow them deeper into their life and their love. For those that love Pride & Prejudice *and esp. those who love the movie version with Keira Knightly*; they won't be disappointed. Thanks Sharon; for letting the fans know "what comes next"!" Cindy H.
"The fantastic second book by Sharon Lathan! Follow the Darcys to London, meet their families and friends and spend a wonderful time with these people. Elizabeth turns into a wonderful mistress of Pemberley, lovingly guided by her husband. If you want a book to truly enjoy and read about true love then you have found it here! New characters join the family and believe me they don't disappoint. And look out for the third part of the book, that will be available in January!" Susanne
"I admit, I fell in love with Elizabeth and Darcy years ago when I first read Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't wait for a "newer" big-screen adaptation to come out and when it did starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen... I was in love all over again. Sharon's books are a continuation of 'what happened next.' If you're like me and you want to really know what happened next--these volumes are an excellent way of finding out. I am a romance nut and there is plenty of it in her book. Each character is developed and Sharon's books are a treat for those of us who all want to know....what happened next!" Dawn in Texas
"Yes these books are incredibly over the top in the gushing department... but what's wrong with that now and then in this cynical world we live in? I just love the easy romance between the two, it makes me want to work harder in my own relationship to keep that ol spark alive! I enjoy seeing Darcy's softer side since he barely revealed it to us in the movie. Sex scenes do abound in every chapter, but it's HOT and I for one love it. I read the first book three times, and I can't wait to get my hands on the third. Long live romance!" S. Wilson in Washington
"Great book and part of a great series of three Austen P & P fan fiction novels. Truly captures the heart of the Darcy & Elizabeth characters as portrayed in the 2005 film! Very well written and totally hot!" J. Spracklen in Maryland
"I love the way Sharon has expanded on the main characters Darcy and Lizzy, bringing them to life. Their romantic and powerful love for each other is bewitching. Descriptions of scenery and events from the era in the novel are breathtaking. Darcy's passion for love and life with Lizzy is brought to the forefront and captured beautifully on page by Sharon's words. It is sensual and intoxicating. I love their new adventures together interspersed with lots of romance and the re-introduction of favourite characters from the novel and also the introduction of new characters which round off the story brilliantly. Overall it is a wonderful read and very uplifting. Keep up the great work Sharon, I look forward to reading more of your wonderful novels." Vee in Australia
"I really enjoyed reading this book as well as the first in the series. I have always been more of a fan of the 1995 mini series than the 2005 version but I enjoyed that movie as well. This book and the other two in the series are a definite continuation of the 2005 movie not the original novel or the mini series which everyone should know before purchasing and reading any books in this series. What I liked about this book was the fact that it WAS all about the happily ever after between Darcy and Lizzy not full of angst or conflict. This series is all about how the couple grow and change with each other which is unusual to see in a romance. Most books are about the beginnings of a relationship with maybe an epilogue thrown in to show what their lives were like later. This series of books IS the epilogue and beyond and I loved reading more about the lives of these characters as imagined by the author. This was a comfortable and cozy book that I will definitely reread when I want an easy happy story. My complaint would be that often the dialog between Lizzy and Darcy, especially in private moments, would get too mushy and a little over the top and I confess to some eye rolling. Overall though, I would much rather have too much mush than angst and fighting any day so I will not complain too loudly." Jenn on Amazon