Reader Reviews for "Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy"
"I just wanted to thank you for writing the book that I can call my favorite. I am a hopeless romantic and have been put under the spell of Joe Wright's Pride and Prejudice. I am also the member of the audience that wishes that all romance movies were just 25 minutes longer... just to cover what their lives looked like after the dramatic union. I have recommended this book to virtually everyone I know and all have given me nothing but praise for your novel. I read your book in 2 days. It was the most wonderful reading experience I've ever had. So, thank you. Thank you for ruining any realistic expectations I had of love. I now fully expect a modern day Darcy in the flesh to appear on campus :) But in all sincerity, thank you for writing such a wonderful book. You truly have a blessed talent. Good luck with the rest of your Darcy endeavors!!" Caroline W.
"Thank you for continuing the story of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. I loved the first novel and I am buying the second book today. I am so excited to read it. I look forward to book #3! You've done a wonderful job in the first novel and said everything I wanted the characters to say. It was like reading a perfect story. THANK YOU!!!" Rachel R.
"I was at the book store and I was looking for a book and instead I found Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy so I said "Ok whatever it looks good so I'll read it." When I started to read it was the BEST BOOK EVER!!! I didn't buy it that day nor did I remember the author or the title so I went on a wild chase looking for it online. When I finally found it I ordered it online. Every day I would wake up and check the mail first thing in the morning. I kept reading the preview online over and over and I never got tired of it. I did that for four days. Finally it got here and when I started reading it I just couldn't put it down. It is awesome." Gabriela R.
"I came across your book in Target this past Sunday and was absolutely estatic! Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite and the idea of knowing more of Lizzy and Darcy's life together is exciting! I have not put the book down since I purchased it! Your descriptiveness of their love for each other has taken me back! I'm excited I don't have long to wait for the next one to come out! This book is a must read!!!!!!! Thank you for satisfying my curiosity of their life together!" Lauren
""Hi, Sharon! Just wanted to tell you that I am reading the first book of the saga now and I just can't seem to put it down. I absolutely love it and can't wait for Loving Mr. Darcy to come out next month. Thank you for writing these books. I, too, was mesmerized by the 2005 movie and was beyond elated when I saw the book at B&N two weeks ago. Your writing is absolutely brilliant!" Vanessa
"I am a busy mom of 2 active little boys and I just finished your book in 48 hours. It is amazing!! I will be purchasing your next book on Sept. 1st. I can't wait to read it! You have such a descriptive style, and what you write is so true to the characters of Mr. Darcy and Lizzy. They should make your books into a movie! People would flock to the theatres. I just wanted to encourage you and thank you, truly thank you, for writing these books! Amazing!!" Ingrid A.
"I'm sure you are hearing a lot of this but Thank you for your book. I read your book in one day and am in love with the characters you have portrayed. I wish I could find a Darcy in the real world. I cannot get the images of the life they share. I have your new book on order already with the library. This is my first blog to anyone. I'm truly a fan and hope you well with all your endeavors. You Rock!" Lynette
"I LOVE your book and cannot wait for the next two. I have pre-ordered them! Thank you for continuing the story of Elizabeth and Darcy just the way I pictured it." Kim
"First, I would like to say that I loved your first book about the Darcy's. I am a very picky reader, and out of all the writers that wrote sequels to the original, yours was the one that I was able to read through and truly enjoy. It kept the style and storyline as the original Pride and Prejudice. I am really excited for the next one to come out and I didn't want to put the last one down. Thank you." Kara
"I just finished your book. I travel a lot and could not put it down. I was late to a meeting because I was reading your book! Needless to say as soon as I landed I went to my local bookstore for book number two and was so disappointed to find out I have to wait until Sept. I am not sure I can wait that long. And then to find out I have to wait even longer for your third book. This is torture. :) Thank you for keeping their romance alive. I truly enjoyed it more than I have other books for quite sometime. My daughter who will be a senior this year is a huge fan as well. She just left on a trip to Europe with her friends for their senior trip and I put it in her suitcase as a surprise, with a threatening note to not loose the book. I have three more people that want to read it. Thanks again and believe me I will be at the store in Sept to pick it up. Keep writing." Shelia L.
"I haven't enjoyed reading a book so much in years! Your book teached me that I am able to "steal" more time for reading, I just have to let other things left undone...;) I barely could lay the book down, I read longer in the evening (who needs a lot of sleep when he can read such a wonderful novel) and twice even in the morning when I woke up a bit early before I had to go to work. I really love your book. It is a wonderful installment to Pride and Prejudice. I love the way you write and how you give life to our loved characters and also to the ones we didn't know before. It's great to read and I'm a bit sad that I'm already done with it. But - as I didn't understand every single word, I sure have to re-read again. And I will start immediately. But I loved this book so much (do I repeat myself?) that now I want to understand every word you wrote. So your book wasn't just a great pleasure to read, it also helps me to improve my English. I can't wait to get the new book in September and am also looking forward to the following installments. I am impatiently waiting for 'Loving Mr. Darcy'." Martina in Germany
"I am so glad I happened upon your book! I am NOT a romance reader but LOVE happy stories with good endings when my husband has to work nights. Your book made me reflect upon how happy my marriage is and how blessed I am to have found a man so much like Mr Darcy to live out my own romance saga. Thank you for validating this God-given institution as the completing ritual is can be in a time when it is under attack by so many. May God continue to bless Mrs Sharon with the ability to do what she loves. Thank you for this book!" Christy
"Ever since I finished reading a copy of Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy from my local library, I have wanted a copy of my own. I have also been awaiting the release of Loving Mr Darcy with great anticipation! Sharon, you are a wonderful writer and I am so glad that I have had the chance to read your work!" Sheila R.
"I found your book among the hundreds at the public library and I have never in my life been so happy to accidently add yet another book to my never ending pile. First off I would like to tell you that I intend to go out and buy my own copy as fast as I can. I would also like to thank you for continuing to write because I already sense that I will follow your books loyally. Your first alone was everything I could ask for in a book that were to follow Pride and Prejudice. You do not throw unwanted twists to the story; you do what every fan in their hearts knew. You wrote down the first blissful months of the Darcy union. I would also like to thank you because not only was your writing wonderful I am here to say that I can find absolutely no fault in your writing and it was one of the best I have read in a long time. I find I also must thank you for portraying a relationship the way it should be; where a couple is so in love that they could not stand to lose the other and that their pure love for each other only grows with each passing day. I do not know if this will create impossible to live up to expectations in my life but none the less your story has given me that fire in my soul and warmth in my heart along with a good tickle to my wit. I cannot wait until your next book comes out and I am already looking forward to the books that are sure to follow. I hope that you do get the chance to read this and maybe even respond to me but if I do not get so lucky as that I can only hope that a little bit of my glowing love for your book will be mentioned to you in passing. Thank you so much again Mrs.Lathan, it was a pleasure." Veronica
"I always wondered what happened after the Pride and Prejudice 1995 movie and after searching and searching for a sequel deserving to it, I found this wonderful writer and Book 1 of her Saga. I would like people to read this book and enjoy and remember the happiness, the getting to know each other when you first marry, the anticipation of being alone, being together, the romance and the wonderful feeling of being in love. This book has all that plus the passion, and yes the happily ever after. I believe Jane Austen would had loved to be able to read this book and see her characters evolve and be happy and yes sensual.. because yes it is that. Darcy and Elizabeth are in their first months of marriage and it is Amazing. Sharon provides you with wonderful flashbacks before their marriage that are very enjoyable. Her attention to detail is outstanding and her characters come to life in every page. So enjoy this book, smile, and perhaps, like me, you will read and re-read it and wait anxiously for her next book in September. Read it and Fall in Love Again!" Seli in Florida
"This is one of the best examples of Jane Austen Fan Fiction. I felt that it was very true to the characters and writing style of Austin. Lizzie and Darcy ended up just like I hoped they would. I was touched by the depiction of the first days of their life together. After so many twists and turns, they deserved to be happy. The detail in this book was fabulous. After reading it the first time, I wanted to read it again so that I could appreciate again any details I didn't catch during the first time through. I can't wait to read the next one!" JJJMommy
"I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down. Your telling of the passionate love that Darcy and Lizzie shared just prior to and after their wedding day was just magical. Their passion was very apparent onscreen, even in the formal, proper setting of that era, and your book really brought it to life. So, thank you for the gift of the continuation of my favorite book. I am sure I will return to it over and over again." Nancy
"Awesome! Finally someone has taken on this wonderful task of 'what happens to the Darcy's after the marriage'. Thank you. The book jumped out at me while I was shopping at Target--and yes everything else I needed to shop for no longer mattered. I rushed home to read it--and stayed up until 4AM reading." Serina in California
"This is a lovely and romantic sequel and I love Ms. Lathan's writing style. The love story of Lizzie and Darcy is an all time classic and I was thrilled to be able to carry on from the ending of Jane Austen's story with such perfect characterizations. Ms. Lathan has added some wonderful new characters as well as enriching some of the originals. It's obvious that Ms. Lathan has done an incredible amount of research and really brings to life the interesting times that Lizzie and Darcy lived through. The bonding of these two lovers is what every woman dreams of, literally. Sassy Lizzie matures and becomes a remarkable woman with Darcy's adoration, patience and love, and watching Darcy come alive and learn to embrace life through his love of Lizzie is a joy. I certainly hope Ms. Lathan continues her passion and supplies us with more of her work. I intend to do some research and find out what she is doing next!" Loridae in the Southwest US
"I have read and own over one hundred sequels to P & P, which had given me a good critical eye as to which are the best ones, not so good, okay and the worst! Of all the sequels, Sharon Lathan's Darcy Saga Series outstand the rest. Sharon has a profound respect for the period, Jane Austen and correctness. In addition, her style is sublimely beautiful. Jane Austen would be very pleased after reading Lathan's books, if she were alive today. I already have the three of them: Two Shall Become One, Journeys Beyond Pemberley and the Darcys at Year's End. if you want to get into sequels of Jane Austen stories, you should begin with these series. You go, Sharon Lathan!" Grisel Martinez in Washington, D.C.
"Darcy and Lizzy enthusiasts! This is one of the best sequels to P & P on the market to date! The best thing about this first volume is that it juxtaposes between the last film made with Keira K. and Matthew M. and what is happening in their married lives now. This is a great read and filled with lots of love, thrills, and excitement! You won't be disappointed!" Dawn in Texas
"Finally!!! A book that addressed all of the unanswered questions and scenes from the 2005 movie. I am a big fan of all the adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, but the 2005 version with KK and MM remains my fav. To start off, this book is hard to put down. As you read you can vividly "see" the love that Darcy and Lizzy have for one another. This book tells us what happened between the infamous scene where Lizzy accepts his proposal by saying "well then, your hands are getting cold" and the scene where they both are asking permission from Mr. Bennett, also the happenings shortly before the balcony scenes at the end of the movie. This book by far surpasses ANY other P&P sequels. It is romantic, heartwarming, and enchanting. Mrs. Lathan's use of vocabulary is delightful and easy to follow! It left me yearning for the next part of the saga to come out! Mrs. Lathan....... Keep them coming please!!!! I can't get enough and thank you for staying true to Jane Austen's characters and plots!!!" Jana A. Powerson Amazon
"If you loved the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this book is the sequel you have been waiting for. The book begins after the wedding of Elizabeth Bennet & Fitzwilliam Darcy and follows the beginning of their married life together. As a young couple in love, they are excited to start their marriage. Not to be a spoiler, but the newlyweds are very inexperienced in male-female relationships and you have to take in account the time period of this story. It is quite sweet to see them discover the kind of intimacies that a newlywed couple has. Contrary to some reviews, this book is not all about sex - if it was, I wouldn't have wasted my time reading it. Of course, Lizzy and William are finally free to express their love for each other and both are still apprehensive on what to do next. Author Sharon Lathan does a fantastic job filling in the blanks and expanding on Lizzy and William's relationship. She goes back in time to further explain the many twists and turns of their journey to find each other. I was struck by how lonely William was and expected to be when he thought he would not have a future with Elizabeth. I also found their devotion to one another and the "comfortableness" they achieved enchanting though both were still shy at times. If you close your eyes, you can actually hear Keira & Matthew using Ms. Lathan's words as their own. With Lizzy & William's families filling in the backdrop of their lives, a very interesting and multi-layered story is told. True to their relationship becoming more familiar, there are more scenes with Lizzy & William expanding their special time alone towards the end of the book. The view into their love for each other did bring a blush to my face, but I still could not put the book down. Kudos to Ms. Lathan for her courage in writing a sequel to this beloved Jane Austen story. Her thoughtful insights and detailed character development made me wish this was a movie. The good news is that this is volume 1 of the story of Fitzwilliam & Elizabeth Darcy - I look forward to futures volumes." DiAnn in Illinois
"I Love this book. The author Sharon Lathan wrote about the true honeymoon and/or what it should be like. It was not a problem for me to visualize from the Jane Austen Classic. The intensity of the pride and prejudice Jane and William had for each other through misunderstanding changed and was later realized an intense love they had for one another, that love they previously denied due to pride or prejudice, but now that same intensity turned around and their true feelings for one another emerged and continued to bloom through the honeymoon period. And, as far as I am concerned a honeymoon can last for a lifetime. This book was very believable. I agree whole heartely with DiAnn Field's excellent review." TRFRose in Fort Washington
"I got this book after watching the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie and thought "that can't be it"! I ordered this book and I was really excited to receive it. I could not put the book down once I started reading! This book continues where the movie left off. With all the tough times in today's world, it was a good feeling to read a book of "happily ever after". I think all girls dream of a prince charming and this book definitely delivers. I would suggest all who loved the movie to read this book." L. Verdine in New Jersey
"For all of you who enjoyed the 2005 movie of Pride & Prejudice and wondered what happened to our beloved Darcy and Lizzy than this is the story you will want to read. This story continues as I imagined and hoped it would have been for them. It is a story of two people who are deeply in love with each other. There is drama, humour, and romance to be found while reading the chapters. Darcy and Lizzy's adoration and worship of each other is what everyone hopes their life could be. I too have read many sequels and none of them compares to Sharon Lathan's story." Kerry in Pennsylvania
"Unfortunately, no one can please everyone, as some of the reviews suggest, but I think Sharon is an absolutely fabulous author. I have been following her story since its first post online. I have the first volume, and eagerly await the next. Well done, well done, Sharon!" Elaine in LA
"This was a great read! This fan fiction really captures the classic Austen characters and their great love story. The Lizzy and Darcy captured here have a truly passionate relationship and I could visualize the 2005 P & P actors in my mind while reading. Thanks for a great read!" J. Spracklen in Maryland
"Wonderful! Incredible! Could not put it down! Yes, you have probably heard those words describe other books but in this case they are absolutely true. Like me, have you ever wondered what happens to the characters you have ached and cried over as you read their story and then at the end they ride off into the sunset? Well Sharon has done one heck of a job filling us (Dear Constant Readers) in on what happens to Lizzie & Darcy and a whole cast of characters! I know that you will thoroughly enjoy this book. One can tell that it was a labor of love. Yet as full and detailed as it is, it reads effortlessly and visually. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you, Sharon!" Anne Quinn in Boston
"I quite enjoyed this book. I am hopeful that the second volume comes out soon as I would have liked to continue the read. I found that I had a smile on my face for most of this book. It was endearing to read how in love the young couple was. Not that it is written as Jane Austen would have written but it is a fun diversion. I enjoyed the love they had for each other. It was tremendous fun to watch as they opened up their hearts each and every day, how they shared themselves so freely with each other and no one other than themselves was ever wise for it. They were living a life fruitful for the time period to please themselves. The much public live displayed showed affection and care for each other but what transpired behind closed doors was what fairy tales are made of. I really would recommend this to those who are romantic at heart since if you have read Pride and Prejudice and seen the 2005 big screen version this will extend your mental picture of the couple as they pass their first few months of married live. ENJOY !!!!" Lisa Zechman in Texas
"This has been one of my favorite fanfictions since I found it online last year. I am so excited that it has finally been published and I can have my very own copy. Sharon is an amazing author, and you can perfectly imagine every scene through her descriptions. The 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice is my favorite, and I was thrilled to find a story that incorporated all the characteristics that the actors in the film brought. I recommend this book 100% to every Pride and Prejudice fan. Even if you dislike the 2005 version, this book is the perfect sequel to the amazing story." Sara in Michigan
"I love Jane Austen's P&P and Sharon has provided a truly romantic, passion filled sequel that will take your breath away. There is a brilliant mix of romance, passion, humour and drama to keep you spellbound. Sharon's words flow smoothly like the melody to a song, her writing is very entertaining. " Vee in Australia
"Sharon Lathan's continuation story Two Shall Become One is based off of the 2005 movie 'Pride and Prejudice', and not from the classic Austen book. Readers must be aware that the events transcribing are those that were portrayed through the film. She in no way tries to imitate Austen's style of writing, but creates a style that is new and fresh and above all things romantic. Lathan creates the perfect balance of subtle romantic gestures that leave just enough to allow your mind to take over, and yet she also at times describes events with just enough detail that it takes your breath away! It is as if the author knows exactly when the reader wants to use their imagination or when they would prefer to just be told! Two Shall Become One is a story of two people who have done just that, they have become one. The book shows the day by day account of two people whose love overcomes the strict social structures of the day. Her story brings added light and magic to the original Austen classic and is the perfect continuation of the 2005 movie. This book is perfect for those who loved the 2005 movie as well as the classic Austen books. Austen would be proud!" Annie in Baltimore
"The BEST P&P sequel ever! First, what I loved about the Knightly and Macfadyen movie version was the passion they expressed, Darcy's words, Elizabeth’s eyes, in a time when such a thing was outside of propriety. I love that this author chose to continue the saga from the movie versions point of view. I am enthralled that Sharon also chose to go back to moments in the movie and either share with us what was going on in their minds at the time they were saying and doing the things they did or fill in gaps that lead up to a particular scene from the movie. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they did adapt your book to a sequel?! Awe the joy..... " Belinda in the US
"Sharon, you are a very gifted writer. I like your stories even better then the book Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife. (And I really liked that one) Keep up the fantastic work!!" Susan in Chicago
"Absolutely wonderful! Could not put it down. I loved this book so much that it only took 2 days to finish it, and only that long because like any human being, I require sleep! But if you love Jane Austen's masterpiece or enjoyed any version of the movie, you will love this book too. Sharon Lathan is a wonderful writer who captured the Austen characters and drew the story futher past their marriage and I believe that Jane Austen herself would love this story as much as I did. In short...READ THIS BOOK! " Valerie in California
I love this story and am eagerly awaiting its continuation. I believe you have Darcy and Elizabeth well understood and developed, as well as other new characters. I have read other sequals (some even published ones), but they never seem to get the characters right-such as the suggested that Bingley would have an affair. Ugh! This story not only has excitement and drama, but well-developed and meaningful characters. As far as I am concerned, this is what really happened to one of literature's greatest couples!" Katie in Illinois
"Who IS Sharon L. - I'll tell you. A modern, classic, literary marvel. The book was a wonder, the film was excellence, and this sequel - pure genius! Whoever you are Sharon, you are truly gifted! You take a beautiful, wonderful, intriguing story that is almost unsurpassable, to totally new heights....words cannot describe the joy I experienced when I found that you were continuing our beloved Elizabeth & Darcy's story. Jane Austen must be looking down on you and smiling at the wonderful work you are doing. This needed to be done - the story HAD to continue. Ever Grateful." Kevin in Birmingham, UK
"Beginning directly where the 2005 movie version leaves off, Two Shall Become One tells the story of the marriage and growing relationship of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. In this sequel, we get a glimpse into the private lives of Mr. Darcy and his new bride. The scenes are intimate and personal. There are a lot of romantic and intimate scenes - because we are reading about a newly married couple who are deeply and passionately in love with one another. The characters in this sequel have that same raw and realistic quality that we get in the 2005 movie version directed by Joe Wright. This is not a sequel for the average Janeite. Two Shall Become One takes the character Miss Austen created to a new level - making them more easily related to and more personal. Darcy is a man of passion and character as opposed to a man with a sordid past. Elizabeth is a loving and unrestrained new bride who enjoys being a newly married woman. This is a book about the beginning of a brand new marriage that is full of ardor and devotion - a great example of what a marriage ought to look like! If you loved the 2005 movie version, you will love this book!" Jen in Montana
"This wonderful book continues the story of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy from the point where the 2005 movie ended. It is written beautifully, as the couple begin their lives and share a true love few have known. Sharon has researched the era and includes many interesting descriptions of places Darcy and Lizzy visit. If you have tried to imagine what life would have been like as the couple gets to understand each other and grow closer and more in love each day, then you must read this book. It will bring you so much joy and reading pleasure." Sue in Florida
"I stumbled across this site looking for pictures of the most handsome Mr. Darcy. I was sucked into the story and three hours had passed before I realized it. I have now spent three days sitting at my desk in the kitchen reading and treasuring every word! I cannot thank you enough for picking up where the movie left off. I have been bewitched and captivated by every chapter." Kathy in Oklahoma
"I absolutely love your story. It's so refreshing to actually read the continuation of the story and you're such a good writer. I especially like how you've fleshed out Darcy's character to match Matthew Macfadyen’s Darcy--he was wonderful in P&P'05. All of the characters are well thought out and realistic. Please continue to write..." PJ in Illinois
"WOW! I love it! I've spent the last 3 days reading, and reading, and reading...I can't get enough!!! I'm going to flunk my exam! I'm supposed to be studying!!! I've watched P&P at least 20 times and since read the book another 10 but I need more! Sharon you are amazing, I love your style and character development. PLEASE keep going!!" Cindy in Ontario, Canada
"Love the story!! The best fan fiction I've come across. The tone is perfect and the chapters are interesting and very well written. I like my Darcy and Lizzy to be light, bright and sparkling, and these stories are the best. Thanks for all your efforts." Beverley in Washington
"This is an incredible story you have going here! I just devoted my day to reading every chapter -- I just couldn't stop, it's really that good. I can honestly say that this is the first P&P fanfic I have ever read, and I know I will be hard-pressed to find anything to even come close to this story's quality and depth. The character development, plot, imagery -- it's all spot-on. The love scenes are tastefully and realistically done. This story has made me love these characters more than I thought possible, and I simply cannot wait for the next installments! So please, if you're ever feeling uninspired, or if you ever start to think that no one is reading, I'll be here waiting for more! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Keep up the awesome work!" Ashley in Massachusetts
"I've been a lover of P&P for years and will willingly admit that I was a huge fan of the 1995 version, and I still am...but it doesn't even compare to new version which this book is based off of. Ok, so maybe a few things were inaccurate with the movie; however that doesn't override that it was full of more passion in every sense, with beautiful scenery and not too bad looking actors, LOL. I loved the movie and immediately went searching for more, when I found this story. It was and is the best P&P sequel I have ever read, and that's quite a few. The author Sharon L depicts what life must have been like for this couple of true love and wealth. She continues the story on, not only with writing that would make Jane Austen herself proud but with a true feeling for the characters, time period, and the love found within this novel. If you are considering getting this novel, do! Don't listen to the few not too positive..... I can promise you won't be disappointed. It's a breathtaking novel that lets us back into the wonderful lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Darcy." Jourdan in Idaho
"Mrs. Lathan has written a deeply passionate, beautiful, and light-hearted fun novel on the life of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy where Pride & Prejudice left off. Being someone who is well read when it comes to the sequels of Jane Austen's famous novel, I consider among the very best if not the absolute very best. I had the opportunity to read this story after I happened upon it online and have been waiting for over a year for the first glimpse of it finally being published as I was sure it would be. Along with our favorite couple Sharon created a delightful supporting cast of characters that are funny, loveable and altogether captivating. My advice to everyone who loves Pride & Prejudice, read this book for yourself and I know you'll come to love it as much as I and a lot of others have." Lorie in Georgia
"This recent Pride & Prejudice 'continuation' story was beautifully written and very close to the language and style that Austen used herself. As a contemporary author, Ms. Lathan did a superb job. Ms. Lathan's tale takes off from the 2005 film version of Pride & Prejudice, a very romantic retelling of this beloved story with gorgeous cinematography. The film was as close to the original P&P as 2 1/4 hours could permit: some characters were cut out; new dialogue was created that does not appear in the original text, although it enhanced the story. Ms. Lathan masterfully weaves in the dialogue from the film into her story: when Darcy and Elizabeth first touch; when Darcy calls Elizabeth 'Mrs. Darcy' repeatedly after they are married and at Pemberly; when Darcy crosses the meadow to (successfully) propose to Elizabeth at Longbourn. Also, the intimate scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth were so eloquently and tastefully described that I wonder why anyone would find fault: they are newlyweds and, let's face it we all imagine that Darcy and Elizabeth have an unquenchable passion for each other! Ms. Lathan uses respectful language that can hardly offend any reader: she was not crass or crude at all. I particularly applaud her for making Darcy as virtuous as Elizabeth. In other versions, Darcy is 'worldly', to put it mildly. I also liked that Ms. Lathan depicted the elder Darcy's relationship, and marriage, as loving. Other versions are not that kind. When reading this story, (the published first installment)one must remember that the author wanted to solely focus on Elizabeth and Darcy as couple at the inception of their marriage, so many of the original P&P characters do not appear in this story, except tangentially. Ms. Lathan indicates that there will be further stories, this one being the first in five, so it is possible to include the other characters subsequently. The Elizabeth and Darcy characters of this book are so lovable and the author does a great job showing how they mature as individuals as well as a couple. It is particularly endearing to see Darcy relax a bit since he is no longer the eligible bachelor every high society female pines for. Yet Elizabeth and Darcy still ramain true to themselves: she witty, he the perfect gentleman. To echo a fellow critic of this P&P continuation version, I, too, could hear the voices of the actors who portrayed Darcy and Elizabeth in the 2005 film in the dialogue of this book and I could vividly see them and the scenery as well, and not because I saw the film. I have read eleven (11) P&P 'continuations' and 'what if's' and, Ms. Lathan, so far, is the only author to have accomplished this sort of imagery for me. I look forward to reading her next novel." Maria via Amazon review
"I was fortunate enough to find this story while it was available online. I spent three whole days GLUED to my computer and must have checked a couple dozen times a day for new chapters. If you are in the market for a good fanfiction read I whole heartedly recommend this one." Kathy Hall on Amazon
"I really enjoyed reading this book (Journeys Beyond Pemberley) as well as the first in the series (Two Shall Become One). 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 everone 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
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