Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future; Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway!

I recently had the the pleasure of reading Sharon Lathan’s latest contribution to the body of Jane Austen-inspired literature that we Janeites refer to fondly as JAFF: Darcy and Elizabeth, Hope of the Future — Book 2 of the Darcy Saga Prequel Duo.

Blurbing the book

Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet will soon be joined in Holy Matrimony!

The initial month of their Season of Courtship has passed. Together, the lovers strengthened their bond through honest communication, as they dealt with adversity, jealousy, and distrust. Ever growing in mutual love and understanding, a dramatic confrontation broke through the final barriers.

Now their Hope of the Future “happily ever after” is assured!

As long as Lady Catherine can be stopped in her scheme to interfere, that is. Or, will Mrs. Bennet’s bad advice ruin future marital felicity? Might increasing liberation lead to overwhelming passions that cannot be controlled, with catastrophe a result?

Continue the journey begun in Darcy and Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship. Delight in their flourishing romance, ride along on their escapades in London, and be a witness at the wedding of the century.

The miraculous design of how Two Shall Become One begins before the sacred vows.

Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future is Volume 2 of the “prequel duo” for Sharon Lathan’s Darcy Saga sequel series to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

See below to order.

Guest Post

I know many of you share my curiosity about “the story behind the story.” Today Sharon has been good enough to share some insights into the writing of this book.

Thank you, Janis, for hosting me on your blog today. It is an honor to be here, and a great pleasure to share my writing inspiration with your readers.

My latest novel, released earlier this month, is Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future. It is the second book in the two-volume Darcy Saga Prequel Duo, which began with Darcy and Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship. These two novels perfectly fit with my Darcy Saga Sequel to Pride and Prejudice, the series now including nine lengthy novels and one novella.

To understand my inspiration in writing these two novels, I first must backtrack a bit. Over ten years ago, I fell in love with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. As my obsession with everything Austen and the Regency period grew, I stumbled upon the world of online fan-fiction variations and continuations. From there it was a swift leap to taking a chance at writing my own story, primarily because amongst the wealth of available stories, none matched the ideas germinating in my mind or satisfied the longing within my heart.

You see, I wanted to read a sequel stretching past the end of Pride and Prejudice, with a Darcy and Elizabeth who were happily in love and living a joyous marriage. As I vainly searched the plethora of fan-fiction websites, the continuation I yearned for persistently took shape inside my head. Whole scenes and conversations, in fact! The story swirled and crystalized, gaining in power until I could no longer resist the urge to try my hand at penning my vision of the Darcys.

Writing was a new challenge for me, a bit of a lark initially, and lots of fun. Yet from the outset, the core purpose—my aspiration—was to create something unique and hopeful.

My number one belief is that marriage can be fulfilling, harmonious, and passionate. The union of two souls is meant to be beautiful and enjoyable not just for a brief time but forever. Furthermore, the bond should grow stronger and deeper as time passes. In my estimation, a “realistic” marriage does not mean constant arguing, worsening miscommunication, waning love, misery and boredom when together, a stale physical relationship, and endless trauma. I firmly believe in the exact opposite!

I am also a huge history buff, so delving into the early 19^th century in England was vitally important. Every step of the way, being historically accurate and weaving fascinating tidbits of the past into the story has been as much of a priority as the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth.

Since it was their marriage which inspired my writing, I naturally began what became The Darcy Saga Sequel Series on their wedding day. Aside from a few “flashbacks” to the betrothal weeks—always written to enhance a scene or event in the present, as it were—I opted to move the story timeline forward.

Then, somewhere along the way, I realized that the intermittent “flashbacks” offered vague glimpses of an important interval in the complete arc of Darcy and Elizabeth’s romance. By ignoring these two months and skipping to their wedding, a number of intriguing questions were left unanswered.

How did Darcy and Elizabeth evolve from budding love to deep passion? How did they deal with the errors and misunderstandings from the original novel? How did two people who essentially barely knew each other become bonded and comfortable together?

What about the rest of the family? Surely Lady Catherine de Bourgh didn’t bow out gracefully! Did Mr. Darcy’s other titled relatives cause trouble too? Were the Bennets pleased with the union? Did the citizens of Meryton and London Society react favorably or unfavorably?

Additionally, as I researched courtship and wedding practices for other characters—Miss Darcy, Kitty Bennet, and Anne de Bourgh to name just three—I realized how much I had missed in not exploring the betrothal of Darcy and Elizabeth. The storytelling possibilities were too awesome to ignore!

Switching gears from writing a married couple to writing a newly engaged couple was a challenge. But I am SO glad I persevered. With the completion of the Prequel Duo, my overall theme and inspiration to reveal how “Two Shall Become One” and live the “happily ever after comes true” promise is knit perfectly.

I have many, many more stories to tell. After all, life is ongoing and true love never fails. The Darcys, along with their family and friends, will be around for a long while to come. I invite you to join in the adventurous journey, and where else should one start but at the beginning?  

The Excerpt

What would a post about a wonderful new book be without a tantalizing excerpt? Forthwith …

“William!” she exclaimed, shocked despite having done nothing but long for him all morning. They had said their emotional goodbyes last evening, so it had honestly not occurred to her to hope he would pause for a visit.

“Mr. Darcy!” Mrs. Bennet flew into the room, from wherever she had been, faster than the speed of light. “How absolutely delightful to see you! Oh my! I am all aflutter! We were not yet expecting guests. I am afraid you just missed breakfast, although I am sure Mrs. Price can prepare something in no time at all. We have fresh biscuits with strawberry jam made not a week ago, and coffee of course, with cream as you like it—”

“Please, do not trouble yourself, Mrs. Bennet,” Darcy hastily interjected when she finally paused for air. Tearing his eyes away from Lizzy, who was literally breathless, he bowed respectfully toward her mother. “I dined well this morning, thank you. I apologize for calling unannounced and unexpected. I am, as you know, departing for a short trip to Town. However, as I approached Longbourn, I felt it my duty to pause and pay my respects, yet again, for your outstanding hospitality these past weeks. I also regretted not asking if you have need of anything from the city, Mrs. Bennet. It would be my greatest honor to acquire anything you may need or want. The same is true, of course, for all of your fine daughters.”

“Oh, Mr. Darcy! You are so very kind!” Mrs. Bennet dabbed her teary eyes with her handkerchief. “My Lizzy is the most fortunate of women to have gained the notice of such a great man.”

“Thank you, madam. I judge myself the truly fortunate one. With your permission,” he said, rushing on before another word passed Mrs. Bennet’s parted lips, “may I be granted a moment alone with Miss Elizabeth?”

“Mama.” Jane gently clasped onto her mother’s arm and steered toward the door. “I completely forgot that Mrs. Price wanted our opinion on the marzipan for the wedding cake. Safe travels, Mr. Darcy.” At an added head bob to Kitty and Mary, they suddenly had vital duties elsewhere. In a matter of seconds, Lizzy and Darcy were alone, the women’s voices drifting through the narrow crack in the door from farther and farther down the hallway until they finally faded into silence. Well before the last retreating murmur, Darcy had crossed the room in three long strides and enfolded her hands in his.

“I could not bear to leave without seeing you—”

“I am so surprised to see you—”

Soft laughter stayed their jumbled confessions. Apparently deciding to forego unnecessary explanations altogether, Darcy bent for a tender kiss. A mere brush of his lips sent a jolt of desire through her body. Instinctively leaning to increase the pressure and parting her lips invitingly, Lizzy released a whining moan when he stepped back a pace.

After drawing a shaky breath, he professed teasingly, “I do not trust myself with you, Miss Bennet. For some bizarre reason, I lose all sense of propriety when kissing you. The gentleman Mr. Darcy vanishes as if he never existed.”

Smiling, he led her to the same sofa she had perched on for close to two hours that morning. “You appear amused, my darling. Then I haven’t disturbed you by dropping in unexpectedly?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. As if I would ever be disturbed to see you, William.”

“Glad to hear it. Honestly, I did not plan to stop. I thought I had convinced myself that our affectionate parting last evening was sufficient to hold me for the days I shall be in London. Alas, as my carriage neared Longbourn, the vision of you here, perhaps yet in your bedclothes, was too tempting. It was quite simply beyond my capability to resist.” Grinning, he reached up and tucked an unruly lock of hair behind her ear, his fingertips playfully tickling her lobe. Another tingling current cascaded through her until it created butterflies in her belly.

“So,” she stammered, “the stalwart Mr. Darcy confesses to weakness, does he? Unfathomable!”

“Indeed, it is true. Daily, I find my strength and control waning. I am helpless to do anything about it, other than pray for time to defy the laws of physics and bring November the twenty-eighth sooner than normal. It is entirely possible I may lose my mind for wanting you if the next ten days creep by.”

“Oh, the tragedy! A fine mind such as yours, sir, must be protected at all cost. Then I shall increase my prayers. Perhaps with the joint effort, along with Jane and Charles who are likely appealing to the heavens as well, God’s heartstrings will be tugged to perform a small miracle.”

He was still fixated on her ear, which was wreaking havoc with her insides. It didn’t help that his eyes had assumed a dreamy glassiness and were darkening with desire.

Goodness gracious but we are a pathetic pair of romantics.

And now for my review

While most JAFF authors give us deliciously creative alternatives to or continuations of Jane’s wonderful stories, Sharon has followed a different path and provided us with precious insights into how Darcy and Elizabeth managed to get to that point in the first place. I have to admit that this Prequel Duo is the first I’ve encountered of this particular approach.

The result is a most enjoyable read. In Book 1, Sharon delved into the hows and whys of our dear couple’s growing mutual love, understanding, and respect. In Book 2, this continues as their commitment withstands the test of Lady Catherine’s enduring and vengeful disfavour, strengthening as it does so. We see Darcy standing up for the woman he loves against any and all objections, while Elizabeth learns to accept the foibles of the man she loves along with the ways in which her life will change once she is married: her status in society, her responsibilities, her increasing fortunes, and yes, her burgeoning sexual awareness. (There are some adult situations in both books, but no explicit sex.)

Of course there are joyous weddings and happily-ever afters for our two couples to reward our dear readers.

What I liked most

One of my requisites for JAFF stories is that I must fall even more in love with Mr Darcy by story’s end. No problem about that here!

Darcy has loosened up and moved past his haughty preconceptions. His visit to a London shopping mall had me grinning with amusement and delight. And his attentions to Elizabeth — whether alone with her or in company — warmed my heart.

The encounter between Darcy and his uncle the earl provided even more reasons to love him, while the same encounter inspired greater respect for Elizabeth and her father.

Extra credit is awarded for adequate face time for the charming Colonel Fitzwilliam, and there is surely enough to be found in this story!

What I liked least

Another confession: I had not read Book 1 of the Saga when I was invited to review Book 2, so I had to play catch-up. Reading both of these books at one time was certainly enjoyable, altho’ at the same time it left me little time for anything else (as my dear husband continually pointed out).

In short

If you love Darcy and Elizabeth and all the supporting characters in Pride and Prejudice, I cannot imagine that you will not love both of these books. I do warn you, however, that these are not “quick reads,” but substantial novels. Maintain harmony in your home by ensuring that you allow yourself adequate time to savour every word!

My star rating is:

I look forward to the “many, many more stories” that Sharon has to tell.

And now for the Giveaway!

Sharon has two (2) ebook copies of Darcy and Elizabeth, Hope of the Future — Book 2 of the Darcy Saga Prequel Duo available to those who comment on this post. The giveaway is open worldwide and will end at midnight EDST on Sunday, September 3 (for those of you in USA, that’s the day before Labour Day).

Good luck to each and every one of you!

More about Sharon Lathan and her books:

Purchasing links

Amazon Kindle and Print   http://amzn.to/2uq4PGR

Barnes & Noble Nook and Print  http://bit.ly/2uGcuFn

Kobo digital  http://bit.ly/2wxZNJO

iBooks digital  http://apple.co/2v24Zoa

Sharon Lathan bio

Sharon Lathan is the best-selling author of The Darcy Saga sequel series to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Her first novel, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, was published in 2009. Sharon’s series of “happily ever after” for the Darcys now totals nine full-length novels and one Christmas themed novella.

Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship and Darcy & Elizabeth: Hope of the Future complete the “prequel to the sequel” duo recounting the betrothal months before the Darcy Saga began.

Sharon is a native Californian relocated in 2013 to the green hills of Kentucky, where she resides with her husband of over thirty years. Retired from a thirty-year profession as a registered nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care, Sharon is pursuing her dream as a full-time writer.

Sharon is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, JASNA Louisville, the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the Beau Monde chapter of the RWA, and serves as the website manager and on the board of the Louisville Romance Writers chapter of the RWA.

Sharon is the co-creator of Austen Authors, a group blog for authors of Austenesque literary fiction. Visit at:  www.AustenAuthors.com 

Connect with Sharon at the following places—
Website/blog:  www.SharonLathanAuthor.com
Facebook at Sharon Lathan, Novelist
Twitter @SharonLathan
Pinterest  SharonLathan62

Your comments, as always, are most welcome. (Yes, even if you don’t want to enter the giveaway!)

And … if you haven’t already got your copy of Desperate Hearts, you can order a kindle copy here. Now also available on kindleUnlimited.

# # # #