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My Dearest Mr. Darcy Launch Party!

Yes indeed! The third novel in my Darcy Saga series published by Sourcebooks is now available! Whoo Hoo!! This makes 3 releases in 10 months – talk about crazy! But Oh So Much Fun! And all along I have been able to share the joy with my fellow CasaBabes and our loyal fans. What a tremendous honor.

My author’s copies arrived and the shouts of joy were surely heard several houses away. Here I am holding my newest baby.

Ah, how sweet! Truly, there is nothing quite like seeing the completely finished product for the first time. I love this photo of all three of them together. Absolutely stunning!


My Dearest Mr. Darcy follows immediately in line with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Loving Mr. Darcy. These three books leisurely cover one year of marriage for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” The novels are meant to be read in sequence, as a series, so no matter how intriguing this one may sound to you, I urge you to read the first one instead. The third installment covers roughly four months as the Darcys take a trip to the seacoast with a ton of adventures occurring, visit with friends, settle back into Pemberley for the autumn months, and prepare for the birth of their first child. This momentous event happens in vivid detail before the novel ends, the final pages spent with the new family as they prepare for their second Christmas together.

From the back cover—
Darcy is more deeply in love with his wife than ever. As the golden summer draws to a close and the Darcys look ahead to the end of their first year of marriage, Mr. Darcy could never have imagined his love could grow even deeper with the passage of time.

Lizzy is full of surprises. She is unpredictable and lively, pulling Darcy out of his stern and serious demeanor with her teasing and temptation. Looking ahead and planning for celebrations and life events large and small, Lizzy can still catch Darcy unawares when he least expects it.

But surprising events force the Darcys to weather absence and illness, and to discover whether they can find a way to build a bond of everlasting love and desire.

Reviews are trickling in, all excellent so far. Over at my website – Sharon Lathan’s Darcy Saga – I have a Launch Fete going on with games and discussion. Very fun! Tomorrow my virtual blog tour commences in earnest. Whew! What an exciting time! Details can be found at my website.

For my party here with the CasaBabes and our faithful readers, I have a special treat. First, I will be giving away one signed copy of My Dearest Mr. Darcy! Just leave a comment and your name will be entered into the hat (US residents only for the contest, I am afraid). Secondly, I have written a whimsical interview with the Darcys. Completely lighthearted and silly, as this would never happen in real Regency life, but there are nice hints of what is hidden between those gorgeous covers. Enjoy!

An Interview with the Darcys

The young, bespectacled lady bobbed a proper curtsy to the impeccably attired butler, her voice quavering slightly as she introduced herself, “Miss Austen of the Derby Chronicle. I have an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.”

Mr. Travers inclined his head. “Indeed. They are expecting you, Miss Austen. Follow me.”

He led the way across the enormous, two-storey vaulted foyer and ascended the marble, plushly carpeted staircase at a stately pace. She followed, managing to keep her head from whipping side-to-side but unsuccessful with her eyes. They constantly swiveled in a vain attempt to canvas the wealth of wonders lining the ornate walls. Yet even their curiosity ceased upon entering the parlor where Mr. Darcy stood waiting.

The rumors did not do him justice and it required every ounce of her professionalism to prevent her mouth dropping open as he crossed the room with the grace and power of a stalking lion. Or a bear, her mind amended, as the height and breadth of his body assaulted her senses when he drew close enough to incline his head in respect.

“Miss Austen,” he greeted. His resonant baritone befitted his masculine physique, but was velvety and warmed further by the soft smile he gave her. “Welcome to Pemberley. Mrs. Darcy is otherwise engaged but will join us in a moment. Please refresh yourself. If I may be forgiven in boasting, my cook is a genius and her gooseberry tarts are the finest in all of England.”

Smoothly he guided her to a comfortable settee, a footman and maid already serving tea and tarts, while he sat onto a sofa across from the low, linen draped tea table. He crossed his long legs and folded his hands onto his lap, dominating the space even in his repose.

Miss Austen opened a case, removing the lap-sized secretaire and preparing to dip her quill into the inkwell when Mr. Darcy suddenly leaned forward, shattering her regained composure.

“This is an incredibly compact secretaire. How extraordinary! Inkwell and quill drawer integrated, a clip for the parchment sheets, and carved from weightless balsa. Now if you only used steel tips you would not need to stow accessories to keep your quills sharp.”

“So it is true what they say.” She flushed at his quizzically raised brow and intense, blue-eyed gaze. “That you are fascinated by unique inventions?”

He laughed, sitting back and re-crossing his legs. “Indeed. Too much so, perhaps. My wife teases that I shall one day lose all track of time while investigating how some bizarre instrument operates and perish from starvation. Of course, I haven’t missed a meal as yet, so doubt she has ought to worry about.”

“Aside from steel-tipped pens, what other marvels have captured your particular attention?”

He swept his hand toward a high ebony carved table near the window with a tall brass-tubed instrument sitting atop. “That is a kaleidoscope I purchased directly from Sir Brewster. One of his original designs, in fact. I have several miniature musical boxes, although two are in a hopeless state of disassembly, hence why Mrs. Darcy refuses to allow me to even touch her Recordon and Jundon cylinder music box.”

“Did you disassemble the kaleidoscope as well?”

“I comprehend how it works so am able to restrain myself. With an effort, mind you,” he added with a humorous lilt. “In all truth, I do not usually take items apart. Learning of them is sufficient the majority of the time. We live in an exciting age, Miss Austen. Marvels of ingenuity are springing upon us every day.”

“Such as?” She pushed her spectacles up her nose, scribbling furiously upon the paper page.

“Have you seen a hot-air balloon? No? It would be a thrilling event to report on, Miss Austen. I am sure your readers would be dazzled by your description. Mrs. Darcy and I were fortunate to witness a launch while vacationing in Great Yarmouth this past summer. It was incredible.”

His voice took on a dreamy quality that made Miss Austen smile.

“You must forgive my husband, Miss Austen. He tends to lose all regulation when faced with something fascinating or provocative. Contrary to popular opinion he is quite the daredevil, if I did not rein him in.”

Darcy rose with a broad grin. Miss Austen turned to the speaker, who was obviously Mrs. Darcy. She was a slim woman, fairly tall if still dwarfed by her spouse, with an impish face and teasing smile. Mrs. Darcy’s gay tone and sunny disposition were apparent and the reporter felt instantly at ease.

“Have you needed to rein him in frequently then, Mrs. Darcy?”

The Mistress of Pemberley laughed, laying one hand lightly onto Mr. Darcy’s forearm. “Oh my yes! Thankfully the balloon was well into the sky so leaping into the basket was not a possibility, but I nearly called in reinforcements to prevent him jumping onto the trick horses we had for the festival!” She glanced to her spouse, who was smiling but also pink-cheeked at her teasing. “See, he is not nearly as fierce as people presume. I apologize for not greeting, but I was putting the baby to sleep.”

“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, on the birth of your firstborn. I am pleased that all proceeded well.” All three resumed their seats, Mrs. Darcy sitting near her husband and expressing no outward signs of having recently gone through the ordeal of childbirth. In fact, she was radiant.

“Thank you, Miss Austen. Yes, life has been promising and joyous. We are thankful that difficulties have been few.”

“Aside from tumbles down ravines, duels, poachers, mill fires, murder at an inn, and attacks from bandits, you mean?”

Mr. Darcy scowled as a dark cloud passed over his handsome features.

Mrs. Darcy, on the other hand, laughed gaily with only a hint of a tremor. “Even the most blessed life is fraught with the occasional mishap. Fortunately we have weathered difficulties since the very beginning of our relationship, thus learning how to deal with the travails tossed in our path.”

“Really? Such as?” The reporter asked, quill poised over the paper and avidly listening.

“It is far too lengthy to recount here, I am afraid. Why, it is enough drama for a novel!”

“Hmmm, how interesting. Perhaps I should contact my cousin. She aspires to be a novelist.”

“Oh, I do not think….”

“A woman novelist?” Mrs. Darcy interrupted her husband, leaning forward. “How extraordinary. Does she write romantic stories with prideful crossed lovers and prejudiced attitudes?”

“Indeed! Her name is Jane Austen and I think your tale may be just what she is looking for.”

Comments

  1. It does sound like the Darcys have been busy since we last heard from them! Can't wait to read the latest installment.

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  2. I LOVE your book ends with your first 3 releases, Sharon!!! Lovely display! I've got to get some wolf book ends. LOL :) My Dearest Mr. Darcy sounds great!! I can't wait to read it! Have a very happy New Year! And good luck with all your guest blogs and signings!

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  3. Way to go, Sharon! Happy Launch Day! I know you'll sell a ton of them!

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  4. Morning all! Happy Sunday! This has been a terrific weekend, celebrating my newest release with fans all over. Now I am lucky enough to share it here!

    Thanks Mary Margret. Yes indeed, life keeps hopping the our young couple. I think it will be even busier now that they have a newborn! LOL

    Aren't those bookends great, Terry. Hubs bought them for me as a birthday gift. Perfect for my novels, I think. And you should definitely get wolf bookends!

    Thanks Cheryl. I hope I sell a ton too! That would be wild. ha! Glad to hear your signing went well. I am very nervous, but trying not to think of it too much.

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  5. Congrats on the latest release, have a great launch! tWarner419@aol.com

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  6. Congratulations on the third installment, Sharon! Looking forward to catching up with the Darcys.

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  7. Congratulations on your launch Sharon. The Darcys sound quite interesting. Can't wait to check them out.
    Best of luck on your book signing and blog tour. If you're looking for another place to blog, you're always welcome at Thoughts in Progress.

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  8. Hi tetewa! Thanks for the congrats. The release stuff has been fun so far. :)

    Thanks Marie! Now that you are devouring historicals like a pig in slop, mine will be a cinch to get through! LOL!

    Mason, Hi again and thanks! My Darcys are pretty interesting, I do have to say. And thanks again for the offer. I started an email to you but got wildly sidetracked and never finished it. I would love to set something up! I WILL email today!

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  9. WOOOO HOOOO! Break out that cyber-bubbly and let's PAR-TAY!!! Another book in the Darcy Saga merits a celebration!

    Cute interview, Sharon, and I agree with Terry. Those book-ends are DA BOMB! Your hubs has done it again. ;-)

    AC

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  10. Congratulations, Sharon!!!! I have to agree with Terry, I love how your books are displayed with those bookends.

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  11. Happy Launch Day, Sharon! May you have many, many sales! Happy New Year!

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  12. The interview with the Darcy's was great. So fun. I LOVE the books, Sharon. Keep writing!! A great launch day. One can see love through Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.

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  13. Finally getting back onto the computer. First church then lunch. Gotta have priorities, even on Launch Day!

    Hi Aunty! Yeah, Steve did good on the bookends! I had seen them at the B&N here in town several months back, but did not want to spend the cash (not cheap!). He remembered and secretly bought them when we were in Sacramento for the B&N book signing with you! I had no idea. They were a birthday gift. Isn't he great? :)

    Hi Renee. I know we have said it here many times, but it bears repeating: Sourcebooks makes some fabulous covers!

    Thanks Robin! Right back at ya, babe. And guess what I am reading now? THTH, since I am behind on my Kaye novels. Emily assures me I will LOVE it!

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  14. Thanks Margret! I had fun writing that interview, although it was a challenge for me to get "silly" with the Darcys since I take them and their life rather seriously. It was a nice departure, and good to stretch myself.

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  15. Cool! And congratulations! So neat to see all three books together.

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  16. Congratulations Sharon!!!! Three wonderful books for now. There will be many many more wonderful stories to come with your amazing talent! The covers look amazing too!
    Loucinda I have read two of your books and loved them!!! I can't wait to try out a few more of the books by other authors as well. Great work to all of you here at Casablanca Authors.
    TSBO devotee
    Vee

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  17. Thank you, Vee!
    I'm sooo happy you enjoyed my books. My third one, The Wild Irish Sea, will be out in July.

    We have some GREAT authors here at Casablanca, and I know you won't be disappointed in our books.

    AC

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  18. I can vouch for the fact that Vee has excellent taste in her reading material. :-) She is a huge fan of my work, after all. LOL! Thanks for stopping by, Vee. Love ya!

    Hi Sheila! Thanks! they do look so pretty together. I can't quit staring.

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  19. Am looking forward to this latest book!

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  20. Woo hoo! Congrats, Sharon! The 3 of them look so lovely between those bookends. Best part? YOUR name on them! :)

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  21. Hi Judi! Certainly seeing my name is one of the coolest things. I understand why some folks use pseudonyms, but I am glad I kept my read name. It feels more real, I think, to see the name that has been mine for over 23 years on a book. Man, no comparison!

    Thanks Estella! I do hope you love it.

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  22. Happy launch day Sharon and congrats on the release. I have heard lots of good things about your books they are on my must have list.

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  23. Congrats, Sharon!!

    What a great pic! LOL I know who took it! I love the line-up. Good things always come in threes!

    Good luck and have fun on your blog tour! :)

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  24. I loved your interview, Sharon! Congratulations on your release!

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  25. A very clever interview Sharon! Congrats on book 3!!!

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  26. Day #2 and the party rolls on! Whoo Hoo!!

    Hi Helen! My Launch days have been fabulous! What fun it is to share the joy with my amazing friends. I am glad to hear that you are reading good reports of my novels. I hope you agree when they reach to top of your TBR!

    Sarah! Mon ami! Mi amigo!! Thanks for stopping by! Yep, the hubster takes a fine photo. He glammed me up and with iPhoto enhancing I can look stunningly gorgeous. LOL! Thank the Maker for modern technology and makeup. :) I am having so much fun and can't wait to be on The Lovestruck Novice with you.

    Thanks Kathryne and Danielle. The interview was fun to do, once I got into silly-mode!

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  27. You're very welcome Loucinda. I can't wait to read your next one!
    Sharon you're such a riot, LOL. I do absolutely LOVE your Darcy Saga that goes without saying!!!! But I'll say it anyway. I LOVE your three glorious novels hehe!!! Luv ya!
    I am sure I'll enjoy reading many of these wonderful books on offer but your Casa sisters.
    Happy reading everyone
    TSBO devotee
    Vee

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  28. Oh Sharon! What a lovely "interview" with the Darcys.
    You certainly have a way with words. I enjoyed reading it immensely. I was smiling throughout the entire article.
    Nice little tidbits you interjected from their escapades together and apart. What a wonderful read!
    Happy Launch Fete!

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  29. The winner of a signed copy of My Dearest Mr. Darcy is Margaret. Congratulations, Margaret! Please email me via my website so I can obtain your mailing address. I am at: www.darcysaga.net

    I hope to hear from you soon!

    Sharon

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  30. I love this series so much! I almost didn't want my mother to borrow my book because there are so many parts of the books I like to keep handy so I can re-read it at will. But alas, my mother is a great fan also, so I got her her own copy.

    She loves the book, too.

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