Review: Sense & Sensibility by Rebecca H. Jamison

Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day TaleSense & Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale
by Rebecca H. Jamison
LDS Contemporary Romance
Paperback256 Pages
August 12th 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Summary

Which is the key to love—passion or sensibility? Sensible Elly and romantic Maren are sisters trying to hold their family together in the wake of their father’s bankruptcy and death. As both unexpectedly encounter the madness and misadventures of love, they find out what true happiness means. This modern reimagining of the Jane Austen favorite will capture your heart all over again.
   

My Review

I love Jane Austen! I love all the theatrical versions of her books and I've also found several books based on her stories that I have loved. So, I jumped at the chance to read Rebecca H. Jamison's LDS version of Sense and Sensibility.

As I know Austen's original Sense and Sensibility so well it was easy to see the connections between the two and which characters matched up best to each other. I remember in Austen's version that Marianne (the younger and rather rash sister) annoyed and frustrated me at several points along the story. I would have to say the same about Maren in this story. She gave me the same result in keeping me a little annoyed with her. I did like her ending better in Jamison's version. Maren figures out some things on her own and has a change of heart that we get to actually see clearly. Then there is the older sister, Elly, who was reserved and a little pessimistic, but also definitely vulnerable. I was so proud of her in being honest with Ethan and not letting him walk all over her. Ethan was a great character in that he came across so luke warm in some ways and then strong in others, just like Edward from Austen's tale. The other characters were rounded out with the girls' mother and their younger autistic sister, their busybody grandmother, the older, stable, and charming Colton, and then the rash and dashing Wyett. There was also Ethan's brother-in-law, sister, and old flame.

The beginning of the story definitely grabbed my interest. Then the story meandered along somewhat as it developed and as new characters were introduced. What really made this story work for me was when both sisters exhibit some strong emotions as well as their prospective love interests in the latter half of the story. I really felt for these girls! Then towards the end my heart almost broke when they were both faced with something devastating. The ending was so well done and was my favorite part of the book! It really made this well worth the read.

This is a book with LDS or "Mormon" characters. The inspirational moments aren't overly preachy, but are more moments in their lives when they send up prayers or when something about religion was mentioned in passing. I would think that anyone, regardless of religion, would enjoy this retelling if they already enjoy Austen's version. I liked that Jamison made the characters and plot original to her story even though they fall under Austen's mold as well.

Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale was romantic, quirky, heartwarming, fun, bittersweet, and left me with that wonderful happily-ever-after ending. Jamison's writing continues to get better with each book she releases in this series. I'm looking forward to reading her next Austen retelling!

Content: Clean

Source: I would like to thank Cedar Fort Publishing for my free book, which did not affect my review in any way.


What do you think? Do you like Austen retelling's? Will you be picking up this one?

Want to win your own copy? Go check out my tour stop, which includes a tens list from the author and a giveaway here!

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