Darcy and Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship (Darcy Saga Prequel Duo) Paperback – March 6, 2014

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 starsI 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.

I am a huge and long time fan of Sharon's novels. I always get excited when Sharon releases a new book because I know that it will be delightful and this one is no exception. Sharon breathes life into my favourite characters of all time Darcy and Elizabeth.From the moment the book starts I am transported into their world. There are so many stand out moments throughout. Just a few examples of my favourite parts are; the absolute mayhem Lady Catherine causes when she arrives to accost Darcy; 'Elizabeth Bennet loves me' such a simple statement but so wonderfully effective in its use! It is sweet humbling heartwarming and utterly romantic. Sharon's placement of this line is perfection. Feeling the giddiness along with Darcy, makes me smile every time I read it. (You'll know what I mean when you read the book;)Reading through Darcy's thoughts brings on a feeling of apprehension as though I don't know the outcome and feeling all of his anxiety even though I have known the outcome of their relationship for a very long time. A brilliant play on emotions and Sharon's delivery is pure brilliance. That's why I am so attached to her characters, Sharon gives them heart and soul.Caroline is pitiable but hilarious all at the same time! Thank goodness she will never get her claws into Darcy!I love the revelation of Darcy's passionate nature. He oozes masculinity, riding Parsifal is just one example. But there are so many to look forward too!Anne's letter of congratulations was very emotional and had me teary. The passion, the joy, the anxiety and the humour are combined to make a very entertaining read.I highly recommend this wonderful first part of Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship. If you love Sharon's books, Pride and Prejudice, Darcy and Elizabeth, or beautiful romance, you will love his book! I can't wait until part two!

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

Not remotely up to Jane Austen standard, but fun nonetheless if you are already an Austen fan. Persistent grammatical errors are an impediment to full enjoyment.

For someone who discovered Pride and Prejudice later in life (Sharon), fell in love with it and then embarked on this wonderful journey to bring more to it, I want to say that Sharon is doing an outstanding job. I'm an old P&P fan of Jane Austin's and I would always come to the book (read many times) and wish there were more. "How did the wedding go?" "What would it be like to become Mrs Darcy?" I must say that Sharon's book surprised me on the shelf of Target one day. I didn't know anyone had ever done this, so I hadn't even thought of checking the idea out. After buying and reading her first book, then seeing she was on Facebook, where I got to "meet" her, I was sold. Since this time I have met Sharon in person and can say she truly loves her characters. This new one "A Season of Courtship" goes back and answers some of the questions I always had as well as bringing all the emotions of these classic characters to life. I'm just sad that I have to wait for Book II! Take a walk back in time, become Lizzy Bennett, fall in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy... I dare you!

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.

Sharon Lathan obviously has not researched this subject very well,reading previous reviews, after I bought the book, it became clear to me that her only research was a film! The least she could have done was to read Pride and Prejudice before she set off on this book! The inaccurate description of the look backs to the original book, are astounding. Also she does not know England; Blue Jays, chipmunks, Main Street and Jams??? What is that all about?A very disappointing book, and to think there are others! Don't waste your money if you are an Austen fan, find other writers who have a correct insight into Pride & Prejudice!!

Easy reading pleasant story

If you are looking for asexual Jane Austen's P&P continuation - do not touch upon that book. Otherwise you can find quite pleasurable reading . Except for a little poor language sometimes.

I'm not a newbie to P&P sequels and because there is so much rubbish around, I made a habit of first reading the reviews on amazon. Those here have been misleading. The language is NOT Austen at all, just because you use a queer sentence structure and forgotten words doesn't mean it's Austen. Never mind that Sharon Lathan has Elizabeht and Jane eating cookies instead of bisquits. That just shows that she doesn't pay attention to detail.This is especially true when it comes to topics that would have been absolutely prohibited from polite conversation at that time. When talking to Mr Darcy after the engagement, Mr Bennet makes a saucy remark about Darcy wanting Elizabeth in his bedroom. I'm not a prude, but this is inconceivable firstly in relation to the characters that Jane Austen depicted and secondly in view of the time the story is set in. I don't mind the parts when Darcy fantasizes about making out with Lizzy, I just think that TALKING about it doesn't work.And the characters don't fit the bill, either. Elizabeth is either giggling or purposely argueing and worst of all can she be really uncivil (for example when talking to Mr Collins). That could never ever have happened! Jane Austen makes a point of showing Elizabeth as genteel and refined. This Lizzy really is pert and lacks manners.I gave two stars because the book itself is fun to read - Sharon Lathan has got some nice ideas about aspects of the original story (for example that Miss DeBurgh is in fact a nice person) - but don't claim it comes close to the real thing. Because it doesn't