Sandy M’s review of The Trouble with Mr. Darcy (Darcy Saga, Book 5) by Sharon Lathan
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Landmark 1 Apr 11

I know I commented in one of my early reviews of Sharon Lathan’s books in this series that something has to come along to make life real for Darcy and Lizzy, even while still newlyweds – they’re so in love, nothing can break through that bubble of happiness. But just as life is wont to do, it does eventually burst that bubble, and Ms. Lathan does a good job of handling this couples’ heartache and pain when necessary. But, my heavens, in this book, they get a heavy dose of when it rains trouble, it pours.

Actually, the issues the Darcys go through at this point have the potential to tear them apart. They have matured into loving parents, responsible business owners, and attentive and sensual lovers. Life is about to bring all of that to a halt with circumstances from which they may never recover or be very changed at the very least.

Lizzy is about to give birth to their second child, and Darcy is as thrilled with this pregnancy as he was with Alexander, their firstborn. Once Michael arrives, however, Lizzy slowly descends into a hell neither anticipated nor expected. Darcy is beside himself when his usual helpfulness, even his wit and charm, cannot bring the Lizzy he loves back to him. What we know today as post-partum depression throws them into a turmoil all their own, and Ms. Lathan, with her nursing background, is quite successful at getting Lizzy’s downward spiral and all related emotions across to the reader, as well as Darcy’s anguish and fear of the unknown plaguing his wife.

In between the heartache there is still happiness for the Darcy family. Lizzy’s sister, Kitty, is getting married and both sides of the clan come together to celebrate. But there is a snake in their midst with the return of George Wickham. Fitzwilliam vows to keep his temper and anger in check when face to face with the snake while also keeping on high alert. Trouble follows in Wickham’s wake and Darcy is bound and determined to keep those he loves safe. And he does try. Goodness does triumph over evil, but evil sure has a way of making itself known and throwing life into havoc at the wrong times. Darcy learns this lessons in spades. And, needless to say, Wickham gets what’s coming to him, as well as another enemy in cahoots with him, and their ends are evilly fun to read.

Georgiana is all grown up and has a beau of her own now. I’ve always enjoyed the relationship between Georgie and Darcy; they’re not afraid of showing their love for each other, and Darcy does the big brother thing quite well when her new love asks for her hand. The only little nitpick I have is I want more of the gent. We don’t meet him until approximately three-quarters of the book, and, once introduced, I like him a lot. But what we do get assures us Georgiana will be in good hands.

All of the secondary characters we’ve met in previous books show up again here, catching up with each other and reveling in the chaos of family and children. Ms. Bennet is her usual gushing self, and Lydia Wickham takes the cake when it comes to self-absorption. My favorite secondary character is Dr. Darcy, he’s front and center when family needs him and is as funny and loving as ever.

Another successful addition to her series for Ms. Lathan. She stays true to her characters no matter the dilemma, in happiness as well as sadness and tragedy. I don’t know if more books are planned, but I look forward to any that are. I’m always very pleasantly surprised and entertained and especially appreciate the emotion with which Ms. Lathan writes. It’s been an honor to read these stories that come from her heart.

Grade: A

Summary:

What could threaten the perfect romance?

Just as Darcy and Elizabeth are facing the most intense challenges of their marriage, George Wickham returns to Hertfordshire bent on creating trouble. But Wickham is only a pawn for someone who is even more unscrupulous than he is, and everything Darcy cherishes most is thrown into deadly danger.

Knowing that Wickham has nothing left to lose, Darcy must confront his villainous enemy and his own demons at the same time.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: