Expectations of Happiness

by Rebecca Ann Collins

Three spirited sisters and their very different loves...

In this beautifully imagined continuation of a Jane Austen favorite, the Dashwood sisters are all grown up.

Marianne is married on the rebound to a much older man. What happens when her first love comes back and threatens her domestic tranquility? Elinor and Edward Ferrars are shy and quiet people, but will the loss of Edward's fortune lead to regret and resentment? And can the spirited Margaret find her own happiness in a love affair that defies the conventions of the day and puts her at the center of all kinds of unwanted attention?

Renowned for her historical research and the beautiful pacing of the Regency era, Rebecca Ann Collins weaves a compelling tale of sisterhood, loyalty, and the infinite varieties of the pursuit of love and happiness.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Regency Romance, Historical Romance, British Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Rebecca Ann Collins is the pen name of a lady in Australia who loves Jane Austen’s work so much that she has written a series of sequels to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, following Austen’s beloved characters, introducing new ones and bringing the characters into a new historical era.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished reading Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility, I was left with a moderately satisfied feeling. I enjoyed seeing Elinor get her heart's desire, I enjoyed seeing Colonel Brandon get his, but I was left curious how the intrepid Margaret turned out, how it would go with the Marianne with her romantic sensibilities, and also how the irritating Lucy would do. I was delighted to pick up my first S&S sequel to see if the author would address my curiosity.

Thankfully, yes, the author went there with a grown up Margaret and a Marianne who has had time to grow curious about the 'might have beens', and it was lovely to see Elinor and Edward still going strong. There were glimpses in with the rest of the Ferrars, the John Dashwoods, the gossipy Mrs. Jennings and her daughter Charlotte. But the story, I didn't realize I wanted until it was there before me was the thread of Mrs. Dashwood coming into her own and getting a new lease on life.

The book begins about five years after S&S ended. The reader is caught up with everyone's present circumstances right about the time that big changes have come. Lady Middleton dies unexpectedly and Mrs. Dashwood steps in and competently helps her cousin Sir John much to the surprise of all. But more startling and much less welcome Elinor learns through neighborhood gossip that Willoughby has returned to the area and Elinor is very worried that Marianne will be tempted especially with the Colonel gone for several weeks to care for his land holdings in Ireland and Marianne's air of boredom. Margaret returns for Lady Middleton's funeral, but won't be drawn into Sir John and Mrs. Jenning's machinations to set her up with an eligible man. Margaret wishes to be a scholar and writer and will wait for the right man who will respect this need in her.

Elinor's worries see some fruit when Marianne does encounter Willoughby. He is handsome and even more charming than ever with his kindness to her friends the Percivals and his every care for her own comfort. Marianne now is confused by what she really wants and knows she must untangle her own thoughts and hearts with such a temptation before her especially when she feels neglected by the Colonel and second place to his ward, Eliza.

Meanwhile, Margaret along with her friend ventures into Southern France where she encounters the handsome, intelligent, and brooding Daniel Brooke. His knowledge of the local history and culture draw her in even as his situation is a source of disappointment and pain when she discovers it.

Elinor is kept busy with her home and family and work in parish matters, worry for Marianne as she learns that Marianne is withholding the truth that she has encountered Willoughby, and then there is the odd changes in her own mother as Mrs. Dashwood settles in to look after Sir John's home even while the man himself is away in London. Edward and her friends surround Elinor who is happy and content in her life.

In the end, Margaret and Marianne both must make fateful decisions in regard to their own happiness.

Alright, I found this book engaging. It drew me in from the beginning and I kept reading intently to see what would happen next. This was not a book I felt meh about. The narration switched up between the three sisters and I enjoyed each one and appreciated the color and variety that came with it because each is so very different and in a different place in their lives.

Marianne drove me to distraction as I watched her falling back into the same behaviors and trap she did before. She is self-absorbed and too caught up in her sensibilities and it was a nail-biter to see if she would choose the old temptation or remember to value the true treasure she already has. I was actually glad that the author revisited this situation b/c in the original Marianne is never forced into the place where she herself must see Willoughby after all the truth came out and must truly turn her back on him. This story put her in the place of seeing his charisma and then seeing through to what is underneath it all.

Margaret was the bold, straight-forward, clear thinking adventuress. She encounters love for the first time and discovers what consumed both her sisters in their own ways. Margaret does not know what to do with her feelings and then has a huge decision when it came to Daniel Brooke and his miserable situation. I found Margaret's thread the easiest to read and it was a good balance to the storms of Marianne's conflicted emotions and the hand-wringing worry of Elinor.

That brings me to Elinor... This was not the Elinor of the original. I was disappointed a little because this Elinor only seems to be good for worrying and worrying some more. She seems so static and useless that way. The quietly strong and sensible Elinor is not there. I didn't hate her though and I really liked her with Edward. They are a wonderful, mature couple and made me smile over the companionship and tender love they still share.

The thread about Mrs. Dashwood was running in the background of the others. She has become a competent mistress of her cousin's estate and has a new equilibrium that is good to see. She takes a hands-off approach to her children whether it is the trouble Marianne is getting into or Margaret's new interests. It was an interesting choice that actually worked out and allowed them to either sink or stand and see if they can handle their own troubles.

I enjoyed meeting all the authors new original characters like the Percivals, Elinor's friends, Daniel, Claire and Nicholas. Daniel was a brilliant and engaging gentleman.

I have some minor quibbles and the biggest one is that I was disappointed with the way the Willoughby thing was handled in the end. I wanted a confrontation after all the machinations Willoughby did and I wanted an explanation- was he getting revenge, did he really want a chance with Marianne? And he just faded away. No confrontation and no mention again.

So, all in all, I was pleased with my first S&S sequel and will definitely seek out more. I really enjoyed the author's writing and am now very interested in reading through her P&P sequel series. I would recommend this book for those who enjoy Austenesque and those looking for good authentic feeling historical romance sequels to a classic.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all Jane Austen's novels, Sense and Sensibility is the one I most long to read sequels for! Not because it is my favorite Austen novel, that honor is shared between Pride and Prejudice and Emma. But because I feel a little uncertain about everyone's happy endings and desirous of seeing evidence of it for myself. I want to see if Marianne is passionately in love with Brandon, if Elinor, after being put through such trials, has found the contentment she deserves, and if Margaret has more sense or more sensibility. And let's not forget about Mrs. Dashwood! How does she get on in Barton Cottage with an empty nest?


I was most pleased to discover that Rebecca Ann Collins' sequel, which picks up after seven years after the end of Sense and Sensibility, continues the stories of all FOUR Dashwood women! While Marianne and Margaret share center stage, I loved that there were gratifying subplots for Elinor and Mrs. Dashwood in this tale! The subplot for Mrs. Dashwood was a most delightful surprise! Moreover, this sequel includes appearance by all of our old friends: droll Mr. Palmer, jolly Sir John, self-serving and loathsome Robert and Lucy Ferrars, and our favorite romantic rogue, John Willoughby.


To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we have the continuing story of the Dashwood sisters seven years after the close of Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen's original book focuses attention mostly on Elinor and Marianne; this time the attention turns to Margaret and Marianne.

The author quickly makes it apparent that Marianne has recovered her "sensibility" and now feels restless and unfulfilled. She is less than delighted with her surroundings, as it is less picturesque than the landscape around her childhood home of Norland Park or even of Barton Cottage. Although she is mistress of Delaford Manor, she does not involve herself in the tenants or the neighbors, and Marianne leaves management of the household to her efficient housekeeper. She has her pianoforte and now also has a studio and art supplies available to her, but she doesn't feel inspired. Sadly, she has not been able to conceive a child yet. It is obvious that, although Marianne loves her husband, the romance has waned. Colonel Brandon, after a brief appearance early in the book, must leave her alone for several weeks because his estate in Ireland requires his personal attention. Unfortunately, the climate there has made her ill previously, so she does not accompany him. Basically, she’s bored and lonely except when Elinor and Edward visit.

Once all the above firmly is established in the story, Marianne makes new friends, the Perceval family. When she goes with them on a pleasure trip to Glastonbury, she unexpectedly encounters Willoughby. This is their first meeting since he returned her letters and the lock of her hair more than seven years ago, breaking her heart and causing her to become deathly ill. The Percevals are unaware of the pair's previous history, and Marianne innocently finds herself in his company. He still has perfect manners with an artistic and cultural appreciation which draw her to him, and she learns that he and his wife are now separated. Although initially wary of him, Marianne becomes gradually less guarded when he demonstrates appropriate restraint during their social interactions. But will he continue to do so?

Margaret was only 13 years old at the end of Sense and Sensibility, so the author has the freedom to more or less reinvent this character now that she is 20 years old. Having attended a ladies’ seminary near Oxford, Margaret works as a teacher and has no interest in marriage. Instead, she aspires to become an author and also has a great desire to see more of the world. She and her friend Claire Jones, with whom she leases a small country cottage, plan a trip to Provence in France. In Provence, she experiences more than she expected and falls in love there, but there are obstacles to be overcome. Over the course of their relationship, she and her beloved share a cottage (chastely) without being married.

Elinor and Edward Ferrars have a very happy marriage, and his parsonage is an easy distance from Delaford Manor. Elinor's reaction to the news about Willoughby underscores the seriousness of Marianne's apparently reckless behavior. Both Edward and Mrs. Dashwood believe she’s overreacting, and yet the progression of events proves her concern is warranted. In addition, Elinor serves as a confidante to Margaret, and she interacts with their mother, who has an intriguing storyline of her own. Essentially, Elinor is the glue that holds the various plot threads together.

Expectations of Happiness is very nicely written, and the storylines for the various characters are interesting. There are “cameo” appearances or information shared about the original secondary characters as well as several new characters who meld into the story nicely. However, I had trouble reconciling the actions of the three sisters with what one would expect in Regency England at this point in their lives.

I found the sections devoted to Marianne particularly frustrating. She seems as childlike and naïve as she was before her eyes were opened to Willoughby’s deception. It is explained that her recollections have softened and she finds herself reminiscing about the happy times she spent with him in contrast to the depression she’s experiencing in her husband’s absence. Seven years older and having and the positive influence of her loving husband during that time, yet Marianne still hasn’t matured or even maintained the level of maturity she reached at the end of Sense and Sensibility. Instead, she’s regressed. It also seems that the storyline regarding Willoughby, after such an intense build-up, just fizzles into much ado about nothing.

Margaret's character seems like someone transported from the 21st century, as you may have surmised from the above. Even more surprising than Margaret’s behavior is the nonjudgmental reaction from Elinor and Edward, especially considering how distressed Elinor becomes about Marianne. Not very Regency-esque!

Mrs. Dashwood’s personality undergoes a transformation, too, which I was able to accept more readily because of a dramatic change in her circumstances. It seems as though, with no one else to take charge in an emergency, she finds she can do so herself. I wish that storyline had been developed further and Marianne’s storyline reduced.

The bottom line is that I rate this as 3-and-a-half stars, rounding up to 4 stars.

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mi aspettavo qualcosa di più da Rebecca Ann Collins, invece ho trovato questo sequel di Ragione e sentimento di Jane Austen piuttosto noioso e forse anche un po' scontato, malgrado alcuni sprazzi di fantasia non proprio da buttar via, come l'improvvisa morte a inizio libro di Lady Middleton di Barton Park e l'incapacità di Mrs. Jennings, sua madre, di superare il lutto; il che porta Mrs. Dashwood, la cugina di Sir John Middleton, che abita ancora a Barton Cottage, a rivestire un ruolo importantissimo nella gestione di Barton Park, anche se, come le sue figlie pensano stupite alla notizia, Never had it been supposed among members of their family that Mrs. Dashwood would emerge as a saviour in the cause of domestic management.
Ci sono un mare di anacromismi e i personaggi mi sono sembrati tutti piuttosto privi di spessore. Marianne che, annoiata per la mancanza del Colonnello Brandon - che è in Irlanda per diverse settimane - stringe amicizie vicine a Willoughby, che portano a un pericoloso riavvicinamento fra loro. Margaret che ha studiato a Oxford, dove sembra che sia una cosa normale per una donna laurearsi, quando invece le prime studentesse risalgono al 1878 (e ricordiamo che le donne potevano studiare ma non laurearsi!), insegna (mestiere considerato assolutamente degradante per una signorina perbene) e circola liberamente per l'Inghilterra e il sud della Francia senza alcuno chaperon. Inoltre, abita da sola con una compagna di studi...
E poi si lamentano quando non va al funerale di Lady Middleton, sebbene sia risaputo che all'epoca solo gli uomini andavano ai funerali!
Elinor sta alla canonica di Delaford a preoccuparsi per le sorelle ma non fa molto di più. Non ho capito come mai lei ed Edward abbiano chiamato un figlio John (anche se, si sa, Ragione e sentimento è il romanzo dei John, così come Persuasione è il romanzo dei Charles), visto che dubito ci siano figure maschili che abbiano potuto ispirarli (a meno che non si chiami John anche il Colonnello Brandon, cosa che sarebbe plausibilissima, visto che Jane Austen non si è mai preoccupata di dare nomi diversi ai vari personaggi all'interno di un romanzo, e così in Ragione e sentimento ci sono ben tre John! Comunque il colonnello Brandon non riceve alcun nome da Jane Austen in Ragione e sentimento). In quanto al primogenito, Harry, è normale che si chiami come il padre di Elinor, anche se forse sarebbe stato più normale che il primogenito si chiamasse Edward come il padre e il secondogenito Henry/Harry come il nonno materno.
Insomma, ho faticato un po' a leggerlo, anche a causa della penuria di dialoghi che alleggerissero un po' le lunghissime sequenze narrative. Invece, anche quando ne ha la possibilità, la Collins passa al discorso indiretto.

[Anna]

I haven’t read Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility since 1995, and it was a pleasure being reunited with the novel’s characters through “a companion volume” by Rebecca Ann Collins. When Expectations of Happiness opens, Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars are happily married and living in the parson’s house at Delaford, while her younger sister, Marianne, is living with her husband, Colonel Brandon, in Delaford Manor. Their youngest sister, Margaret, is now 21, teaching at a ladies’ seminary in Oxfordshire, and living with her close friend, Claire Jones.

With Colonel Brandon away on business in Ireland, Marianne spends her days bored and moping, and Elinor worries that she is unhappy in her marriage. Marianne always was a romantic, and Elinor is concerned that the feelings she developed for Colonel Brandon after she was jilted by Mr. Willoughby may have worn off. Elinor is alarmed when she learns that the scoundrel Willoughby is living in a nearby county, and when Marianne is invited on a holiday with the Perceval family, Elinor fears Marianne’s and Willoughby’s paths will cross — and who knows what will happen, with Marianne feeling so low, having already forgiven him for the wrongs he committed, and still longing for a romantic hero?

Knowing how close Marianne is to their mother, Elinor hopes to convince Mrs. Dashwood that Marianne’s reputation and marriage may be in danger. But Mrs. Dashwood has, much to Elinor’s surprise, proven herself capable of managing a large estate and has taken up residence at Barton Park to help her cousin, Sir John Middleton — who had been kind enough to provide a home for her and her daughters after Mr. Dashwood’s death — recover from the sudden death of his wife, Lady Middleton. Mrs. Dashwood is so preoccupied with her new role that she pushes Elinor’s concerns aside, and Elinor — who feels she cannot even confide in Edward — feels an obligation to protect Marianne but doesn’t know how.

At the same time that she continues the stories of Elinor and Marianne, who were the focus of Austen’s novel, Collins also creates a story for Margaret — a young women without a fortune but much intelligence who enjoys history and travel and hopes to become a writer. Having been so focused on her studies, Margaret hasn’t had time for love, but a trip to the south of France with Claire leads her to Daniel Brooke, an Oxford historian, who proves to be her intellectual equal, but nothing is easy when it comes to matters of the heart.

Expectations of Happiness breathes new life into Austen’s beloved characters, and while Edward and Colonel Brandon sit on the sidelines, the Dashwood sisters, as expected, do just fine in the spotlight. Collins stays true to Austen’s characters, with Elinor once again embodying all that is sensible, Marianne getting caught up in her emotions and romantic ideals, and all the secondary characters playing their same roles. Additionally, she transforms Margaret into one of the strong heroines Austen fans have long appreciated, and she even creates a host of interesting and original characters, with a list at the end of the book so readers can distinguish between Austen’s characters and those introduced by Collins. Moreover, fans of Collins’ Pemberley Chronicles Series will be happy to see Mr. Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, and her husband make an appearance.

I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility, but it has never been my favorite Austen novel. Until reading Expectations of Happiness, I never really thought about all the possibilities for variations of the novel, but Collins certainly helped me to see the characters’ potential. Her writing has an Austen feel to it, which enabled me to lose myself in the story, and what I enjoyed the most was watching Marianne’s character evolve. Of the three Dashwood sisters, I think Marianne had the most to learn about life and love. Having been so madly in love with Willoughby, it’s doubtful that Colonel Brandon’s affection changed everything for her overnight. I’d always been skeptical of their happily ever after, since she was so young and on the rebound, and I think Collins does a good job portraying Marianne’s confusion when she comes face-to-face with Willoughby after nearly seven years. Knowing Marianne, it was easy to see how she could forget everything she knew about him and get lost in the moment and the what-ifs.

Expectations of Happiness is a commendable sequel to Sense and Sensibility, one that I think Austen herself would have enjoyed. I definitely recommend it for fans of Austen variations, especially those who think Pride and Prejudice shouldn’t get all the attention.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

I received a free copy of this book for review.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

C'est certainement l'une des lectures qui me tentait le plus, depuis longtemps, dans ma Pal austinienne. La couverture est jolie, l'auteur est reconnue et plutôt plébiscitée en général et surtout, il s'agit d'une suite de Raison et Sentiments, un roman que j'adore mais qui me laisse toujours un léger goût d'inachevé. Pourtant, pour la première fois depuis très longtemps, j''ai hésité à plusieurs reprises à interrompre ma lecture purement et simplement.

L'ouvrage commence mal, avec toute une histoire autour du fait que Margaret n'assiste pas à des funérailles. Alors, déjà, les femmes n'assistaient pas aux enterrements à l'époque et en plus, quand on en découvre la raison, c'est tout simplement ridicule. Autre très mauvais départ, l'auteur décide d'orienter l'histoire sur une Marianne qui succomberait de nouveau au charme de Willoughby pendant l'absence de son mari. On ne peut donc pas dire qu'elle ce soit beaucoup cassée la tête...

Mais ça ne s'arrête pas là, loin s'en faut, alors pour ne pas vous faire perdre votre temps plus que nécessaire, je l'ai déjà bien assez perdu pour dix, je vous laisse choisir parmi tous ces éléments lequel vous donne le plus envie de vous arracher les cheveux :

- Marianne est plus sotte et plus égoïste encore à 25 ans qu'elle ne l'était à 16.
- Sa mère est devenue une intendante hors pair.
- Elinor se met à pleurer environ toutes les dix pages. Si, si, Elinor !
- L'auteur passe son temps à changer le caractère des personnages originaux et à dire que, décidément, ça ne leur ressemble pas !!! Tu m'étonnes !
- Margaret s'apprête à s'installer avec un homme marié et Elinor n'y trouve rien à redire.
- Marianne se compromet dans une intrigue avec Willoughby puis son mari revient et on n'en entend plus jamais parler, aucune conclusion, pas une ligne, même pas dans l'épilogue...

Bref, j'ai pas aimé...

http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...

[Caitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, right between it being okay and me liking it.

Let me start by saying that I am a huge Jane Austen fan. I've read a few continuations of Pride and Prejudice (not by Rebecca Ann Collins), but nothing else. I don't mind if the stories or characters change, so long as it's justified and makes for a good read.

Expectations of Happiness, unfortunately, just didn't live up to my expectations, which were pretty low because I've never read a Sense and Sensibility sequel and didn't know what to expect. The story was really disjointed, there was nothing new or original, and with the exception of Margaret, the characters were all flat.

In Sense and Sensibility, Marianne is an annoying twit, but she has depth and grows as a character after learning about Willoughby's betrayal. In this book she is flat and doesn't show any signs of growth. She has everything, including a husband who adores her, but it's still not enough. The fact that she finds herself deceived by Willoughby once again in this book is testament to how naive, thoughtless and selfish she is. I couldn't stand her. Then just when things start to get interesting Col. Brandon gets injured in a riding accident when he is traveling through the night in a storm to return to her after being away for weeks her part in the novel ends. We don't get to see her reunion with Brandon?! What the hell? This was halfway through the book, and illustrates what I mean about the book being disjointed. The first half of the book focused on Marianne being a twit, and then just when things are getting interesting, the gears switch over and we're suddenly focusing on Margaret.

Elinor was just as insufferable as Marianne in this. She was a worrier in Sense and Sensibility, but it was more understandable then because she was running the household, taking care of the family and trying to keep everyone together after the death of their father. But she is totally flat in this. All she did was worry about Marianne. I'm not exaggerating, that's all she does. If Rebecca Ann Collins hadn't occasionally made reference to the existence of children, I would never have believed that Elinor was a mother. What kind of wife and mother spends all of her time worrying about her grown sister?

Margaret was the only character with any substance or depth, and I really wish I didn't have to wait until halfway through the book for anything to start happening with her. To be honest though, I wasn't all that interested in her story at first. I bought the book because I was interested in Elinor and Marianne's lives after being married, but when I realized that their stories weren't going to go anywhere, Margaret's story became the only redeeming part of the book. It is unfortunate though that her story is in no way original.

I really wasn't impressed with this book. Rebecca Ann Collins' attempt to continue the lives of Austen's character's just didn't work. They were one-dimensional and without redeeming qualities. The fact that Margaret was the only character with any depth shows that Rebecca Ann Collins can indeed write, she just failed to continue on with characters that were developed by someone else. So, I'd say give this book a pass unless you're really interested in seeing a potential future for the young Miss Margaret Dashwood.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all! I usually give books I don't like very much at least 2 or 3 stars, but this book was so off from how Jane Austen would have written the Dashwood sisters and mother. Almost none of the women in the book had an ounce of propriety, as Jane Austen wrote her characters when she wrote Sense and Sensibility. Marianne is still a "ninny" (as Emma would say!) with her obsession over Willoughby. Elinor worries too much about everyone else and then doesn't share her feelings with her husband until after the fact. Margaret has grown up, but falls in love and can only have her life revolve around her beau. Even Mrs. Dashwood acts out of character with her obsession over running Barton Park for Sir John Middleton after his wife dies.

I loved the Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins, but this sequel to Sense and Sensibility I did not like at all.

[Don Jacobson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never finished. Way too slow going.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another re-read; a pleasant read and a good story although somewhat slow at first.
This is a sequel to Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. It is primarily a story about people unlike the author's Pemberley Chronicles series which has the key themes of social and political change.

My own reading of S&S didn't see Marianne as likely to become bored as Col. Brandon's wife but it is the possibility explored in this novel. I felt for Marianne in the grip of depression even while I was impatient with her.
Nor did I get the impression that Mrs Dashwood was a ditzy woman unable to run a household; read this book - it explains it well even though it annoys me. She was a romantic and a bit naive but that's my view.

The story of Margaret Dashwood provides some of the, for me, best parts of the book. In a way there are three different stories here held together by Elinor and Edward Ferrars.

I'd recommend this to any Jane Austen lovers but I didn't find it as satisfying as most of the Pemberley Chronicles series.

[Amy Tolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen's novels are my favorite novels of all time, so when I see continuations of her literary masterpieces by modern authors, it is always with a certain amount of trepidation. I am very much a purist when it comes to classic books. However, sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by fan fiction. "Expectations of Happiness" by Rebecca Ann Collins is one of those surprises. Is it as remarkable as "Sense and Sensibility?" No, but in fairness there will always be only one Jane Austen, so perhaps it is unfair to compare another author to her. Regardless, this was an enjoyable novel. There are a few things I took issue with, but still a good read. I'm considering reading Ms. Collins' "Pemberley Chronicles"-- after I reread the original "Pride and Prejudice" for the umpteenth time.
On the whole, I would recommend "Expectations of Happiness."

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Granted, Sense and Sensibility is one of my least favorite Jane Austen books. However, that does not excuse the utter destruction of the characters perpetuated by Rebecca Ann Collins. They turned Marianne into a selfish twit, and Elinor into a character with nothing better to do then endlessly worry. I couldn't even read past page 117 I was so disgusted with the character assassination.

Reading other reviews, it appears that Collins at least did well by Margaret, but I couldn't stand reading her handling of Marianne and Elinor to find out. I did not finish this book, and would not recommend it to anyone who actually respects Jane Austen's writing.

[Wendy DeWachter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good ...

I have all of the Member key Chronicles and read them so many times I wore the books out and had to get kindle editions. Though written in the same vein I did not enjoy this as much. I found Elinore to be a petty, whiney, worrywort of the type you cringe when they call you for the 7th time today. There were parts of the story I found unbelievable, though I won't say here and ruin anything. This was a good story, and kept me interested, it is not like the chronicles though.

[Literary Chanteuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mae Leveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book by chance at a book sale. It is the continuing story of the Dashwood sisters, as imagined by the author. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m delighted to again read another fantastic work by Rebecca Ann Collins. She is the critically acclaimed author of the bestselling 10 novel series, The Pemberley Chronicles. Her writing style is unparalleled in its depth and completion, and I’m always amazed at how detailed and engaging her novels are. After an incredibly rich 50 years worth of stories starring Lizzy and Darcy, we now turn our attention to Edward, Elinor, Marianne, and Col. Brandon as Collins begins to entice us with her versions of what happened after Jane laid down her pen in writing Sense and Sensibility.

Picking up seven years after the end of Sense and Sensibility, we are transported back into the world of the Dashwood sisters (now Mrs. Ferrars and Mrs. Brandon). Opening on a rather morbid note, we are taken to Barton Park for the funeral of Lady Middleton (Sir John’s wife) who unfortunately died of an apparent seizure during a dinner party for her mother’s (Mrs. Jennings) birthday. It’s during this unfortunate event we’re given updates as to where our favorite characters are: Margret, the youngest Dashwood sister, is now studying at a seminary near Oxford thanks to brother-in-law Edward’s assistance. Edward and Elinor live in the parsonage at Delaford, the estate of Col. Brandon and Marianne. Edward and Elinor are blessed with two children while the Brandons have none. After the funeral, Col. Brandon leaves to travel to see his property in Ireland, and it is in his absence that everyone’s worriment for Marianne begins. She has been the mistress of Delaford for seven years now, and is bored; bored with her day to day life, the lack of inspiration from her surroundings, and above all the lack of like minded people in her circle of friends. She takes a day trip with some acquaintances and surprisingly comes in contact with Willoughby. Will seeing him rekindle old feelings, or will she find strength in the love that Col. Brandon has for her? How will Elinor react when she finds that Willoughby has returned? What will become of Margret once she’s completed her education at the seminary?

One of Collins’ greatest attributes is her ability to channel the prose of Austen herself. Her style, while remaining Austen-like, is still unique, and all her own. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Collins is a true gem in the world of Jane Austen fan fiction. I’m always excited to read her novels as I know they’ll leave me feeling content and entertained to the highest degree. They have afforded many Jane Austen purists an escape back to the Victorian era and all its wonders. This time is exciting in particular because it’s the first time we get Collins’ perspective of the world of Sense and Sensibility. Her unique vision for the sister seemingly tranquil lives are never dull.

My one complaint was with Elinor’s character. She seemed filled with more anxiety then I ever remember. Yes, in the original she is worried about the family’s finances and about Marianne’s relationship with Willoughby, but she was not as bad as she is in Expectations of Happiness. She seems always on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and poor Edward tries to comfort and console her as she cries her eyes out over almost everything. It seems that most of the other characters walk on eggshells around her in what they can and can’t tell her for fear of her nerves. This bothered me, because I read Elinor as a strong woman in Sense and Sensibility. She gets her family together, helps them stay economical, and is there for Marianne caring for her both on an emotional and physical level when she falls ill. Heck, she even kicks Willoughby out when he comes back in the end, trying to come back just one more time to see Marianne. This “new” Elinor seriously displeased me and left a bad taste in my mouth.

Despite this, I have to give Collins credit for her imagination in creating the characterization of Margret, the youngest Dashwood sister. As she is young and unknown to us in Austen’s original work, it was exciting to see her character take shape and become a strong, intelligent woman with thoughts on her future and what she wanted for it. I was quite pleased by this plot addition, and the depth that Margret added to the storyline was a great inclusion in an already great story.

So, it is with a happy heart that I conclude my review of Expectations of Happiness (no pun intended!) Collins has once again showed us that she is a master of Austen’s language and time, and can add postscripts to Austen’s works that dovetail seamlessly to the originals. Happiness was unique and exciting, and it fulfilled my curiosity as to the fate of Elinor and Marianne after their happy endings as told by Austen. Give it a try; I’m positive that you won’t be disappointed!

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Cz

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven years after Sense & Sensibility comes to an end, Elinor and Edward Ferrars are happily married with young sons, Margaret is a bluestocking and teaches at a young ladies' seminary and Marianne is a desperate housewife. Colonel Brandon is often gone to his estates in Ireland or to rescue Eliza from some new trouble or other and Marianne is bored. When Elinor discovers that Willoughby is back in the area and without his wife, she worries about her sister. Marianne makes some new friends who bring her into contact with Willoughby. She feels she's a little older and wiser now than she was but is thrilled to find someone who shares her interest in history and literature. Will she succumb to his charms once again? Elinor seems to think so and dreads a scandal. Meanwhile Margaret has the chance to go on a trip of a lifetime to France with a good friend. They're met by two young gentlemen who escort the ladies around. Margaret experiences love and heartache for the first time with one of her traveling companions. Mrs. Dashwood is experiencing changes of her own. When Lady Middleton dies unexpectedly, Mrs. Dashwood is called upon to run the household and finds she enjoys it very much.

This book is supposed to be a sequel to Sense and Sensibility, but I didn't find the characters were very true to the original. Elinor becomes a worry-wort and imagines doom and gloom wherever she goes. She's always wringing her hands and weeping. I found her intensely annoying and lacking the sense she has in the original. Marianne resembles someone from a television soap opera. She was so forthright and open when she was younger, I don't know why she doesn't just talk to Colonel Brandon. She's a bit more mature than she was seven years ago but not a whole lot. I am not a fan of this sort of domestic drama plot.

Margaret is a bluestocking and far too modern for the period. I'm not certain there were schools of that sort yet at that time, let alone ones that would employ such liberal ladies. The big question for her is: is she willing to risk everything for true love? I have mixed feelings about her love affair. On one hand, it's sweet and tender but on the other, it's weird and creepy. If you like brooding heroes and melodrama a la Jane Eyre, you might enjoy this romance. The romance is essentially clean but certain things are implied and referenced. I wanted to love Margaret for standing up for her beliefs but some of her decisions are just too unconventional for the period. I can't imagine there wouldn't be fallout or that Elinor wouldn't lecture.

Mrs. Dashwood's subplot is essentially pointless and very predictable. She's the only character who matures and becomes more sensible. I liked the author's writing style though and how her gentle tone echoes Jane Austen without copying the period language exactly. I wouldn't recommend this sequel to Jane Austen lovers but as a stand alone novel it's not too bad.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expectations of Happiness was a perfect continuation of Jane Austen’s classic, Sense and Sensibility. Marianne Dashwood is not-so-happily married to Colonel Brandon. They are happy when they are together, but Colonel Brandon is often away for long stretches of time tending his estates in Ireland or helping his ward Eliza out of another scrape. His still young and beautiful wife finds herself bored and lonely, and more than a little susceptible to the charms of the still dashing Mr. Willoughby when he helps her and her friends after an accident. Will Marianne find her happy ending in the arms of her husband, or in the arms of Mr. Willoughby?

Elinor and Edward are happily married with two children, but Elinor constantly worries about Marianne. Margaret has become a young woman and a bluestocking. She has a love of learning and is a great teacher at a school near Oxford. During a trip to France with her friend Claire, Margaret finds herself infatuated with a smart, handsome Oxford scholar with a devastating secret of his own. Mrs. Dashwood has found a new occupation and perhaps a new love of her own, but to say more would ruin the plot!

This is my first reading of a Rebecca Ann Collins novel, but I have heard great things about her Pemberly Chronicles. I really enjoyed her style of writing. It was written in the same style as a Jane Austen novel, with traditional language (without our modern slang) and traditional sensibilities (no sex or violence). It was a novel to read slowly and savor. It was also a novel that emphasized romance over sex, which is a type of novel that I really enjoy reading.

I also enjoyed her treatment of the characters. The characters were all treated with respect and in a way that was very faithful to all of Jane Austen’s creations. It was very fun to have old favorites such as Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Jennings, and Sir John Middleton popping back into the story in the same spirit as in Sense and Sensibility. I love seeing Willoughby again, and I also loved the new characters such as Margaret’s love, Daniel. I only had a slight pause with some of the circumstances with Margaret’s independence as a young woman in the later part of the novel.

Overall, I thought that Expectations of Happiness was an impeccable and delightful continuation of Sense and Sensibility with fair treatment of the characters, and language and sensibilities that fit the time. I highly recommend it to all lovers of Sense and Sensibility.

This review was first posted at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Charlotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

I managed to get through the first four chapters of this book before I started skimming and eventually just skipped to the end before I put it down. I NEVER do stuff like that, but I was just really struggling with this book, and I wanted to see if it got any better. It didn't.

I wanted to give Expectations of Happiness a fair chance, since we are supposed to be reading it for a book club, but I finally just couldn't take anymore. I admit, I am a bit of a Jane Austen snob. She's my favorite author, and Sense & Sensibility is one of my favorite books. But really, the audacity of Rebecca Ann Collins taking these characters and trying to continue their story was too much for me, because she simply couldn't pull it off. The characters in Expectations of Happiness may have had the same names as the characters in Sense & Sensibility, but they weren't the same people! Elinor is suddenly all weepy & angst-ridden, Marianne is an idiot, and Mrs. Dashwood may have changed for the better, but still, she's just not the same woman as in Sense & Sensibility. Not to mention the fact that Ms. Collins, having not lived in that era, simply can't bring the same weight of knowledge and understanding of the time to her writing as Jane Austen did. I didn't like it at all. Others who don't feel so strongly about Jane Austen will probably have an easier time with it.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting continuation of Austen's Sense & Sensibility, taking place about eight years after the novel ends. Elinor and Edward Ferrars are happily settled at Delaford parish with two young sons while Colonel Brandon and Marianne are in the manor house at Delaford, unfortunately childless. Margaret lives in Oxford where she teaches in a school and hopes to become a writer. Mrs. Dashwood remains at Barton Cottage within an easy distance of her two elder daughters.

But a death in the family sends life in new directions, and Marianne's discontent with Colonel Brandon's absence to care for his estate in Ireland leave her vulnerable once again when Willoughby returns to her circle through her friendship with a family who lives near his Somerset estate. His marriage is anything but happy as his wife lives exclusively in London while he remains in the country. Elinor fears for Willoughby's re-emergence in Marianne's life while her husband is away. Meanwhile, Margaret goes on an extended tour of Provence and meets an amazing unofficial tour guide, a professor of history at Oxford.

I'll leave the story there and just say that it was a lovely read--a bit slow in a few places, but definitely very Austenish in style and detail. An intriguing and delightful revisiting of the Dashwood family!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

A less than satisfying follow-up to Sense and Sensibility with Eleanor as a leaky faucet, Marianne D U M B dumb (because apparently we all agree that it's a little odd that she ended up with Cnl Brandon and we all worry about what might happen with that match later under the irresistable attraction of Willoughby's romantic yearnings), Margaret an educated and free-spirited lady without enough concern about her reputation, and a weird not-quite-cheating-on-a-spouse vibe with Margaret's lover filled with all those weird Other Woman justifications I never find make a character appealing. The most attractive couple is (SPOLIERS) Mrs. Dashwood and the widowed Sir John, and if the whole spotlight had been on them I would've liked the book more. This got an okay review from AustenBlog, but I should've paid more attention to my No More Continuations rule, or had lower expectations.

[Lisa Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read from Rebecca Ann Collins, this time chronicling the Dashwood sisters rather than the inhabitants of Pemberly. However, I didn't feel it was her best work. There was a great deal more sensibility than sense from all the characters - even Elinor at times was a little over-emotional. The Willoughby storyline didn't have the final closure it needed, and while I like the character of a grown-up Margaret very much, I did feel she was a bit too modern for the time-period. Still, the plotting was solid and made "sense" in the end. A good, fast, easy read.

[C.M. Chakrabarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. It put the Dashwood sisters is a proper place, and their sister-in-law in a place beneath them. I thought Marianne continued to be foolish but remembered her commitment in the end. I liked how the mother's position changed, and I was a bit disappointed in the character of the youngest daughter once she became an adult. Fornication was frowned upon in those days, and it was kept under wraps.

It was a wonderful read.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sequel to Sense and Sensibility, I enjoyed it but the narrative just wasn't engaging as I'd hoped. Elinor sometimes came off as a worrier with nothing better to do. I did enjoy Margaret's storyline but wondered if society would have really let her be that free. I felt unable to connect with Elinor.

[Mardia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Insipid "sequel" to Sense and Sensibility. Elinor is given nothing to do but worry over her sisters, Margaret's romance is dull, and the most potentially interesting storyline about Marianne is never given its due or explored fully, and in the end, feels like as much of a waste of time as the rest of the book. Of all the published spinoffs of Austen's works, I would advise skipping this one.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, I knew what I was in for, and I read it anyway.

The writing was serviceable, but the plot and characterization were the real problem. Elinor and Marianne less interesting versions of themselves at the beginning of S&S. Margaret was more interesting, but her story was kinda Jane Eyre-y and much too modern. But I liked her.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad "sequel." It was hard to get into at first, a little slow moving initially. I, too, wonder at Margaret's freedom--it is a stark contrast to the strictures evident in Marianne's situation. Elinor was very much a worrier--I didn't feel like this was true to Austen's original form for her. However, I felt like the story line wasn't too far out of Austen's world for comfort.

[Tamra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was only able to get through about 1/3 of the book - yawn! - before realizing it was work to keep reading. Sense and Sensibility is my second favorite Jane Austen book and this book just wasn't a worthy sequel.

[Crystal Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A link to my official review:
http://www.examiner.com/books-in-boul...

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for AustenBlog. Will post the link when it's up.

http://austenblog.com/2012/02/13/revi...