Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship

Darcy Saga Prequel Duo #1

by Sharon Lathan

Accepting a marriage proposal is merely the beginning . . .
How did Lady Catherine restore Mr. Darcy’s hope to prompt his second proposal? Did Caroline Bingley yield gracefully? Were the Bennets and Meryton citizens approving?

Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are betrothed! Readers of The Darcy Saga have shared in the romance, life, and marital escapades of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. Now the “prequel to the sequel” recounts the weeks in between as two new lovers prepare for happily ever after. Embark on the journey as Darcy and Elizabeth overcome the rocky past and discover the depth of their love. Delight in budding passion and sweet romance. Enjoy the wedding planning and adventures during the initial weeks of their engagement.

A Season of Courtship promises Hope of the Future....

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

294 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2014

About the author

Sharon Lathan is the best-selling author of The Darcy Saga, a 10-volume sequel series to Jane Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice."


Sharon began writing in 2006 and her first novel, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One was published in 2009.

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 the co-creator of AUSTEN AUTHORS, a group blog for authors of Austenesque literary fiction.
Visit at: www.AustenAuthors.net

For more information about Sharon, the Regency Era, and her novels, visit her website/blog at: www.SharonLathanAuthor.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SharonLathanNovelist
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SharonLathan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsharonlathan
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sharonlathan62/_saved/

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

I have had this book on my Kindle for years...always meaning to read it but never quite getting there.

This story deals only with the courtship...it does not even get to the marriage ceremony. Although that rite is only a few weeks away when the book ends at 98%.

We begin with a scene unwritten in canon when Lady Catherine comes to London after confronting Elizabeth in the small wilderness to one side at Longbourn. So we know how this is going to play out.

After they finally become engaged we have many scenes of encounter. Many also tell of how Darcy struggles to control the passions he feels physically (and emotionally) for Elizabeth while Elizabeth is experiencing feelings and sensations new to her, as a woman, also passionately in love.

Is the courtship smooth? No. There are times when others (You can guess who.) attempt to place barriers to this relationship in the way. Although this book draws out the courtship phase over many days and weeks it is not a dull and repetitive telling. I found myself drawn in even though there was less angst than I enjoy reading about in most books.

There is even an almost amusing scene of jealousy on Darcy's part and when Elizabeth becomes angry at his reaction (because she knows the innocence of the "other man") it is a time when she has to put herself in his place. What if she witnessed William allowing Caroline to put her hands on his leg or teasing banter between the two? Would she react calmly or with affront?

Although a long tale this story never bored me nor was the telling such that I felt I could just skip to the end as we all know what the future holds for this favorite couple. This book is part of a series. I have 6 other stories by Ms. Lathan in paperback, read before I began posting reviews. I do intend to some day reread those in order to post reviews. Obviously I enjoy this author's storytelling.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to best describe this book... forgettable. I say this because I apparently read it before (I accidentally delete the prior review a few moments ago) but had no recollection of it. This is a review of my second reading or should I say my second attempted reading as that I quit about 92% through.

I gave this book 3 stars because overall it is well written. Tedious, dull, boring, endless but well written. It is not exciting, compelling or fascinating.

I believe that Sharon Lathan started writing her books after seeing Pride and Prejudice 2005 this is important because it impacts the plot of her books. In this book some how Lizzy doesn't know that Colonel Fitzwilliam is Darcy's cousin. Which is baffling since when they are all together at Rosings, Lady Catherine refers to them as her nephews and in the book Lizzy and Col. Fitzwilliam are often together.

This book covers a very short period of time from Lizzy's engagement until she is wedding gown shopping in London; with great attention to detail. More detail than any but the most devoted fan could want. The book becomes dull upon my second reading I just gave up.

If you read the rest of Sharon Lathen's books it is probably a must read but otherwise skip it

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!
Reviewed in Canada on July 12, 2019
Wonderful in every way! This book expresses the Darcy and Elizabeth I love. I appreciate where the book begins; leaving us without all the annoyance that is Lydia and Wickham, and to some extent, Mr. Collins. We are allowed the pleasure of living their courtship along with them. Caroline is Caroline, but she doesn’t spoil the love of ODC. Their endeavors to communicate their feelings to one another, and their own private musings about each other makes one sigh happily along with them. Brilliantly written, the dialogue is especially good. The pleasant humor between them (and that of the Colonel) is delightful. The author leaves you ready for the continuating story. I loved it all. Highly recommend this book.

[Hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread for 3rd time in July 2020

Reread this in preparation for book two in the duology.

I enjoyed this as much the second time. The growing relationship is so sweet and its great to see how they get to how they are in the Darcy Saga beginning with Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One which is my favourite Pride and Prejudice continuation.

[Toni NB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished rereading today. I couldn’t remember the story at all and wondered why I only rated it 3 stars. To update, the story is actually very good and I’m changing my rating to 4 stars.

To summarize, Darcy and Elizabeth become engaged and spend a season together, including dinner parties, and becoming more acquainted with each other and their respective families.

Darcy is….smoldering for Elizabeth. The sexual tension between the two of them in a few scenes is palpable. Poor Darcy has to exhibit “superhuman control” in order to maintain his gentlemanly conduct. Elizabeth, to her credit, does not play a minx or treats him coquettishly.

In previous P&P fan fiction, I always envision Darcy and Elizabeth from the 1995 TV version. In this story, I envision Kiera Knightly from the 2005 movie with Colin Firth.
Do you envision certain people / actors in novels that you read?

Looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I’m glad I took the time to reread this one and post a review.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have every book written by Sharon Lathan, and this new edition might just be my favorite. Who am I kidding, I say that about all her books!! I love how Sharon continues to capture Lizzy and Darcy perfectly. A must read, and can't wait for her next release!!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread in preparation for the publication of the sequel. Enjoyable read.

[Hui Ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I am reading from this author and I thought to myself why I did not read this sooner. It is so wonderfully written and I love it even more after all the descriptions of the second proposal fits the 2005 movie which is my ultimate favourite of all! As I read it, I would picture the Elizabeth and Darcy from the movie (Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen)[and actually as with all other variations I read as well :P] and the love between them that she writes, makes your heart flutter with theirs too! I enjoyed the ebook so much that I bought the hard copy to keep as well. Another good read is one thread pulled which I had bought in hard copy as well as the ebook (highly recommended too!). I am eagerly awaiting the second book to this presequel duo but in the meantime I shall happily read her other books :)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! If you are not looking for a little hot and steamy, then I do not suggest this book.

[Lizzie Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

La historia comienza desde que Lady Catherine se enfrenta a Darcy mencionándole el rechazo de Elizabeth a su pedido de no aceptar propuestas de Darcy a futuro, lo cual (como sucede en el libro original) termina brindando esperanzas a Darcy respecto a lo que Elizabeth siente por él. A partir de la nueva propuesta de Darcy a Elizabeth y la fecha establecida de casamiento en dos meses desde la misma, el libro nos cuenta cómo ambos transitan esa "temporada de cortejo", en la que van conociéndose más, sorteando algunos inconvenientes, peleando consigo mismos e incluso desatando de a poco sus pasiones.

Realmente me gustó mucho. El manejo de la narrativa y el lenguaje en sí mismos me parecieron geniales y enaltecieron la historia. El libro no está contado desde una única perspectiva sino de los varios personajes que van entrando en escena, desde Darcy y Elizabeth, por supuesto, hasta la mismísima Caroline y su obsesión "clasista" con Darcy. Me gustó el desarrollo de cada uno de ellos. A diferencia de lo que me encontré en otros fanfics de la saga que he leído, la personalidad que cada uno muestra en esta historia realmente siento que concuerda con las bases que estableció el libro original. Y de hecho, va mas allá y deja volar la imaginación romántica con un Darcy que ve desatadas nuevas pasiones pero se ve tan sorprendido y superado por ellas (son algo nuevo, siempre ha sido sumamente cauteloso y se ha reprimido a sí mismo) que debe ser la propia Lizzy quien lo haga entrar en razón (al fin y al cabo, ella se siente igual...) :)

Sin dudas continuaré leyendo la saga, espero que no defraude :)

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads First Reads won book.

The writing style was engaging but I personally was a bit bored by the constant declarations of love between the main characters and their worry one or the other did not love them. Darcy and Elizabeth are engaged but spend way too much time talking and thinking about it. I found it a bit hard to stomach that Mr. Darcy would have discussions about his love for Elizabeth with everyone he encountered. He had to have had better things to do and is male...men do not have deep, "I SO LOVE HER" discussions with other men all the time.

I loved Miss Bingley being a total witch about the engagement and Mr Collins sticking his nose into matters. Those parts of the story were the best. They were bang on in character and made me smile. The rest of the book? A bit yawn inspiring unless constant, sugary, love talk is your thing. It is not really mine so it is just personal taste.

Solid 3 star book in my opinion due to the story not thrilling my bones but probably thrilling other readers.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicol Legakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship has been done to death.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darcy Saga, Prequel One,
This isfollowed by prequel Part 2 Hope of the Future

Lady Catherine de Bourgh barges into FitzWilliam Darcy’s London home to have Darcy refute the scandalous falsehood that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was scheming to marry Mr Darcy and that she had refused to deny that a match with her and the Master of Pemberly was possible. Darcy tells his interfering aunt in no uncertain terms that his personal affairs are none of her concern and that he will never marry her daughter, his first cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh which she has schemed for, and that he “will never promise not to marry Elizabeth Bennet.”
His aunt’s confrontation with Miss Bennet, gives Darcy hope that perhaps he has a chance with the outspoken and courageous young woman who had refused his marriage offer.
And thus begins the renewed relationship between the two young adults whose feelings have so remarkably changed since their first meeting. Lizzie is her forthright, teasing, intelligent self and Darcy is learning to be less rigid and controlled as they begin the know each other as people and she accepts his second proposal. Controlling their emotions is a challenge, not helped by the haughty, conniving sister of Darcy’s best friend Mr Bingley, Caroline Bingley, who wishes to become the Mistress of Pemberley, though it’s master has no such wish.
A lovely romantic beginning to the newly engaged couple’s future.

[Lynn Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of Jane Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice" was that it took us through all the twists and turns of Elizabeth and Darcy’s blossoming romance, only to stop short immediately after they became engaged and got married. Enter Sharon Lathan, author of the Darcy Saga, a series of books written to follow the Darcy newlyweds into their first few years of marriage.

I LOVED getting to see Lizzy and Darcy as a married couple! Watching a fledgling love develop into a solid marriage as a young couple becomes a family; seeing beloved characters grow in an everyday, real life setting as opposed to an extreme set of circumstances – it’s an unusual treat, and reassuring to know that marriage can be just as interesting as falling in love.

I have more to say on these books (and others!) in my blog! Check it out here:
https://www.lynnwallaceauthor.com/blo...

[Jeanne Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it immensely! I could hardly put it down! The author did not manage to capture the flavor of Jane Austin language, which were suitable for the timrs., and gave one a real taste of how people conversed at the times. It would think it would be difficult to achieve that. However , she did stay true to the character s for which I applaud her for, and made Mr Darcy more approachable,more romantic character. I fell more in love with him than before. Darcy and Elizabeth are the perfect, Fairytale, happily-ever-after couple that it is a pleasure to read, and. her racy sex scenes just add to the deliciousness of it!

One thing, I can't find the next book that comes after this one. I hate to read books out of order, and I plan to read the whole series. Can someone help me out?

[Abi Mallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sweet and enjoyable. Not alot happens as such plotwise, the emphasis being on Darcy and Elizabeth's feelings for one another. There were many declarations of love between the two which could be argued as being repetitive but could also be argued as showing that heady obsession when one is first in love. Their interactions were very sweet and I love how it dealt with everyone elses reactions to the news of their engagement from horror to disbelief.
Also I loved the characterisation of Anne DeBurgh and hope she pops up again in later novels.

[Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely terrible. I can't even bring myself to bother writing a proper review as there's nothing but garbage to work with here.

If you are looking for a beautifully written 1800's historical novel that's legitimate, try A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians by H. G. Parry--truly witty, wonderful historical fantasy by an author who actually has a clue about the time period she's writing about.

I'm fairly certain Lanthan's hero is Danielle Steel. 🤣

[deborah fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and fascinating reading

These series of books by Sharon Lathan follow on so effectively the start that Jane Austen made in the original story, that the two authors seem to be linked in some way. It all makes perfect sense and satisfying reading. I would highly recommend the series to all lovers of Pride and Prejudice.

[Pet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, I really enjoyed this courtship book, loved seeing ODC fall deeper and deeper into love, really enjoyed the simmering need and burning passion that flowed and grew between them. I love how they are as a couple, even as they learn more of each other’s good and bad points. It’s an exciting book I highly recommend.

[Caryl Smoley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, my heart always goes at a faster beat when reading about Darcy

& Elisabeth. Can't wait to read book 2. Miss Lathan never disappoints me! I've read almost all of her books and wish every time that I was Elisabeth. Thank you!

[Tya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm not in the mood for a regency retelling or if this book is boring. It was an absolute slog to get through. If the sequel is this difficult I'm dropping it! It has better reviews than this one so here's hoping.

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entire series reviewed here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lovely

A wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Sharon Lathan. Thoroughly enjoyed this work that tells of their betrothal

[Tully Books_Translations · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a sweet book, but I liked more the main series.

[Rita Bank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book.

I loved Price and Prejudice. I was not sure how this would compare, but it was very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this.

[CL Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a delight. I’ve been in a P&P mood lately so finding this series was like finding a rare gem. I can’t wait to read the rest.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to like this one and thought the start was promising. I felt the plot lacking and the characters become fairly one-dimensional as the book progressed. Honestly, by the end I felt it was one step away from a kind of trashy romance novel. The ending seemed abrupt and unsatisfying.

[Jess Swann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pfff que dire ? Que j'ai du mal à comprendre pourquoi tous les auteurs s'entêtent à faire de Lizzy et Darcy des bêtes assoiffées de sexe, qui, une fois fiancés , ne pensent plus qu'à une seule chose ? Que je ne comprends pas pourquoi la sacrosainte réserve de Darcy finit toujours par s'envoler en deux coups de cuillère à pot dès qu'il obtient l'amour de Lizzy ? Que je ne sais pas pourquoi la timide Georgiana devient une jeune fille hyper "expansive" (comprendre que d'entrée de jeu, elle se met à entretenir une correspondance échevelée avec sa future belle-soeur qu'elle n'a rencontré que deux fois dans sa vie) ? Pourquoi Caroline Bingley termine toujours comme une hystérique sans coeur (bah non, elle n'aime pas réellement Darcy, alors que j'ai envie de dire, pourquoi ne pourrait elle pas avoir un crush ?) qui finit par adopter un comportement vulgaire et inapproprié ? Pourquoi cette pauvre Anne De Bourgh est invariablement une gentille fille pas si malade que ça et sanctifie le mariage de Darcy ? Pourquoi Lizzy doute-t-elle systématiquement de l'amour de Darcy dès lors qu'il ne lui roule pas des pelles toutes les 5 secondes ( en lien avec ma première question : j'admets que dans cette version il tente plus ou moins de contrôler ses instincts bestiaux ) ?

Pour rentrer dans le détail de l'histoire : en gros le scénario c'est : Lizzy et Darcy sont fiancés. Ils se veulent, ils s'embrassent tout le temps et passent un temps infini tous seuls (que c'est approprié...) : tout le monde le voit mais personne ne les rappelle à la convenance. Mais ils doutent aussi "ohhhh il m'a pas embrassée aujourd'hui !" " pense-t-elle à moi, cette magnifique splendide jeune femme ?", "ohhh on se taquine" (parce que le seul élément de la personnalité de Lizzy est sa tendance à critiquer, gentiment of course, preuve de son esprit supérieur) et puis "ohhh je vais refaire tout Pemberley pour que ma femme se sente bien parce que je l'aime trop et que je suis trop riche" Et de l'autre côté " je vais devoir gérer une immense propriété mais j'y arriverais parce que finalement, mon naturel de fille de la campagne me sert et pis j'ai passé plein de temps à aider papa). Et cerise sur le gâteau, la promotion limite outrageuse de l'auteur pour son personnage sans doute fétiche du Dr Darcy : ouhhhh qu'il est intriguant, ouhhhh qu'il est mystérieux, ouhhhh que je veux en savoir plus sur ce personnage ! Ah bah non en fait, je m'en tape... Et... bon ok, j'arrête là...


Ce que j'aime : J'ai envie de dire Mr Bennet, il est laxiste (un peu trop) mais au final, c'est le personnage qui se ressemble le plus. Tout comme Collins et Charlotte


Ce que j'aime moins : tout le reste, surtout le non respect des personnages qui perdent toute leur verve et leur piquant pour se transformer en loques émotives


En bref : Une nouvelle fanfic sur Lizzy et Darcy qui ne me convainc pas plus que les autres et qui ne présente aucun intérêt. Bien, bien en dessous de l'original


Ma note


3,5/10

[Jamille Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Sharon Lathan writing. I've read her previous books and have fallen in love with them as well. The story telling is superb. I had a hard time putting it down to do homework. I'm going to have a hard time waiting for the summer release of the sequel.

I felt connected to these characters and each ones personality shone through the pages. I laughed and cried and became all the more anxious for them to be married. Luckily I own the other books so I can console myself until summer. This book has helped me forget about my reality and sink my teeth into a world that I wished I lived in; where life was somewhat more simple. I have always thought that I was born in the wrong time period and this book confirms my suspicions.

I would definitely read this if you get the chance and you love Pride and Prejudice fan fiction. It is well written and you will fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth all the more.