Launch of "Loving Mr. Darcy"

Greeting visitors of the Awaiting Diana Books Blog! Sharon Lathan here, with a formal invitation! I, as you all probably know, am the author of The Darcy Saga - a sequel to Pride &Prejudice. My second novel in the series will be officially released in 3 DAYS!!

Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley continues on where the first novel – Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One – ended. And, in just 4 months the third book in the series will be out. What a year this has been! My head is spinning and I can’t quite wrap my mind around the fact that I am now a multi-published author. Surreal.

I am very excited about this book and where I have taken the Darcys. It is a larger novel than the first, both in page number and content. The Darcys travel all over England, socialize with dozens of friends, deal with trials, and explore historical places, all while growing deeper in their love and anticipating the birth of their first child.

Look for both novels at major bookstores and online sellers. It will be in Target (along with my first novel that is still there) in October. Naturally you can click over to my website to learn more of the specifics, read excerpts and reviews, find links to purchasing places, and mark the dates for my virtual book tour stops: The Darcy Saga

I also want to invite everyone to participate in my Loving Mr. Darcy Launch Fete! For 3 fun-filled days I will be hosting group discussions, posting quizzes, and sharing excerpts. Fun is the key! And there will be a giveaway of two signing copies of my new book. August 30 – September 1 at my website. Make a note and come on over.

In the weeks surrounding the September 1 release date I am hopping all over the web for interviews and guest blogs, almost all of which will be giving away copies of BOTH books! Check the posted dates at my site and follow me around.

Whew! So much happening! As I said, I am very proud of Loving Mr. Darcy. The reviews are gradually flowing in, but here are snippets of a few:

“In true Jane Austen style, this story is filled with period details and witty dialogue. The Regency comes alive again in LOVING MR. DARCY. Lizzy's birthday celebration, picnic festivities and endless vivid images of the time, bring enough elements of the setting to mind that when these characters speak, the reader can see and hear them. Georgiana, the Bingleys, and Elizabeth's sisters, as well as countless other familiar faces, appear again on these pages. They are true to character and act as an Austen fan would hope they would—or expect them to. All in all, LOVING MR. DARCY is a very pleasant read! Well done!” Romance Reader at Heart – a 4 rose read

“A refreshing and romantic continuation of a beloved novel! Mrs. Lathan not only tells us a story, she also educates us on a myriad of Regency era rituals, gadgets, and habits. It gives the reader a sort of a snapshot of Regency life and lends a very rich and color filled backdrop for the continuing story of Darcy and Elizabeth. Another fun, frolicking and romantic romp through Regency England with the delicious Mr. Darcy and his lovely and lively wife Elizabeth. A lovely peek inside a sweet, sensual (and hot!) marriage between two people who burn for one another and inspire one another.” Awaiting Diana

“If there is one thing that Sharon Lathan has written perfectly it the detailed descriptions of regency life. It is all described so beautifully, and adds a real depth to this love story. I must say there is a lot to love in this regency romance. Loving Mr. Darcy gives readers a look inside the marriage of Darcy and Lizzy. The hot, steamy love affair between two very passionate people. The attention to details will leave readers with a firm memory of Sharon Lathan’s talented writing, the characters -new and old- will leave you wanting more, and the everlasting love between Darcy and Lizzy will leave more than one reader swooning. For the fans of Jane Austen and the regency romances, Loving Mr. Darcy is well recommended.” A Bibliophile’s Bookshelf

“This is one of the most romantic take off on Pride and Prejudice that I have read. There are many takes on Lizzie and Darcy: some authors put them at odds with each other, or they’re made into amateur sleuths, or even power hungry and doormat couple, etc. While each one is enjoyable to read for its variations, Sharon Lathan’s take on the couple is my all-time favorite. It’s how I imagine Fitzwilliam Darcy to be with his shyness coming off as arrogant. He’s sweet and loving, sexy and insatiable, strong and kind. He’s everything that a dream man should be. Lizzy is wonderful in this story also. She hasn’t lost her witticisms. I was afraid that the book would be overly sweet, but Ms. Lathan did a superlative job of making this couple very much in-love without making the book ridiculous. Sometimes, I can’t help but squeal in delight at the antics of this Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. I love it. I bet you’re going to love it, too. It’s a Pride and Prejudice version that cannot be missed.” This Book For Free

"This story also includes more of the Bingley's which I loved, especially some of the realizations Carolyn Bingley comes to, that was wickedly enjoyable. But the Darcy's also encourage the Bingley's in a way that enhances their own marriage. You'll enjoy appearances from many of the characters you loved (and loved to hate) from the original novel. This story touches a part of me, deep down in my soul, it captures the essence of romantic and eternal love and I think anyone who reads it will feel richly blessed by the story. People need to feel good, if you need a little romance or need some hope that true love it out there, then read this series. If you are like me and love Pride and Prejudice sequels then this series should be on the top of your list - trust me!” 5 Crowns at Royal Reviews

Thanks again to Jen and Karollyn, who have been so amazingly supportive of me all these years. And I do hope all of you will join in the fun!

Mr. Darcy - Vampyre

Right out of the gate, I want to again proclaim my 'non-affection' for vampire stories. I know vampires are the new pirates, but I am just not that into them. I could never, ever read a book with full vampire gore in it. It just won't do for me.

So, when I saw this book was going to be released, I sighed. I couldn't possibly imagine what the author could do to make this an enjoyable book if she was going to turn Darcy into a blood sucking vampire. I am pleased to report that I was wrong. Amanda Grange has done a very good job of turning Darcy into a vampire - and she retained the essence of Mr. Darcy while doing it. Good on ya, Ms. Grange!

This book begins on Elizabeth Bennet's wedding day. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are married in a double ceremony and at the very last second, Mr. Darcy changes his mind about their honeymoon. Instead of heading to the Lake District as planned, they board a ship bound for France and Darcy starts acting very odd - including not coming to Elizabeth on their wedding night.

I won't go into the details further as I don't want to spoil the story for any of you. I have a couple of little gripes about this book though. First of all, Darcy can apparently turn himself into a bat - which, to me, is a bit cheesy. Okay, so it's totally different from some other very prominent literary vampires, but still.... Darcy also sparkles in the sunlight. Not sure what to make of that other than I find the prospect of a sparkling and shimmering Darcy quite sexy and have no idea why. Must be those 'other vampires' in my head, eh?

My other gripe is that it is a shame the publishers and/or author chose to put the word 'vampyre' in the title of this book. It would have been so much better to keep the reader wondering what the heck Darcy was hiding. I realize it likely has to do with marketing, but still...a bit of a let down. Even though I knew what the big secret was, the character of Elizabeth had no idea throughout the whole novel and that kept me turning the page.

From Amazon:

Amanda Grange, bestselling author of Mr. Darcy's Diary, gives us something completely new—a delightfully thrilling, paranormal Pride and Prejudice sequel, full of danger, darkness and deep romantic love…

Amanda Grange's style and wit bring readers back to Jane Austen's timeless storytelling, but always from a very unique and unusual perspective, and now Grange is back with an exciting and completely new take on Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre starts where Pride and Prejudice ends and introduces a dark family curse so perfectly that the result is a delightfully thrilling, spine-chilling, breathtaking read. A dark, poignant and visionary continuation of Austen's beloved story, this tale is full of danger, darkness and immortal love.

Jen's rating: 8 of 10 stars....I wish the title hadn't given away the plot and I wish that things were ramped up a bit in the romance department - however, this is a very well written book with a lot of dark (but not too dark) suspense that is a VERY enjoyable read. Check out Ms. Grange's website for the very interesting UK cover of this book as well as more information about Ms. Grange's other books.

**Coming in December 2009, another 'Darcy is a vampire' novel by Regina Jeffers, author of Darcy's Dreams**

Tuesday Teaser

With thanks to Should Be Reading for hosting this really fun weekly event. Here is how to participate:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

This week's teaser comes from Sharon Lathan's soon to be released Loving Mr. Darcy - the second installment in her Darcy Saga series.

All eyes snapped to the towering gentleman blocking the sunlight from his casual dominance on the threshold. It was Georgiana who first speared the oppressive silence with a squeal as she rushed into the arms of the lanky intruder, declaring with confindent delight that it was Uncle George.

"Unhand me woman!" Dr. Darcy mockingly commanded with a wink to a broadly smiling Darcy. It is not proper for a woman of breeding to embrace a strange man!"

Quote taken from Loving Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan p. 209 (c) 2009 by Sourcebooks Landmark - All Rights Reserved. Loving Mr. Darcy will be released to your local book retailer, including Target Stores, on September 1, 2009. For more information about Sharon and her books, please visit her website: darcysaga.net

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Loving Mr. Darcy by Sharon Lathan

On September 1, 2009, the second installment of Sharon Lathan's Darcy Saga series will be released. Once again, we get to have a peek into the marriage of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his bride, Elizabeth.

One of the strengths of these books is the very deep and emotional bond that Darcy and Elizabeth share. That never changes in these books. There is never any doubt and there *still* aren't any weird plot twists, time travel, illicit affairs etc. that we sometimes get in other Pride and Prejudice 'spin offs'. A refreshing and romantic continuation of a beloved novel!

Another strength of this particular author's continuation is the careful and tireless historical detail contained in this series. Mrs. Lathan not only tells us a story, she also educates us on a myriad of Regency era rituals, gadgets, and habits. It gives the reader a sort of a snapshot of Regency life and lends a very rich and color filled backdrop for the continuing story of Darcy and Elizabeth.

The very best part of Loving Mr. Darcy, for me, was the introduction of several very colorful and highly entertaining secondary characters - none of which are a love interest for Darcy (imagine that!). My very favorite is Dr. George Darcy who is an eccentric and highly irregular member of the Darcy family. I instantly fell for Dr. Darcy and his humor, wit and verve.

From Amazon and Romance Reader At Heart:

Beyond Pride and Prejudice…Beyond 'I Do'…

Darcy and Lizzy venture away from Pemberley to journey through England, finding friends, relatives, fun, love, and an even deeper and more sacred bond along the way.

Having embarked on the greatest adventure of all, marriage and the start of a new life together, now the Darcys take the reader on a journey through a time of prosperity, enjoyment, and security. They experience all the adventures of travel, with friends and relatives providing both companionship and complications, and with fun as their focus.

The sights and sounds, tastes and flavors of Regency England come alive. Through it all, Darcy and Lizzy continue to build a marriage filled with romance, sensuality, and the beauty of a deep, abiding love.

Jen's rating: 9 of 10 stars: Another fun, frolicking and romantic romp through Regency England with the delicious Mr. Darcy and his lovely and lively wife Elizabeth. A lovely peek inside a sweet, sensual (and hot!) marriage between two people who burn for one another and inspire one another.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

First of all, I want to say that I avoided reading this book for a very long time, but I am so addicted to Pride and Prejudice - in every single way I can get it - that I finally relented and purchased this book.

It lay on the coffee table for at least a week before I took it up in earnest. My husband was shocked when he saw the cover because zombies and the like are not my thing at all - and, just for the record, neither are vampires....more about that later. *ahem*

First of all, I found myself laughing at this book. It was also, very obviously, written by a guy. It has snippets from the Guy Manuel all over it. Honestly, you would think that would ruin if for a girl, but it didn't. It was a fun read....gross, but fun.....and rather hilarious in parts. The notion of Elizabeth Bennet being a trained ninja is ridiclous, but SO funny at the same time. Elizabeth is also no someone to mess with in this book. She would just as soon kill you as look at you at times. Upon meeting Mr. Darcy, she wants to slit his throat and do other horrible and shocking things....which could be interpreted for just what they are on the surface - or as sexual double entendre. It's up to the reader to decide. Very clever in that regard.

The purist Janeites are not going to like this book one iota - so if you aren't prepared to read with an open mind, take a pass. Most of the text is Miss Austen's original writing, but the 'subplot' of unmentionables wandering the countryside is just the tip of the iceberg of a myriad things that purists will hate about this rendition of a most beloved novel.

Plus, there are illustrations! The book is totally worth buying for the handful of illustrations in it alone! Basically, the following synopsis from Amazon says it all:

From Amazon:

It’s difficult to tell if critics’ reactions to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies should be characterized as praise or astonishment. Some reviewers treated the book as a delightful gimmick. Others found that, beneath the surface, the book actually constituted an interesting way of looking at Austen’s novel. Zombies answer certain puzzling questions: Why were those troops stationed near Hertfordshire? Why did Charlotte Lucas actually marry Mr. Collins? (She had recently been bitten by zombies and wanted a husband who could be counted on to behead her—of course!) But critics also pointed out that this parody shows that Austen’s novel has remained so powerful over time that even the undead can’t spoil it.

Copyright 2009 Bookmarks Publishing LLC

Jen's rating: 7 out of 10 stars. A totally fresh take on Pride and Prejudice that your boyfriend would love to see on the big screen....and I daresay Miss Austen herself would enjoy it too!

Tuesday Teaser

With thanks to Should Be Reading for hosting this really fun weekly event. Here is how to participate:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

She was held by some great power, suspended in a moment of exquisite anticipation, poised between safety and danger, the known and the unknown, the natural and the supernatural.

'Darcy!' she breathed.

....and with a sudden roar of frustration he let her go, wrenching himself savagely away from her, her face livid with emotion, and walking to the other side of the room where he stood with his back to her so that she could not see his face.

~Quote taken from Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (c)2009 by Sourcebooks - all rights reserved.

Lost In Austen

I am so sorry for not being around lately. I have been looking for a new job and it is proving to be unsuccessful and a bit frustrating.

I am not going to be negative about this, I will continue to search, and soon something will come up and I will be joyful and thankful for it.

This month, I am on a Jane Austen kick.

I have been reading a lot of sequels and re-writes of her novels. I think many of them are wonderful and interesting to read.

I saw Lost In Austen this past week or so and have become quite taken with the show.

It is about a young woman who's life isn't what she wants it to be and so she looses herself in Pride And Prejudice...

She finds Elizabeth Bennet in her bathroom and from there, the young woman, Amanda Price, ends up in Austen's book herself.

What ensues from that point on is a delightful misadventure and an accidental re-write of the original novel...

Oh, and a very delicious version of Mr. Darcy in Elliot Cowan...and this from a Colin Firth's Version of Mr. Darcy fan too!!! Oh, and for those who WANT to make a connection to the second Mr. Darcy favorite, Matthew MacFadyen, he starred in a movie with him called "Little Dorrit.

Here is the Amazon.com description:

"Amanda Price is sick of the modern world. She yearns for the romance and elegance found in the books by her favorite author, Jane Austen. But she's about to get a rude awakening as one fateful evening, she is propelled into the scheming 19th century world of Pride and Prejudice while that book's Elizabeth Bennet is hurled into hers. As the book's familiar plot unfolds, Amanda triggers new romantic twists and turns within the Bennet family circle as she clumsily tries to help the sisters nab husbands and even captivates the tantalizing Mr. Darcy herself. But what about Elizabeth...and what will become of one of the world's greatest love stories?"
~Amazon.com