Customer Reviews

Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley (Pride & Prejudice Continues)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

I was given this silly but readable P & P sequel by a friend who knows I'm an Austen addict. It's enjoyable, but... a bit insipid. I haven't read the book that precedes this, but Ms Lathan appears to have paid attention to her critics. There is more of Darcy and Elizabeth's families, more connection to the wider world, of Elizabeth's experience at becoming Mrs. Darcy among the Ton. However, too often the dialog seems straight out of a bad bodice ripper novel. There's incessant lovemaking, coupled (pun intended) with drippy dialog that is simultaneously coy and explicit. IE: "She looked into his shining eyes, hers misty...(Darcy)'Save the words my lover. Rather, free your mind and devise stimulating bedroom actions that will convey the depth of your gratitude.'(p.109)
Ugh! It actually takes away from the story, which I found enjoyable - Caroline Bingley is believably developed, as are Mary and Kitty. However, Lydia and Wickham are noticeably absent, as are Charlotte or Mr Collins.

I'm indeed an Austen fan, but not a purist where language and setting are concerned. Really getting Austen right is beyond many modern authors, especially romantic authors. Austen wasn't about romance, after all, but about romance as a vehicle for examining character, society and even religion. Some authors are better at using 19th c Regency language and imagery; others do not even try. Ms Lathan is is somewhere between. However, like too many Austen sequels, this one seems to embrace explicit sexual as a substitute for strong dialog, an intriguing story, and fully engaging characters. This isn't a bad sequel - It is just that Ms Lathan is capable of more than just another Harlequin romance masquerading as an Austen sequel.

I bought three of the books in this series, starting with this one, eager to read them as I'd enjoyed some of the other P&P sequels out there. I was looking for escape, some transport to a time of grace and manners. I read 1/3 of this book and promptly returned all three for a full refund. They are a chore to read. They have none of the charm, intelligence, and chaste, yet terribly sweet and romantic feel of the real Jane Austen. The back flap has the audacity to say that Jane would probably have approved of this. Oh my, I beg to differ.

The genius of Jane Austen was her ability to make character, scenes, and plots come to life in a way that timelessly transcends the era of the reader. P&P is the single best romance novel ever written (just my opinion)and she did it at a time when women weren't encouraged in such pursuits and she did it without one sex scene or deep, hungering kiss. I didn't have to read the passion and love. I felt it. It made me want to keep reading and that kept me dreaming and imagining.

Ms. Lathan's series, however, has no plot. No scene set that we couldn't just picture from one of the movies. The only characters that mildly develop are Georgianna, Mary, and Miss Bingley. And Elizabeth and Darcy? They are the dullest, most self-absorbed sex addicts ever to grace a Regency novel from any time. They fawn and coo over each other all day and not 3 pages passes without them getting naked and going at it, almost perturbed that the others in their lives prevent them from non-stop bedsport. It's impossible to read if you have any respect at all for the original. I don't mind a little added "heat" but this drivel is just painful and ridiculous.

Boom boom. Oh my beloved lover, I love you and want to show you with a new position I've dreamed of. Oh, William, the pleasure you give me, I can't wait to devise more ways to show you the ardent depth of my deep love. Boom boom. 3 pages. A dance. A meal. Boom boom. A mention of family or friends. Boom. Shopping. Repeat.

Save your money.

When I first found Ms. Lathan and her Sourcebook novels, I had no illusions about what I was buying or about to read--for me, it is engaging escapism. I love all of Jane Austen's literature as well as both the 2005 movie and 1995 miniseries adaptations. For anyone looking for a true sequel to Austen's Pride & Prejudice, it is not here. This series is, as others have noted, an "interpretation," a fantasy of what happens. Lathan has created new characters based upon her response to the Joe Wright film, which by the way, had very little to do with Austen's text.
Overall, I like how this author has managed to keep me interested in her characters throughout three books and I want to see how this Lizzy and Darcy go on. Although I do see where this edition could have benefited from better editing by the publishers, I don't believe it will keep me from enjoying Ms. Lathan's books.

There's no real story in this book, just constant, and long-winded, declarations of love between Lizzy and Darcy. Even the best marriages have the couple talking about something other than how much they looooooove each other, newlyweds or not. This author's head is firmly implanted in the clouds.

I have to say the over-the-top Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife is actually a much better read.

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.

Ok so the first book takes you on a whirlwind of romance, love and devotion. With the second it is continuing the love they have and the honeymoon, reading these books have been an amazing adventure and not only that I realize I have my own Mr. Darcy in my life who does the same as the fictional Darcy does. Bravo Sharon for adding all the love and passion into this second book and not leaving anything wanting.

A second in the series. To be honest this was not my favorite. As the third in the series is my absolute favorite. But, I liked it. It brings more story and more historical information into the plot. It also showcases Lizzies stubborn streak to its fullest. I can see clearly that the author it using the characters from the movie to write this series and I, for one, love it. Thank you Sharon for continuing the love story of Darcy and Lizzie, and Keira and Matthew.

Loving Mr. Darcy is the second book in the Darcy Saga series by Sharon Lathan. Elizabeth and Darcy are on their way to visit family and eventually end up in London. They have just found out they are expecting their first child. This book has such a wonderful cast of characters and each plays a vital role in telling this beautiful story of love everlasting. This book has it all, love, romance, jealousy, intrigue, suspense and danger. I never tire of reading about the amazing life Elizabeth and Darcy share. Ms. Lathan has a gift for descriptive words that truly allow you to envision that which you are reading.
I found the first book in her series at the library and after reading through it in record speed ( I couldn't put it down) I had to buy it. I bought this book too and also read in record speed. I had an extra skip in my step after reading this.

it is a shame that folks cannot enjoy this book- i found it utterly enjoyable.. i did prefer this one to the first it takes us to pemberely and more about the characters we love-it took me on a journey with elizabeth and fitzwilliam to continue with the story- not a sequel to p and p perhaps- but a great look at what might have been- had their story continued- each book in this series makes me eager for the next-i say lighten up a bit and enjoy the romance and whimsey and period-you will be emerersed in all of it-bernadette

This is the second book in Sharon Lathan's Darcy Saga (1 - Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, 2 - Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley, 3 - My Dearest Mr. Darcy: An amazing journey into love everlasting, 4 - In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, 5 - The Trouble with Mr. Darcy due out April 1, 2011). Loving Mr. Darcy picks up right where Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy left off. Darcy and Lizzy are heading to London for the season, where Lizzy of courses dazzles the ton. Some new characters are added in the irrepressible Dr. George Darcy (one of my favorites - I love Uncle George!) and Dr. Raul Penaflor. Some of our favorite characters make another appearance - Anne de Bourgh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine, Georgiana and the rest of the Bennets and Bingleys. I love the character development of Lizzy and Darcy, but Lathan doesn't forget the other members of the family including the staff at Pemberley.

After London, the novel follows the Darcys on further travels around Derbyshire and adds a unique dimension in describing traveling during this period and some of the wonderful sights and history of Derbyshire. The book doesn't lack for excitement though with Lady Catherine providing some dramatics as well a dangers on the road.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending just a little more time with the Darcys!