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Mr. Darcy Forever (Austen Addicts #3)

3.37 of 5 stars 3.37 · rating details · 286 ratings · 67 reviews

Sisters are forever...

Sisters Sarah and Mia Castle haven't spoken for three years but they're about to meet again at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. But what was it that drove them apart and can the magic of Jane Austen help bring them back together again?

Praise for A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
"Connelly has created a magical world for Janeites...a must-read for Austen fans...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published April 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Landmark (first published October 25th 2011)

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Apr 19, 2012 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen, austen-inspired

Through her enchanting trilogy about Jane Austen addicts, Victoria Connelly takes her readers on a beautiful and vivid sojourn to all the best Austenesque haunts. Whether they are attending a Jane Austen conference in Hampshire (A Weekend with Mr. Darcy), witnessing the filming of a Jane Austen adaptation in Lyme (Dreaming of Mr. Darcy), or taking in the Jane Austen Festival in Bath (Mr. Darcy Forever), readers are gifted the opportunity to tour Jane Austen's England through the pages of charmin...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Lyndsay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ahh-the-romance, austen-esque

I was very hesitant to start this, especially since I had just finished A Weekend with Mr. Darcy (shoot me now). However, this book was better. I erred on the positive side and gave this 3 stars. If I could I'd probably give it 2.5. Some of the things that annoyed me about A Weekend with Mr. Darcy were still there. The wondering about what would Jane Austen think of our modern world, or what would Elinor, Marianne, Elizabeth, Emma do in this situation continued. But it was not as prevalent, so t...more

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Apr 17, 2012 Jeffrey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Following A WEEKEND WITH MR. DARCY and DREAMING OF MR. DARCY comes the caboose in Victoria Connelly’s “Austen Addicts” trilogy: MR. DARCY FOREVER. Every niche of this contemporary romance is lavishly replete with enough references from Jane Austen’s six novels to sate even the worst addict. This charmer, set in Jane’s best-loved locations: South Devon and Bath, is devoid of lurid sexuality or profanity, and sweetly laced with humor.

Sarah and Mia castle have always been closer than twins although...more Following A WEEKEND WITH MR. DARCY and DREAMING OF MR. DARCY comes the caboose in Victoria Connelly’s “Austen Addicts” trilogy: MR. DARCY FOREVER. Every niche of this contemporary romance is lavishly replete with enough references from Jane Austen’s six novels to sate even the worst addict. This charmer, set in Jane’s best-loved locations: South Devon and Bath, is devoid of lurid sexuality or profanity, and sweetly laced with humor.

Sarah and Mia castle have always been closer than twins although Mia is almost a decade Sarah’s junior. Because of their shared love of Jane Austen, Sarah books the actual Barton Cottage from one of the SENSE AND SENSIBILITY film adaptations as a birthday surprise for Mia. While there, they encounter a handsome and Willoughby-like visitor who unfortunately drives a wedge of estrangement between the two sisters that stubbornly persists for three years. Following the unfortunate rift, incredible developments occur that neither sister would believe possible of the other.

Three years hence, Mia visits her closest friend Shelley who lives in Bath where the two plan to participate in the annual Jane Austen festival, something the sisters formerly did together. The only thing less wanted than the sisters bumping into each other is encountering the guy who started the whole mess and he is indeed lurking in Bath!

The personalities of the two sisters unfold into likenesses of the Dashwood sisters: sensible Sarah very much like Elinor and impulsive Mia similar to Marianne. Sarah acts as the mother-figure trying to curb Mia’s often wildly impetuous nature while simultaneously trying to control her own terrible condition. Sarah suffers from acute Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which has already destroyed her marriage and she struggles hopelessly in its grip. I was instantaneously attached to this flawed heroine’s plight, identified deeply with her, and hoped so much for her. Ironically, the most hilarious moments in the entire book involve poor Sarah’s inability to cope with her OCD!

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY comparisons rise again in the men the sisters encounter while in Bath. Mia meets Gabe who lives in an adjoining home to Shelley’s. He’s a widowed architect and seems too old for her but she craves his company. “She’d always dated men her own age and had never been tempted by the older man, but she was enjoying talking to Gabe. He was easy to listen to, and she felt like she’d known him for ages.” Can this be anyone else but Colonel Brandon?

Meanwhile, Sarah timidly explores Bath, and unable to find a spot for lunch, bravely sits on a bench next to a gentleman named Lloyd, a professional media photographer, who is taking pictures of the festival for a magazine. Acquainting easily, they soon discover they are both list-keepers, “germaphobes,” despise disorder, and neither seems put-off by their confessions. Is Lloyd vaguely reminiscent of Edward Ferrars? A dramatic moment ensues as Lloyd shows her images in his camera. ‘As picture followed picture, Sarah’s eyes picked out the image of a young woman she thought she recognized. Could it have been Mia? “Go back!” she suddenly blurted. “Back!” Lloyd looked surprised but scrolled back through the photos. “Stop!” Sarah grabbed the camera from him and zoomed into the figure.’

For about half the story, the author switches between past/present and Barton/Bath revealing little-by-little what actually happened between the sisters and the man that bewitched them both. Initially, I felt lost in the maze of brief chapters that shuttled back and forth between place and time but once I finally understood the author’s intent, I found this technique indeed accentuated the dramatic intensity of the plot.

Finally, for those unfamiliar with Jane Austen or her “fan-fiction” world, don’t be dissuaded from reading this one. Remove most references to Austen (God forbid) and this book stands just as tall on its own strengths. The poignant story of two sisters ripped apart and their three-year journey back to reconciliation is compelling enough in its own right. Then kick it up another notch with the two loveable heroes who gently try to restore the shattered lives of Sarah and Mia and their lost relationship with each other. Deeply hurt and guarded ever since their tragedy at Barton, can the sisters ever hope to trust their hearts to men again or return the growing affection that Gabe and Lloyd are feeling for them? Will author Victoria Connelly confirm to us that the right man can indeed become MR. DARCY FOREVER? I hope you understand my meaning when I say the 330 pages just evaporated in my hands as I sought the answer.
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Apr 04, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love. – Jane Austen

MR DARCY FOREVER is a loving tribute to Jane Austen and the readers who find solace in her writing. Connelly delivers a heartwarming story of family, friendship, and fandom revolving around Jane Austen. The book opens with Sarah Castle traveling to Bath for the annual Jane Austen Festival. In a separate scene, her estranged sister, Mia, is also making her way to Bath for the same reason. Connelly infuses fla...more Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love. – Jane Austen

MR DARCY FOREVER is a loving tribute to Jane Austen and the readers who find solace in her writing. Connelly delivers a heartwarming story of family, friendship, and fandom revolving around Jane Austen. The book opens with Sarah Castle traveling to Bath for the annual Jane Austen Festival. In a separate scene, her estranged sister, Mia, is also making her way to Bath for the same reason. Connelly infuses flashbacks to the sisters’ vacation at “Barton Cottage” with hints on why the sisters are estranged. Ultimately the sisters and their past collide during the festival. The strife rears its ugly head, the offending rake is slapped, the sisters resolve their estrangement, and they both find love in unexpected places, all while wearing period costumes! Austen herself would be proud of Connelly’s handling of a timeless conflict – competing for a man’s affection – in a modern setting.

Connelly excelled in drawing me into the story – she transported me to England (a dream for this American Anglophile). I savored Barton Cottage’s seascape. I delighted in the Regency fashions parading around the Georgian architecture. I lapped up the cream tea at the Pump Room. While I am not a walking Jane Austen encyclopedia, I easily recognized themes from Austen’s books and appreciated how Connelly updated them. Connelly reminded me of why I enjoy Austen – Austen gave us hope.

I would like to have read more about the rake, Alec, on how he convinced Sarah to forsake her sister. Likewise, I would like to have learned more about Sarah’s budding romance with Lloyd. I related to Sarah - her isolation and longing. MR DARCY FOREVER tipped more towards Mia’s HEA, something that seems a little contrived and too quick, but satisfying in the long run. The book’s title comes from the closing scene – it immortalizes Austen’s “sexy" scenes in a contemporary manner.

Although this book is the third in the series, its story is stand alone. In, fact the series can be read in any order. I recommend the series to other Anglophiles, Austen Addicts, and readers who enjoy light hearted contemporary fiction.

Because I am an Anglophile, I requested a review copy from the publisher. My expectations were satisfied.
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Mar 12, 2012 Vidya Tiru rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mr. Darcy Forever by Victoria Connelly:
Published by Sourcebooks
Publication Date: April 1, 2012

Like ‘Dreaming of Mr.Darcy’, ‘Mr.Darcy Forever’ charms you all the way to the end of the story. Victoria Connelly, in this story, has loosely based her main characters, sisters Sarah and Mia on the sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. This book provided me a glimpse of the magic of Bath, of Jane Austen festivals (oh, if only I could, I would be there too attending a Jane Austen festival, but...more Mr. Darcy Forever by Victoria Connelly:
Published by Sourcebooks
Publication Date: April 1, 2012

Like ‘Dreaming of Mr.Darcy’, ‘Mr.Darcy Forever’ charms you all the way to the end of the story. Victoria Connelly, in this story, has loosely based her main characters, sisters Sarah and Mia on the sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. This book provided me a glimpse of the magic of Bath, of Jane Austen festivals (oh, if only I could, I would be there too attending a Jane Austen festival, but I can’t right now at least, so I read!)

Review: Like sisters (or siblings) everywhere, Sarah and Mia are completely different from each other, with Sarah’s OCD and Mia’s completely not-OCD personality, they have their sibling squabbles – but they do have things in common as well – their love for each other and for Jane Austen! But when things go sour after both sisters fall in love with one seemingly perfect man, they go their separate ways until Jane Austen brings them back together, literally. Both Sarah and Mia decide to attend the Jane Austen Festival three years later and what they discover there about themselves, and about each other, makes this book a sweet, charming, funny read for all.

The author tells the story going back and forth between today and flashbacks to reveal what drew the sisters apart – she manages to do this without letting the reader be at a loss. Descriptions of Bath and the Jane Austen festival tempt me to visit and be a part of the festival. My favorite character in this story has got be Bingley – a bungling, lovable dog who is described as ‘a cross with something fat and greedy. But lovely’.

Rating: B+ (Having given the earlier book in the series an A, I am giving this book a B+ mainly because I loved that one way more than this.)

Disclaimer:Thank you to Sourcebooks for sending me a digital review copy via NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal opinions formed when I read this book.

and please visit my blog http://myrandrspace.blogspot.com/2012... for a giveaway of this whole trilogy.(less)

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Apr 22, 2012 Laura Hartness rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-for-review, ebooks-i-own

Once again, I can highly recommend Victoria Connelly's work in Forever Mr. Darcy. It’s a delightful novel that any Janeite can enjoy. Like a summer holiday in Bath can be, it’s full of fun, romance and drama. There will be no slogging through this one—Victoria has once again woven a tale that I enjoyed from beginning to end. Pick up her Jane Austen Addict Trilogy today!

Full review here: http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2012...

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Apr 08, 2012 Sharon Redfern rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mr. Darcy Forever is the third book in a series of books by Victoria Connelly, all of which center around a Jane Austen Festival in Bath. In this book, two sisters, long estranged, end up at the festival and find their lives changed.
Sarah, the older sister, suffers from severe OCD, and traveling to the festival is a nightmare. She comes to Bath because being immersed in Jane Austen is the only time she can forget all of her rituals and just enjoy herself. She meets Lloyd, a photographer and fell...more Mr. Darcy Forever is the third book in a series of books by Victoria Connelly, all of which center around a Jane Austen Festival in Bath. In this book, two sisters, long estranged, end up at the festival and find their lives changed.
Sarah, the older sister, suffers from severe OCD, and traveling to the festival is a nightmare. She comes to Bath because being immersed in Jane Austen is the only time she can forget all of her rituals and just enjoy herself. She meets Lloyd, a photographer and fellow OCD sufferer, on the first day of the festival.
Mia is the younger of the sisters and she comes to Bath for the festival and stays with her old friend Shelley. Mia is happy to get away from her grungy bedsit (very small apartment) and away from her failed career as an actress. She is hoping that she will not run into Sarah during the festival because they have not spoken in three years. She shares her story with Shelley’s neighbor Gabe and finds herself drawn to the slightly older man.
From the beginning of the book and interspersed throughout, are glimpses of a vacation Sarah and Mia took where they stayed in the same cottage where the movie Sense and Sensibility was filmed. The vacation of a lifetime turns into the means of the sisters breaking apart. As the story goes on, more of what happened comes out and we finally find out what has caused this split between two sisters who were once so close. It’s almost painful to read as the crisis approaches.
Like the previous books in the series, A Weekend with Mr. Darcy and Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, this book was a great read. As an Austen fan, I enjoyed the whole festival atmosphere and the tidbits of information about the well-loved author. The two sisters are interesting characters and both likeable despite their situations. When they meet possible romantic interests it’s good, but we really want to see them be happy together, not apart. The reason for the split is somewhat shocking when finally revealed but the reader still hopes for reconciliation because we know they can’t be happy without each other.
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May 15, 2012 Jakki rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Planning a staycation this summer? Whether you are a Janeite, travel enthusiast, or romantic, Victoria Connelly offers a stress-free, cost-free, delightful getaway. Through her trilogy, Connelly takes readers to Hampshire in A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, Lyme Regis in Dreaming of Mr. Darcy and Bath in Mr. Darcy Forever. Jane Austen Addicts Trilogy is the perfect summer read, allowing readers to escape reality and voyage to the beautiful sights of England and experience flirty romance first hand.

In...more Planning a staycation this summer? Whether you are a Janeite, travel enthusiast, or romantic, Victoria Connelly offers a stress-free, cost-free, delightful getaway. Through her trilogy, Connelly takes readers to Hampshire in A Weekend with Mr. Darcy, Lyme Regis in Dreaming of Mr. Darcy and Bath in Mr. Darcy Forever. Jane Austen Addicts Trilogy is the perfect summer read, allowing readers to escape reality and voyage to the beautiful sights of England and experience flirty romance first hand.

In the pages of Connelly’s novel, you will visit the Royal Crescent, Pump Room, Pultney Bridge, the Circus, and spend a week in Devon at Barton Cottage. It was here I could see the myriad of colors the scenery offered: pink and red campions, bluebells and lush green fields. I watched women in Regency dresses, adorned with bonnets and reticules, and men in tight breeches promenade through the Royal Crescent. It was as if I was a passerby, observing the elegantly dressed people and seeing firsthand the beautiful stonework and history of Bath. It’s these breathtaking sights that make each book memorable.

Similar to the other two books in the trilogy, in Mr. Darcy Forever, we are given two romances for the price of one! Sisters, Sara and Mia Castle, normally attend the Jane Austen Festival in Bath together each year. However, after a falling out, the two have not spoken nor attended the festival for three years. Throughout the story, the reader is taken back in time to Sara and Mia’s holiday at Barton Cottage and slowly given the sordid details behind their row. The transitions between present day Bath and the Barton Cottage flashbacks flow smoothly. I could not put down the book because I had to know what kind of guy could come between these best friends.

Coming face to face with their pain, each sister finds the healing power in talking about the past three years. Having opened up about their private struggles, there is an immediate bond formed between each sister and her new beau. Could these guys be the Mr. Darcys Sarah and Mia have been searching for? While their relationships do move rather fast, it did not bother me because they connected on such an emotional level already. And hey, any guy willing to enter a Mr. Darcy wet t-shirt competition must be a keeper, right?

I loved how many characters from A Weekend with Mr. Darcy and Dreaming of Mr. Darcy make cameos. It was like bumping into old friends. This was such fun trilogy; I cannot believe it is over. I really enjoyed my sojourns to Hampshire, Lyme Regis and Bath.

Those who find yourselves as sad as I am that the trilogy is over, put away your hankies, for Ms. Connelly is planning a novella sequel for Kindle called Christmas with Mr. Darcy, which will unite the main characters from each trilogy as they attend a special conference at Purley Hall in Hampshire.
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Apr 08, 2012 Helen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 29, 2012 Nicol Legakis rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: austenesque-fiction

Okay, after being unhappy with book number 2 in the series, I was a bit leery about reading this. I enjoyed this book because of the character development but I found one major aspect quite unbelievable, which irritated me. I won't say what it was, because I'm not into spoilers. If you like "Sense and Sensibility" and are into modern adaptations, I think you'll appreciate this book. I'd be more inclined to give it 2 1/2 stars because of some issues with the plot and with the fact that the author...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: cnb-reviewers

I picked up this book because I'm one of ""those"" people, a lover of all things Jane Austen, especially the modern versions of her books. So, I was prepared to love this book. Unfortunately, I didn't. I didn't hate it either; it was just a bit bland for my tastes.

First, the language was a bit stilted. It seemed out of place that characters from 2012 would use the same phrasing and diction as characters from the 1700’s or 1800's. As a result, I was not able to settle in and enjoy the book. The l...more

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Aug 19, 2012 writer... rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: austen-in-august, janeausten

Another Victoria Connelly to add to my faves! She has a deliteful lite touch in her writing that adds to my enjoyment even when the topics are downright serious.

Well executed characters and excellent development of the two sisters of this story. Several surprise twists add to the reading value. The Jane Austen sites and sights of Bath's festival will satisfy any Austenites!

Victoria is adept at dropping cues to today's Austen followers to p up and laugh out loud ") The contemporary situations ar...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Tia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-kindle, romance, 1-netgalley, favorites

First I want to say that this book put a HUGE smile on my face. I too have found great comfort in Jane Austen movies and I have almost all adaptations. I have been very leery about reading Jane Austen "spin offs". I'm really speaking of the vampire, zombie and werewolf variety. In reading, Mr. Darcy Forever, I was quite surprised and pleased. I won't give yet another synopsis of the book, as there are many, I will give my opinion of the plot, characters and writing.

The main characters are sister...more First I want to say that this book put a HUGE smile on my face. I too have found great comfort in Jane Austen movies and I have almost all adaptations. I have been very leery about reading Jane Austen "spin offs". I'm really speaking of the vampire, zombie and werewolf variety. In reading, Mr. Darcy Forever, I was quite surprised and pleased. I won't give yet another synopsis of the book, as there are many, I will give my opinion of the plot, characters and writing.

The main characters are sisters, Sarah and Mia, who throughout the book are referenced to Elinor and Marianne of book/movie Sense and Sensibility. I must say that I would agree. Mia is ruled by her heart and Sarah by her head. Monica Castle, Sarah and Mia's mom left them when they were 11 and 20 (I believe) leaving Sarah to be both sister and mother to Mia. There are many twist in the plot and the characters. Sarah has OCD and Mia is in a perpetual state of poor. There are secondary characters that lend a great deal to the story as well. There's Alec (the insensitive rake whom both sisters fall for), Shellley (Mia's friend from Acting School), Gabe (Shelley's one arm neighbor and friend who has a secret of his own), Pie (Shelley's strange and unkempt housemate), Lloyd (a photographer who Sarah met at the festival) and Bingley (Shelly's wet nose dog).

The plot is centered around The Jane Austen Festival that occurs every September in Bath. Three years ago an unspeakable act caused a riff between the sisters. Unknowingly, both will be attending the festival. This is where all the action and craziness occurs. I loved the references to Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey which has propelled me to rewatch the movie in the near future. The descriptions of the events (the dance) and locations (the park and Barton Cottage), where the sisters stayed for Mia's 21st birthday, were breathtaking! I could close my eyes and imagine I was there taking a long stroll in the woods or sitting on the bench in the park taking it all in.

There wasn't a time, when reading, that I was bored. It was a slow read for me because I didn't want to miss anything. At most times, I was reading as well as remembering a scene mentioned from one of the movies and had to turn back pages to focus on the words on the Kindle. The writing was superb, in my opinion. I am eager to read the first two novels in the Mr. Darcy Trilogy. I would recommend this book to any Janeites or romance fans alike.

A special thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book which otherwise I wouldn't have discovered and enjoyed.(less)

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Apr 24, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Victoria Connelly’s trilogy about Jane Austen addicts. As a Jane Austen addict myself, it is truly wonderful to read a novel about women that share my addiction. The jokes and references to Austen’s original novels and the many spin-offs, movies, and TV adaptations always gives me a good chuckle and a nod of appreciation. My husband probably thinks I’m crazy at this point!

Mr. Darcy Forever is the third novel in this trilogy, but you could read it on its own merits without having read the...more I love Victoria Connelly’s trilogy about Jane Austen addicts. As a Jane Austen addict myself, it is truly wonderful to read a novel about women that share my addiction. The jokes and references to Austen’s original novels and the many spin-offs, movies, and TV adaptations always gives me a good chuckle and a nod of appreciation. My husband probably thinks I’m crazy at this point!

Mr. Darcy Forever is the third novel in this trilogy, but you could read it on its own merits without having read the other two (although why would you want to skip them when they are so good?). Sarah and Mia Castle are sister and best friends. Older responsible Sarah raised Mia in her teenage years after their mother abandoned them. One perfect summer, Sarah surprises Mia with a vacation to the Barton Cottage of the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility. While there, Mia has a slight accident and meets the very handsome Alec Burrows. This vacation causes a rift between the sisters, but the mystery is what exactly caused the rift? The novel passes back and forth between the present when each sister is separately making their annual trip to the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, and the past trip to Barton Cottage.

I was intrigued by this novel and I read it very quickly. I really wanted to know what had happened between the two sisters, and I must admit - I was surprised. I always love a good plot that keeps me guessing. What I love even more is the very unique characters in Mr. Darcy Forever. Sarah and Mia were two flawed, but loveable sisters, and I loved their friends and love interests. The love for Jane Austen is an ever present third character and I really wanted to visit Bath (and Barton Cottage!) even more after reading this book. I love Sense and Sensibility and this book was a great modern homage to that novel.

This book is not to be missed by any lover of Jane Austen or by anyone looking for a great character story about two sisters and the ups and downs of their relationship.

This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...(less)

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Apr 16, 2012 Gayle Surrette rated it 3 of 5 stars

Mr. Darcy Forever By Victoria Connelly. Trade Paperback. 336 pages. Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2012) (Amazon: $10.98 / Kindle: $9.99)

Sarah Castle is seven years older than her sister, Mia, and that seven years made the difference when their parents died. Sarah quit school got a job as an accountant and continued to raise her sister.

Sarah is sensible and cautious. She now is self-employed, which makes it much easier to handle her OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) symptoms. Mia, on the other...more Mr. Darcy Forever By Victoria Connelly. Trade Paperback. 336 pages. Sourcebooks Landmark (April 1, 2012) (Amazon: $10.98 / Kindle: $9.99)

Sarah Castle is seven years older than her sister, Mia, and that seven years made the difference when their parents died. Sarah quit school got a job as an accountant and continued to raise her sister.

Sarah is sensible and cautious. She now is self-employed, which makes it much easier to handle her OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) symptoms. Mia, on the other hand, is nearly all emotion and impulsiveness — good traits for an actress probably, but harder to deal with in normal every-day activities.

For Mia’s twenty first birthday, Sarah rented Barton cottage. One of the things that both sisters enjoyed was the works of Jane Austen. As sisters, Sense and Sensibility held a special place in their hearts. However, as often happens, plans that should lead to a satisfying week of together time instead leads to the sisters being ripped apart as a man, also on vacation, catches Mia’s eye while playing for Sarah’s attention.

The rift between the sisters results in them not speaking to each other for nearly five years. Things have changed in each of their lives in that time, but they are unaware of these changes and the effects that they have caused in their goals and desires.

Connelly sets up the division in their lives and then, after an appropriate period, sets in motion the events that will bring them face to face. What happens next will shape their futures. Will they get together and patch things up? Are they so hurt they’ll never forgive? Or will the magic of a Jane Austen Festival and a chance encounter bring these sisters together again?

In the process, we get to vicariously enjoy the Jane Austen Festival in Bath which takes place every September. As much as I enjoy the novels of Jane Austen, it never occurred to me that Barton cottage could be rented — it can, but as a B&B, rooms not the entire house — or that Bath had a yearly Jane Austen Festival. I looked them both up on the internet and did a lot of wishful thinking about both these new discoveries. See, books are educational.

Connelly’s story telling is top notch. The characters are engaging and the basic premise keeps the reader interested even if you figure out the major plot points before you get to them. After all it’s not so much that you know X happened, it’s what X means or how it affects the character’s lives.

There’s plenty to entertain and much to chuckle at but also some interesting characters to care about that resonate with a well loved story by a favorite author — Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen — who also cautioned against leaping before one looked at the consequences of their leap.(less)

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Nov 08, 2012 Annalynn rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the third Austen book by this author. I loved the first, but did not love the second. To be honest, I did not like this story of two sisters told in flashback and present times, and how they both fell in love with the same "Wickham" and stopped speaking to each other as a result - the story in the past mostly took place at Barton Cottage, in Devonshire, and the actual house where they filmed the 1995 'Sense and Sensibility,' which the sisters had rented for a vacation due to their love o...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Maria Grazia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, austen-inspired

The two main settings in this novel are dreamy places for any Austen fan: first Barton Cottage, or at least the house in Devon used in 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, the one to which Marianne and Elinor have to move after their father’s death, and then Bath in the days of the Jane Austen Festival.

Bath is the place where Catherine Morland met Henry Tilney and it was where Captain Wentworth declared his love to Anne Elliot (p. 61)

Sarah is the Elinor-type and as a much elder sister...more The two main settings in this novel are dreamy places for any Austen fan: first Barton Cottage, or at least the house in Devon used in 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, the one to which Marianne and Elinor have to move after their father’s death, and then Bath in the days of the Jane Austen Festival.

Bath is the place where Catherine Morland met Henry Tilney and it was where Captain Wentworth declared his love to Anne Elliot (p. 61)

Sarah is the Elinor-type and as a much elder sister in a family with no parents she has to take care of Mia, Marianne’s alter ego in this modern romance. Sarah has the conservatism of Elinor, the prudishness of Fanny Price and suffer from OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) while Mia has the naivety of Catherine Morland, the recklessness of Marianne Dashwood and dreams of being an actress. Could two sisters be more different?
Sarah’s birthday gift for Mia is a week to spend together, the two of them, at Barton Cottage but her plan will be ruined by an unexpected presence: Alec is the most handsome, fascinating man the two sisters have ever met. Mia loses her head and starts flirting openly with him, Alec seems more interested in Sarah though ...
This will be the beginning of the end for Sarah and Mia’s close relationship, they are more like best friends than sisters. But they can’t share the same man, can they?

Three years later and a great deal of life after the two sisters are both in Bath for The Jane Austen Festival, none of them knowing of the other presence. They haven’t spoken nor seen each other since their week in Devon.

Bath will offer them new chances and new acquaintances ( a Brandon-type and an Edward-Ferrars-type, of course! ) and, especially, an opportunity to meet again.
What about the Mr Darcy in the title? Read this lovely romp to the end and he will be there in his wet shirt for Mia, for Sarah and for all of you!

What I especially like in Victoria Connelly's Austen-inspired trilogy is her humor. Her prose is witty and her narration characterized by a very light touch which makes you want to turn the page and never put the book down. You are there - at least I was - giggling all the time. And daydreaming of course! She copes with ordinary life, ordinary heroines/heroes with their ordinary misadventures but she succeeds in making them rather extraordinary, really special.
Another element I definitely appreciate is her ability to find the Austenesque in present day ordinariness. Bravo, Ms Connelly! These three modern day romances are really sunshine on a rainy day. I've loved the previous two stories, this latest one, Mr Darcy Forever, nonetheless.
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Apr 12, 2012 Becky R. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having read an earlier novel of Connelly's, I knew I was in for a nice, modernized treat with this newest book. Let me just start off by explaining that Pride and Prejudice doesn't really play a role in the novel. The title, in my own opinion, is a tie to the perfect Austen character, as the rest of the book is more geared toward Sense and Sensibility.

In the beginning of Mr. Darcy Forever, I had a difficult time tracking the present and the past as it jumped from the present estrangement betwee...more Having read an earlier novel of Connelly's, I knew I was in for a nice, modernized treat with this newest book. Let me just start off by explaining that Pride and Prejudice doesn't really play a role in the novel. The title, in my own opinion, is a tie to the perfect Austen character, as the rest of the book is more geared toward Sense and Sensibility.

In the beginning of Mr. Darcy Forever, I had a difficult time tracking the present and the past as it jumped from the present estrangement between the sisters, Sarah and Mia, to the past events that split them up. I can tell you right now that we don't learn of the conflict until well into the book. Usually that would irritate me, since I like to understand the characters so that I can attach myself to their actions and reactions. In this case, it worked out really well and had me realizing how quickly I jump to conclusions--maybe like these two sisters did to begin with.

As mentioned, it takes a long time to understand what came between these two sisters. Sarah, who has OCD and needs to control everything, appears to be the nuisance or villain. Although we might feel for her and her idiosyncrasies, it seems like she might have driven the two apart by her actions. However, Mia increasingly comes across as immature and possibly as responding too emotionally to her situation. Come on. Can't Mia see after these years of being apart how silly and immature she used to behave? This is what I thought in the beginning. Readers of Jane Austen's novels will quickly start to draw connections to Sense and Sensibility in the story. This is in no way exactly like the classic story, but there are some definite similarities to the Dashwood sisters, with some interesting and surprising twists to the story.

Mr. Darcy Forever was a delightfully emotional read. Austen fans will readily recognize aspects of Austen's classic, while getting a modern look at Bath and our characters' complex, modern lives. I really enjoyed the novel and its characters and appreciated the way the story unfolded so as to not feel predictable or overworked. Overall, a good clean Austen modernization. (less)

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Apr 03, 2012 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

This chick lit Austen spinoff is very Sense and Sensibility meets The Holiday. I previously read and reviewed Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, the prior book in this series (although the books are not particularly interrelated so far as I can tell). I am happy to report that this one is as charming, for a Jane Austen and chick lit fan, as the former.

The older sister, Sarah (the Elinor), has a pretty severe case of OCD, which is why she's so incredibly fastidious. This is a really interesting take on the c...more

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Jun 23, 2012 Kate Maxwell rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beach-read, contemp, galley, jane-austen-esque, kindle

This story is about two sisters who are nine years apart. When Sarah and Mia’s mother walks out on them, Sarah is left raising Mia. They share a deep love for everything Jane Austen, and on Mia’s 21st birthday, Sarah had managed to rent ‘Barton Cottage’ from the movie Sense and Sensibility. It was to be a ‘No Man’ weekend, but that didn’t last long, as Alec was staying down the road from Barton Cottage. That week that was meant to get away and spend time together ended up driving the two sisters...more This story is about two sisters who are nine years apart. When Sarah and Mia’s mother walks out on them, Sarah is left raising Mia. They share a deep love for everything Jane Austen, and on Mia’s 21st birthday, Sarah had managed to rent ‘Barton Cottage’ from the movie Sense and Sensibility. It was to be a ‘No Man’ weekend, but that didn’t last long, as Alec was staying down the road from Barton Cottage. That week that was meant to get away and spend time together ended up driving the two sisters apart for the next three years. Much had happened in that time period, but neither sister knew what was happening with the other, as they did not speak with one another.

The book is written in alternating chapters of the past and the present. A little bit is revealed in each chapter to get the two sisters together to work things out. This was done well enough, and in the present you also learn a little more of what their past three have been like as they divulge deep secrets to perfectly strange men. Thus, this leads to two romances by sisters who fall for different men, and fall in love in less than a week.

I loved A Weekend with Mr. Darcy – it was fun and flirty! The second book, Dreaming of Mr. Darcy was an alright second book, but this last book in the Austen Addicts series almost seems to have been written by someone else. I know that the author is British, and it is evident in the first two books, but this novel seems to have been washed of anything British – the speech patterns, the terminology and even how the characters acted seems to have been rather Americanized. This was a great disappointment. The conversations were also very stilted and not individualized for the different characters – they all sounded the same – men and women alike.

While it was nice to revisit some of the concepts of Jane Austen’s books, this book felt forced and ill-conceived. It also seemed as if the author was told to do something with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (which was seen in another Sourcebook Landmark book, Compulsively Mr. Darcy) – granted, this book did a better job than the other, but still didn’t quite put in to words the true sense of OCD…it was more of an affectation. The romance was also had a certain lack-luster to it.

This book seemed void of much emotion. When either Sarah or Mia tried to articulate whet they loved about Jane Austen and her novels, I was hoping to find words that describe how I feel about the novels, but it feel short and seemed a rather simple response. The only passionate response was about reading on a Kindle – and how Mia felt it was not natural to read on an electric reader. I kept waiting for the humour that is present in most of Miss Connelly’s books – and wasn’t rewarded until the Darcy Wet Shirt contest near the end.

This book was provided by the publisher for an honest opinion.

To read the complete review, please visit my website.(less)

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May 07, 2012 Chanpreet rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sarah and Mia are two sisters who are are as close as can be, but have not spoken or seen each other in three years. Both are huge Jane Austen fans who end up in Bath for Jane Austen week three years after they've last seen each other. What caused them to drift so far apart?

The books starts off and immediately gets going. As in Ms.Connelly's other Jane Austen/Darcy related books, the story follows a similar path or paths with actual Jane Austen books. There are modern tweaks which left me astoun...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jane-austen-variation

The fact that I love Jane Austen inspired books is no secret. Little things that made me smile in this one was the mentioning about Austen Authors and 3 variations I do know well. It felt so real that way. The other thing is that I would sure love to visit the Jane Austen festival in Bath.

It's a part of the Austen Addicts series, but it's also a stand alone since it's all about new people and they have nothing do do with previous one. So no need to worry there.

And now to the story, here we have...more

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Jul 10, 2012 drey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, romance-contemporary

I wanted to love Mr. Darcy Forever – I love stories about sisters, about love and loss, about redemption and forgiveness. And Mr. Darcy Forever has lots of all of the above. What it also has in spades though, are two sisters whose relationship with each other goes completely down the tubes, because of one man. And I’m a firm believer in never (never!) letting a man get between a good sisterhood.

Three years later, Sarah and Mia are actually afraid they’ll run into each other in Bath, where they’r...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Staci rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-books, kindle-booklist, 2012-reads

"I think you're right,' Shelley said. 'Why is life a constant disappointment?'"Because we read fiction,' Mia said, and Shelley nodded, knowing it was true.~location 780 on my Kindle

This has to be one of the most enjoyable P&P variations that I've read in a long time. I was captivated by the contemporary feel of the story, yet at times I felt as if I was back in Austen's day walking alongside her while she was in Bath. The sister's storyline was almost parallel to Marianne and Elinor's from S...more

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May 21, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story is about two sisters who have fallen in love with the same man on a weeks trip to Bath as they are looking for their My Darcy. They of course have a falling out and the book takes us through what happened during the week of their trip and the three years following as they were not speaking to each other. They both wind up back in Bath after the 3 years at a Jane Austin festival not knowing the other is there. I like happy endings and this one delivered.

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Aug 05, 2012 Terry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Delightful book which is especially enjoyable for Austen fans. This is the first book of the trilogy I have read and I don't know if I will read the others; but I did enjoy it. Loved the characters and the happy Austenite ending.
Sure would like to take a trip to Bath and join in the celebration of Austens life and books.
Must admit I have never read Northanger Abbey, but think I will put it on my kindle.

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Mar 29, 2012 Serena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Darcy Forever by Victoria Connelly is the third book in the author’s Austen Addicts series, though each book can be read as a stand alone. Sarah and Mia Castle could not be more different, and while they compare themselves to Austen’s famous sisterly pair Marianne and Elinor from Sense & Sensibility, they are far more complicated. Mia is a wanna-be actress/singer who is struggling to find her niche in her career and who readily sticks her foot in her mouth, while Sarah is suffering from...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-to-look-for

I thought this was the best of the trilogy. Mia and Sarah kept me quite entertained with their antics and the "mystery" of their disagreement kept me turning the pages. I liked the fact that the search for the perfect Mr. Darcy was actually a secondary plot and that the relationship between the sisters was the main plot.

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Feb 18, 2013 Vicki Keith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you enjoy Jane Austen books and adaptations, you will love this book! The characters are true Austen fans, leading their own fun-filled, eventful lives, which could possibly be in own way Austen story lines. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down! Highly recommend reading it!!

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Nov 11, 2011 Karen (Kew) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the last in the Austen Addicts Trilogy and I think is the best written. I've enjoyed the whole series, but there is more depth to this tale. I enjoyed the way that we gradually found out what had caused the rift between the sisters and hearing about their experiences at the weekend in Bath.

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About Victoria Connelly

Victoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.

In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel....more

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Books by Victoria Connelly

A Weekend with Mr. Darcy (Austen Addicts #1)

Dreaming of Mr. Darcy (Austen Addicts #2)

Christmas with Mr Darcy (an Austen Addicts story)

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“Novels can tell us so much about life. They have the power to enrich our own lives in so many different ways. They're not just for entertaining us, although that would be enough.” — 3 people liked it

“Why is life a constant disappointment?'
'Because we read fiction,' Mia said, and Shelley nodded, knowing it was true.” — 2 people liked it

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