Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future

Darcy Saga Prequel Duo #2

by Sharon Lathan

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 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 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.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Ebooks

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2017

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

[Hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread in July 2020 and had pretty much the same feelings as the first time around.

Review after reading for the first time...

Another of Sharon Lathan books I've loved. I've always wanted to see Darcy and Elizabeth's post-engagement period in more depth and I finally got my wish. This isn't for people who want some (or indeed any) drama in their reading experience but if you want a sweet story about them experiencing those first few weeks of their relationship pre-marriage then this is the duology for you. Although technically the next book I am due to read in the Darcy Saga (the authors series that follows the Darcy's after marriage) is book four In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, this book has made me nostalgic to re-read book one Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One again for the third time. Guess I better dig my copy out...


***************************
Pre reading

So I've waited years for this sequel to Darcy & Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship to come out only to realise the other day that I took my eye off the ball and so completely missed the release date and it has been out for nearly a year now. So that's embarrassing. Still it's a perfect excuse to re-read book one before moving on to this.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good
Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2019
I loved this second book, but after waiting through two books to get to the wedding, there is still no honeymoon. Oh well. I do adore the dialogue, which is extremely well done. You truly feel the emotions and love of ODC. I even cried at the wedding. My only criticism is some points of grammar. If the author could master this, she would be exceptional in my view.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 starsDarcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future.....A Great and Loving Romance.......
Bymaryannon August 12, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
There were so many wonderful things that were great in this novel. It was very well written and enjoyable to the very end. The love between Darcy and Elizabeth really shined in this novel. They both learned to communicate to each other openly and naturally Darcy had Elizabeth blushing many times. It was great to see Darcy let go of the prudish and haughty social personality become more of a jovial nature. Naturally, Elizabeth was a teasing self.
It was great that Mrs. Gardiner explained to Elizabeth and Jane what would happen on their wedding night because for sure, Mrs. Bennet would scare them out of their wits. I love the fact that Kitty would tease them about being up all night without sleep and that brought some humor into the plot. Elizabeth feared that she wouldn't be able to please darcy but he explained that he was not active in sexual experiences and was in the same boat as her and that made her feel much better.
I always love Colonel Fitzwilliam's part in amy novel as he always is an strong supporter for Darcy. Plus he brings some humor to the plot and this was well written.
Lady Catherine had a hand in creating some havoc as usual but we have to have that with either her, Caroline Bingley or Wickham. However, the author did a great job with it getting hushed up by her writing of the Matlocks involvement.
I did so enjoy Darcy's trip shopping for gifts for Elizabeth and the items purchased. It brought some humor back into the novel.
The romance grew for both couples as the plot continued and it was very well written to prove that this was happening.
I highly recommend this series to anyone that would love to read a great romance between two of Jane Austen's beloved couples.

[Vee Stojcevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply Romantic & Passionate

I love all of Sharon's beautifully written novels. This one was a long time coming but no less brilliant than the rest of her novels. In this wonderfully told prequel Sharon fills in all the missing pieces leading up to Darcy & Elizabeth's glorious wedding day. Sharon's writing always has me highly anticipating every next line. We get to see Darcy and Elizabeth match wits. They are both highly intelligent and very passionate. My favourite part of Sharon's writing is how she lets us see soul deep into the feelings of her characters. Darcy is commanding as Master of Pemberley but also deeply passionate about his Elizabeth, which I adore. There aren't enough words to explain how much I love the two prequels and Darcy Saga all written with such emotion. Congratulations Sharon on another brilliant novel. Please write more. Highly recommended!

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!

The queen of romance and passion has written a lovely second volume of their betrothal period and wedding.

Lady Catherine is readying her society friends for battle.
Lord and Lady Matlock wants to be introduced.
Their fighting jealousy and increasing passion.
Business separates them.
Mrs Bennet voices her opinions.
In between there are lovely, tender, romantic and passionate interludes.

Heartily recommend!

[Nikel27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally the waiting is over and the story goes on with our favorite couple till the wedding

[Jamille Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

LENGTHY EXPLANATION AHEAD:

I was a senior in high school when I first came across Sharon Lathan's Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy in 2010. My mom got it for me for my birthday but she had to give it to me early because I couldn't put the book down. I have since read all of Lathan's novels several times and love each one of them. I was so excited back in 2014 when the Season of Courtship came out and then I waited on baited breath to read Hope for the Future. I quickly learned that I had to breathe because it was coming as fast as I would have liked. I practically stalked Lathan's website and Facebook page for any news of this book. When news finally did come I was overjoyed.

Once again I bought this book for my birthday but I waited to read it because I decided to start the series over again this time starting with Jane Austen's masterpiece that has brought all of us joy for many years. All I can say is WOW! This was everything I was hoping for and more. Well worth the wait I had to endure before I could read it.

Lathan is skilled at creating and understanding characters. The imagery she uses to describe the regency period along with using the same style and verbiage that was common when Ms. Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice is astounding. Even I, as a writer, am amazed. What I loved best was how she used this season of courtship to show how much in love these characters are and in effect how much we're in love with them because every touch or kiss had me wanting more.

Extremely well written and I'm excited to continue the series over and over and over again.

[Lisa Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Lathan tells a tight tale of Lady Catherine's plans to split up Darcy and Elizabeth. This is book 2 of the prequel to the Darcy Saga, which the author did for Sourcebooks. I appreciate the care with which Ms. Lathan presents the tale: the perfect balance of historical facts and fiction.
What keeps it from being a 4 instead of a 5, for me, is the overuse of split infinitives: to immediately place, to clinically line up, to grudgingly admit, to safely deliver, to smoothly interrupt, to properly honor, to thoroughly go, to slowly scan, etc.
There were words that were too modern, for example, "clinically" (mentioned above) did not see usage until after 1850. "Automatically" was also not used until there was "automation," meaning around 1850. "Diapers" is a North American word. "Diapers" in England would have been a linen or cotton fabric woven in a repeating pattern of small diamonds or a repeating geometric or floral pattern used to decorate a surface. Why is the eldest son of the Earl of Matlock, referred to as "Mr. Fitzwilliam"? The earl's eldest son would like receive a courtesy title of a viscount. He would be "Lord Fitzwilliam" or he could have another name, one associated with a minor title of the peerage. For example, he might have assumed the above-mentioned viscountcy and be known as "Lord (name of a minor estate or previous ancestor)." Colonel Fitzwilliam would be known as "The Honourable (first name) (last name).
In chapter 9, Elizabeth says the wedding is a week away. In chapter 10, Darcy says they have 10 days to the wedding. Part of chapter 12 switches to Caroline Bingley's point of view.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Darcy Sage Prequel, Book Two.
As their two month engagement inches towards their marriages, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth
Bennet and Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley are settle into all the necessary preparations. Darcy’s cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam informs him of the nasty gossip being spread by their Aunt Catherine’s minions to try to prevent Darcy’s marriage to Lizzie instead of her daughter Anne. The Bennet brides and father are in London to buy wedding gowns and trousseaus, Darcy is settling affairs with his attorneys so that he will be free to have an extended honeymoon with Elizabeth at Pemberley. As both couples seeking out private moments with their future spouses, emotions run high, especially between Darcy and Lizzie as the discover assign that is difficult to contain. Fortunately beloved Aunt Gardiner provides much needed information to the girls to aid in loving marriages such as she shares with Mr. Gardiner. Nov. 28, 1816 cannot come fast enough!
While rising passions are intimated, kissing is all our lovers indulge in before their marriages, but steam is definitely rising.

[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...

[Abi Mallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy romance following Darcy and Elizabeth in the lead up to their wedding, navigating society and both of their families.
In terms of plot nothing major really happens aside from some mild drama with Lady Catherine trying to break apart the union. However, it's such a comforting read being able to spend time with two characters we love as they nurture their relationship, learning about each other.
The author has a good feel of the time period, the world and the characters. I look forward to more

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engagement and some

This was the retrospect of the engagement of Darcy and Elizabeth. Mainly focused on the feelings between the two, but also with how they dealt with other people. I truly enjoyed the descriptions with in the story. This author truly gives her readers enough to use their imagination to the fullest. Recommended for all ages and highly recommended to read.

[Rachael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Whole sections of this book and its predecessor are taken from the previously published Darcy and Elizabeth series. I honestly feel scammed after having paid for them.
I guess I should have gotten my first clue about quality from the author saying she has only seen the 2005 movie and not read the book or even watched the BBC miniseries.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book for years, and it just didnt live up to the first part of the prequel. I often found myself skipping over large sections of unnecessary descriptions. I think it would have been better served by some strong editing.

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

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

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

skim skim skim

[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 second half of the series

[Rajiv Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice fluffy romance

This is in a sequel of books and it covers the time during the engagement till the wedding. Not much angst, just some R rated fun.

[scooter blenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but both prequels really should have been one book, it was a bit drawn out.

[Pet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read, every page is filled with heart felt emotion and lots of historical descriptions of London and the times ODC lived in. Can’t wait to read more.

[Lizzie Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al igual que el anterior, me gustó muchísimo, y trata de las últimas semanas de compromiso antes de la boda, con los preparativos, las idas y vueltas a Londres, Elizabeth conociendo parte de la familia de Darcy, etc...

Realmente siento que son Elizabeth y Darcy mientras se van descubriendo y aprendiendo más el uno sobre el otro antes del casamiento. Me gusta mucho cómo la autora describe sus miradas, sus pensamientos y la pasión creciente y desbordada que sienten pero que deben resguardar hasta que estén "oficialmente casados".

Si hay una crítica que tengo para este libro es que en dos ocasiones la autora parece plantear conflictos grandes que se avecinan para E y D... y luego es algo muy pequeño que se resuelve con un diálogo de dos páginas entre los protagonistas :P
No tengo nada contra de los diálogos ya que están muy bien tratados y son claves para el desarrollo de ambos, pero esperaba un poco más de complejidad en esos conflictos por el tono que les da, en los que hasta introdujo nuevos personajes que luego no aparecen más.

De todas maneras, voy sin dudar a por el siguiente :) ...

EDIT: Major blow! Acabo de darme cuenta que el siguiente libro de la saga lo leí hace 7 años y, según mi propia review, no me gustó, jajaja. Quizás tenga que ver con que la autora desarrolló su narrativa en este tiempo, porque la verdad los dos libros precuela sí me gustaron mucho, y son los más recientes :)

[Trisha Morriston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must by Ms. Lathan

Another beautiful written book by Ms. Lathan. Gives a look into the relationship between Liszt and Fitzwilliam Darcy. A must have and read for fans of Sharon Lathan