A Marriage Worth the Earning: ~To Have and to Hold~ [Paperback]

Mary L. Sherwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2009

A Pride and Prejudice Sequel. Darcy and Elizabeth's first year of marriage commences as idyllic as most newlyweds could hope. But soon, their tranquility departs, and together they must discover the finer art of compromise and understanding. This sequel trilogy to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice follows the lives of Austen's beloved characters throughout the years, beginning with volume one where Darcy and Elizabeth must learn to put Pride and Prejudice aside and become one united in the love and passion inspired by the original novel. Come witness a compelling look at the misunderstanding, resentment, and frustration that marriage imposes on two very compassionate, yet willful individuals, but also envision the vulnerability, laughter, and devotion of a husband and wife very much in love. Mary L. Sherwood presents: A Marriage Worth the Earning

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mary L. Sherwood is an avid admirer of Jane Austen. She was born in Lynwood, California but grew up in Conway, Arkansas since the age of four. There, she attended the University of Central Arkansas, earning a BA degree in English. She currently resides on the family farm in rural Arkansas, with her husband and two of their four children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (May 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442134550
• ISBN-13: 978-1442134553
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unrelenting Downward Spiral, September 3, 2009

By 

Steven J. Zawacki (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Marriage Worth the Earning: ~To Have and to Hold~ (Paperback)

Based on the other reviews for Ms. Sherwood's novel I eagerly anticipated the read, and waited with anticipation for it to appear as a Kindle possibility. The first two or three chapters were delightful, and then began the conflicts between Elizabeth and Darcy which built with an unrelenting drumbeat of negative plot point after negative plot point with mind-numbing regularity. Case in point: Before I gave up on this depressing tale at the 44% mark, Elizabeth steps out of Pemberley's doors about three times. The first time, she and Georgiana build snow people, Darcy berates them severely and they both end in tears. The second time Elizabeth is beaten unconscious, and the third time she is accosted, in a sort of negative dues ex machina way, by Wickham. In between there is Darcy's near death, gross misunderstandings, abject stupidity and unbelievable irresponsibility over and over and over again. Enough, Ms. Sherwood!

I have (rightfully I think) criticized several of the authors of Jane Austen fan-fiction books for painting too rosy a picture for Elizabeth and Darcy. For example, the first volume of Rebecca Ann Collins' "Pemberley Chronicles" is nearly devoid of all conflict. Ms. Sherwood's "A Marriage Worth the Earning" is the opposite, never-ending conflict. She paints a picture of a Darcy that has not learned his lesson on overbearing pride and arrogance, which Jane Austen clearly meant for him to have learned during her novel's downtime between his abortive Rosings proposal and the chance meeting with Elizabeth at Pemberley four months later.

If you can wade your way through this incredible tale of woe you're a better man than I, Gunga Din. Ms. Sherwood wore me down.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Marriage with Trials and Obstacles, October 4, 2009

By 

Meredith "Austenesque Reviews" (Wilmington , NC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Marriage Worth the Earning: ~To Have and to Hold~ (Paperback)

It is often depicted that Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet live in a fairy-tale world in which everyone is in perfect harmony and incandescently happy. Furthermore, Darcy and Elizabeth are frequently portrayed to have an ideal and flawless marriage where they never face any misfortunes or complications. This is not the case in Volume One of Mary L. Sherwood's "A Marriage Worth the Earning" series. Ms. Sherwoods illustrates a marriage that contains strife, misconception, and outside negative forces. Her tale is one that is not frequently told and by comparison is a little bit darker and poignant than other "Pride and Prejudice" sequels. Jane Austen, an acute observer of human nature and folly, created a flawed Lizzy and Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice," isn't it feasible these characters would continue to possess flaws and perhaps have a little difficulty adapting to their new roles of husband and wife?

After spending two wonderful and interrupted weeks together, it is now time for the honeymoon to be over for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth needs to undertake the role of Mistress of Pemberley, and Darcy needs to attend to his estate affairs, which were much neglected during his honeymoon. While sorting through her abundance of correspondence, Elizabeth discovers a missive from Lydia Bennet Wickham. Lydia divulges that she knows about Georgiana's near elopement with Wickham and demands money. Deciding to keep her husband in the dark about this, Lizzy attempts to send money to the Wickham's from her monthly stipend. However, this situation takes a turn for the worse when Wickham blackmails Elizabeth into sending even more money by threatening to expose Georgiana's past and harm Lydia and her unborn child. But when the wrong person discovers that Lizzy is being blackmailed by Wickham, they decide to use this information for their own nefarious purpose.

Even though Darcy has worked towards improving himself since his rejection at Hunsford Parsonage, his temper and officious manner towards the servants and herself has Elizabeth greatly perturbed. After many years of being the Master Pemberley, Darcy has grown accustomed to having his commands heeded, but Elizabeth is not one to be bossed around. In addition, jealousy and doubt flare up in Mr. Darcy when he perceives that Colonel Fitzwilliam may be in love with his wife. Darcy is then plagued with the question: "Would Elizabeth have said yes if Colonel Fitzwilliam asked her to marry him first?"

Ms. Sherwood introduces some stimulating and antagonistic characters that become negative forces in Lizzy and Darcy's marriage. We meet Collette Caldecott, a great beauty who grew up with Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Collette is bold, flirtatious, unbridled and attacks Elizabeth with suggestive comments about Darcy. Elizabeth, while trying to maintain composure and quell her insecurities, can't help but wonder if this alluring and confident woman was apart of Darcy's past and if she means anything to him now? We are also introduced to the Earl of Matlock and his charming wife, as well as their older son, Lord Hazelton and his not so charming wife... Lord and Lady Hazelton are disappointed with Darcy's choice in wife, and they create difficulties for the Darcy's in two separate ways. Lord Hazelton, a lecherous and licentious man, usually gets whatever he wants; and what he wants is Elizabeth Darcy to share his bed with him. Because of his attraction to her shapely figure and spirited personality, Lord Hazelton pursues any opportunity he has be alone with her. As for Lady Hazelton, she convinces Lady Catherine and Lord Matlock that Georgiana's future is in danger and that her guardians (Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam) are unsuitable an insufficient. What a dilemma for Darcy and Fitzwilliam when they discover Lady Catherine's devious scheme to secure Georgiana's future!

However, not all the characters cause tribulation or discord for Darcy and Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam is supportive and sympathetic towards Elizabeth, and he helps comfort Darcy when he is distraught. In addition, Charles and Jane Bingley provide much needed assistance, protection, and resolution. (I admired how the author portrayed Charles as brave and strong instead of immature and awkward, I also loved the scene where he comes to the rescue!)

My one criticism for this book is that sometimes there were too many conflicts and obstacles for the Darcy's to face. While I don't believe that Darcy and Elizabeth had a perfect marriage, I do believe that they would not let the little things in life mar their happiness, and that they would try to settle any quarrels they have before going to sleep. I greatly enjoyed the antagonistic characters and conflicts that were introduced in the book, I felt they were realistic and captivating. However, the little disputes and misunderstanding that occurred between Darcy and Elizabeth in the beginning of the book seemed too disheartening and perhaps were unnecessary. I preferred when Darcy and Elizabeth faced rivals such as Collette Caldecott and Lord Hazelton rather than being at odds with each other.

Ms. Sherwood's novel of Darcy and Elizabeth is one I took much pleasure in reading. It was a leisurely paced novel with plenty of details and day-to-day occurrences. I enjoyed her wonderful and reverent rendering of Jane Austen's characters, as well as her well-developed and creative character additions. Furthermore, I loved the secondary romantic love story she initiates between two characters, and I hope it will be cultivated and accentuated in her next installment. I eagerly anticipate Mary Sherwood's next novel and am happy to have this lovely and genuine tale of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy in my collection.

Austenesque Reviews

30 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real page turner..., May 25, 2009

By 

Mary (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Marriage Worth the Earning: ~To Have and to Hold~ (Paperback)

I first became acquainted with this story when it was in its rough draft stage back in 2006. When I first read the draft, I told Ms. Sherwood she had a winner and this needed to be developed and published. That was four years ago and since then this tale has developed and matured into the novel it is today, which, in my humble opinion, is one of the best sequels ever written to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Mary has gone to great lengths to thoroughly research the time period, and it shows in her work. At times you will feel as if you are there with the characters witnessing all that they see and do.

From the beginning you will be pulled into the world of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet Darcy. You will feel what they feel and taste what they taste. Mary is not only true to the characters, she is also true to human nature and all the vulnerabilities we face as human beings. She gives her characters flesh and blood and a soul.

Darcy has a past, like many people, which he struggles with, but as a true-to-character alpha male, those vulnerabilities are kept under tight regulation. He must learn to let go and share with his wife both his strengths and his weakness. From a very young age he has had to be the example of all that is noble and honorable, now he must learn to relax and have fun with the woman he loves. Not necessarily an easy task when you've been brought up to put duty and obligation before pleasure. A life time of habit is not replaced overnight, and Ms. Sherwood understands that very well as she shows the growth and development of her characters and moves the story along.

Also, Darcy's past comes back to haunt him through the beautiful and cunning Miss Colette Caldecott. Who is she and what did she mean to Darcy? Why has she come back? What secrets does she hold? Believe me, if you thought Caroline Bingley was a thorn, Miss Caldecott is a force to be reckoned with.

Then there are Darcy's relations. Miss Austen introduced them, or at least let us know they existed, but Ms. Sherwood dresses them out and brings their character...their personalities, if you will, to full life, and what a life she gives them. You will be reintroduced to Colonel Fitzwilliam and learn that he too is a man of principle, and though a little less formal, he is an alpha male nonetheless. You will also meet his older brother, Lord Hazelton, heir to the Earldom. He has a darker side that threatens to spoil his cousin's marriage and ruin Elizabeth. George Wickham will return and Lydia is as she always was. Miss Bingley is also present as are Jane and Charles. And there is also a menagerie of new characters, each distinct and each heart warming. The reader will meet the local parish doctor, Dr. Harrison Lowry. He is a very interesting character who will come to grow on you as time progresses. And there are the tenants and servants. The reader will be introduced to various servants and tenants and learn how they interact with the new mistress. Ms. Sherwood has definitely done her job in that respect, too. There is never a dull moment.

Then there is Georgiana. This character intrigues me the most. What sort of impact would you think a near seduction by a smooth talking calculating rake would have on her? You may be surprised. Miss Darcy comes into her own as she discovers the bitter truth of what it means to be a woman at the mercy of men who, at their own discretion, have the power to decide her future. What will Miss Darcy do? How will she react? Read and find out.

All in all, this is a saga with drama, suspense, and intrigue. It is a tale of learning what it means to come together as one, with respect and love. However, there is one thing further that should be said. For those who are looking for erotic love scenes, well, you will not find those here, but you will find plenty of love and passion while the intricate details are left to your imagination. Other than that, this story does sparkle and sizzle.

I could go on and say more, but it's best I stop here and let you discover this lustrous pearl among pearls. With free shipping, this book is definitely worth the price!