The Darcys and the Bingleys by Marsha Altman

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Description: A Tale of Two Gentlemen’s Marriages to Two Most Devoted Sisters

Three days before their double wedding, Charles Bingley is desperate to have a word with his dear friend Fitzwilliam Darcy, seeking advice of a most delicate nature. Bingley is shocked when Darcy gives him a copy of The Kama Sutra – but it does tell him everything he needs to know.

Eventually, of course, Jane finds this remarkable volume and in utmost secrecy shows it to her dear sister Elizabeth, who goes searching for a copy in the Pemberley library…

I thoroughly enjoyed this book even more than I had expected.  In the past I have read “sequels” to Pride and Prejudice but found them lacking in either not staying true to the original characters or just not having a very interesting story.  I thought Marsha Altman did a wonderful job in this book in not only keeping to how I pictured Darcy, Elizabeth and the other characters but also adding a good does of humor.  I always enjoy a book that makes me smile or laugh out loud while being clever.

The story begins not long before the wedding and then moves along quickly as we see both Elizabeth and Jane settling in with their respective spouses.  The reader will also get glimpses into what happens with other characters such as Caroline, Mr. Bingley’s sister, Colonel Fitzwilliam as well as a few other characters. My favorite parts involve the on-going joke between Darcy and Bingley over a certain “educational” book that Darcy gives Bingley as a wedding gift.  If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice I think you will find this to be a satisfying sequel and Marsha Altman will soon be having a second book coming out next month in the series.  Keep an eye out for a review and a giveaway of both The Darcys and the Bingleys as well as book 2 in the series, The Plight of the  Darcy Brothers.

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