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By Rebecca H. Jamison - Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale (2014-08-27) [Paperback]
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First published August 10, 2014
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August 19, 2014
Confession time: I've never read the original Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen. So, I can't compare this story to the original. What I can say is that it was awesome and I enjoyed reading it!
The story goes back and forth between Elly and Maren. They are two sisters whose father has died and he left them with a lot of debt. Their mother is doing what she can to help and they also have a younger, autistic sister Grace. They take turns helping out with Grace and she's a great addition to the story.
Elly gets out there and tries to do something to improve their situation and save their home while Maren stays in bed because she's depressed. Elly meets Ethan who encourages her to come work for his company. She's very familiar with it since it's run by her ex-fiance, Jake, who is now married to Ethan's sister, Candi. Elly did something in the past to Candi that she's not proud of. There are some funny moments that happen due to this whole situation.
Maren has a hard time coping with all that's happened to their family. When the family moves across the country to live with their grandmother, she's introduced to someone that would be good for her but falls for someone who makes her feel alive. He seems perfect for her but then starts doing some strange things that don't make sense. I understood his appeal at first but there were times I wanted to smack him.
I loved reading the perspectives of each sister. They are very different from each other and each have their own challenges and trials to work through. Parts of this book were quite frustrating as Ethan seemed to like Elly but something was holding him back. I liked their relationship and wanted them to figure out a way to make it work. There were some twists and turns and I wasn't sure how it would end for either sister. The ending is satisfying and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good, clean read!
I did read Persuasion:A Latter-day Tale a few years ago, which was also written by this author and I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading Emma: A Latter-day Tale and will look for more books by Ms. Jamison in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
The story goes back and forth between Elly and Maren. They are two sisters whose father has died and he left them with a lot of debt. Their mother is doing what she can to help and they also have a younger, autistic sister Grace. They take turns helping out with Grace and she's a great addition to the story.
Elly gets out there and tries to do something to improve their situation and save their home while Maren stays in bed because she's depressed. Elly meets Ethan who encourages her to come work for his company. She's very familiar with it since it's run by her ex-fiance, Jake, who is now married to Ethan's sister, Candi. Elly did something in the past to Candi that she's not proud of. There are some funny moments that happen due to this whole situation.
Maren has a hard time coping with all that's happened to their family. When the family moves across the country to live with their grandmother, she's introduced to someone that would be good for her but falls for someone who makes her feel alive. He seems perfect for her but then starts doing some strange things that don't make sense. I understood his appeal at first but there were times I wanted to smack him.
I loved reading the perspectives of each sister. They are very different from each other and each have their own challenges and trials to work through. Parts of this book were quite frustrating as Ethan seemed to like Elly but something was holding him back. I liked their relationship and wanted them to figure out a way to make it work. There were some twists and turns and I wasn't sure how it would end for either sister. The ending is satisfying and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a good, clean read!
I did read Persuasion:A Latter-day Tale a few years ago, which was also written by this author and I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading Emma: A Latter-day Tale and will look for more books by Ms. Jamison in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
April 1, 2015
Reviewed on Kathryn Cooper Writes
A few weeks after my brain tumor surgery I had to have Radiation. Back in September 2014, right before starting Radiation, I started to read Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale. During Radiation I tried to read, but it was NOT fun going through this treatment every Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. All I could do was watch TV. I did happily go back to reading in November and finished this book in December. Sorry, this is probably more information than you want to know. I just like to share that, for me, reading helps my recovery.
The 2 main girl characters were going through some difficult stuff. The 2 sisters reacted differently. Elly holds things together. She had to hold back more than she probably would have because of her sister Maren’s reaction of heavy emotions. It was good seeing them be so real. Boys of course are also involved. Good stuff there. Also, on the side there are some good mentions of their christian church.
I love reading Jane Austen 21st century re-tellings. This Sense and Sensibility was a great one!
Content Ratings: (content details found at kathryncooperwrites.com)
Sexual: mild
Language: none
Violence: none
*I received this ebook from Rebecca H. Jamison. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
A few weeks after my brain tumor surgery I had to have Radiation. Back in September 2014, right before starting Radiation, I started to read Sense and Sensibility: A Latter-day Tale. During Radiation I tried to read, but it was NOT fun going through this treatment every Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. All I could do was watch TV. I did happily go back to reading in November and finished this book in December. Sorry, this is probably more information than you want to know. I just like to share that, for me, reading helps my recovery.
The 2 main girl characters were going through some difficult stuff. The 2 sisters reacted differently. Elly holds things together. She had to hold back more than she probably would have because of her sister Maren’s reaction of heavy emotions. It was good seeing them be so real. Boys of course are also involved. Good stuff there. Also, on the side there are some good mentions of their christian church.
I love reading Jane Austen 21st century re-tellings. This Sense and Sensibility was a great one!
Content Ratings: (content details found at kathryncooperwrites.com)
Sexual: mild
Language: none
Violence: none
*I received this ebook from Rebecca H. Jamison. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
April 20, 2019
I LOVE Jane Austen and most of the modernization retelling of her books. This one was no exception to that! I really liked the characters and the real world challenges they had and the miscommunications that were are so common in Jane Austen's books come into play in this book as well. It was fun to read and try to figure out who each of the characters were based on.
Read
August 13, 2014I love retellings and this one intrigued me all the more adding modern technology to it. I watched how the author parallel's this book to Jane Austen's and how she spun it. Elly is the older sister, trying to help her family cope after the loss of their father and husband. She tries to be strong and wise and tries to find love but finds that it is difficult with a man who hasn't shown any PDA or confessed any undying love for her, yet it is apparent that he has feelings for her. Maren is the middle sister, who is sassy and modern and wants to experience life to its fullest, even though they have major debts landed on them by a company that overtook youngest and has autism. I loved how Ethan, Elly's love interest, handles Grace and it doesn't matter to him what she does. Their mother is working hard but they can't seem to keep themselves afloat so they have the house on short sale and decide that they need to move to Maryland from California to live with their grandmother. The grandmother is a hoot by the way. She is a hoarder and has the most awful food ever, (i.e. gluten free dairy free etc) thinking that Grace needs that type of food. But her heart if full. Maren has just gotten out of an inpatient psychiatric unit for depression. She is now on medication.
Elly meets Ethan at a church food house (this is where people can get food to help them temporarily) He was volunteering that day. Grace is having a bad day and Ethan helps them out and they form an attachment (ok I know I got the line from the original, but it works). But fate has them running into each other again and the next thing you know they are going places together and with Grace. Elly finds herself having a temp job at her ex-fiancé’s place of work doing the same things she did for her father's work. This was more than just the same; it appears to be THE SAME. Then Elly meets Jake's wife who is Ethan's sister. Awkward!! But what happens at the end amazes me and has me respecting Elly all the more when it comes to her.
When the family moves to Maryland, Ethan promises to visit because he has an organization that helps vets with coming back into civilization.
In Maryland, they find their grandmother's house in ruins and full of stuff!! She has a job lined up for the two older sisters at an organic farm that owns and runs an ice cream store. The owner is Colton. He immediately takes notice of Maren. But Maren isn't interested.
Maren does however; find interest in this motorcycle dude who is living with his aunt for the moment. He takes Maren everywhere and woos her quite well actually. But what she doesn't do is take her medication. She believes it is him who has cured her of the depression. So when he leaves unexpectantly, she has a relapse. She takes the motorcycle out and wrecks it and they have to go out and find her. Colton has a clue where she is.
Maren is pretty banged up and goes to the hospital and has several surgeries and Colton is there often and he is so sweet to her. But he doesn't flaunt what he does for her and it is very tender. Wyatt shows up eventually but Maren kicks his butt out, realizing who would be there for her and be her steady always.
As far as Elly goes, it takes some time for her and Ethan and there is another woman like in Jane Austen's. But this one is different and I will let you read it for yourself. I like the twist and how the author leads us to believe Ethan is no longer available and how Elly finds out.
This book is for Jane Austen fans and people who like clean reads, Christian romance, stupid motorcycles, learning from your mistakes, finding love, family, giving of your time and talents and just a sweet read than this book is for you.
Elly meets Ethan at a church food house (this is where people can get food to help them temporarily) He was volunteering that day. Grace is having a bad day and Ethan helps them out and they form an attachment (ok I know I got the line from the original, but it works). But fate has them running into each other again and the next thing you know they are going places together and with Grace. Elly finds herself having a temp job at her ex-fiancé’s place of work doing the same things she did for her father's work. This was more than just the same; it appears to be THE SAME. Then Elly meets Jake's wife who is Ethan's sister. Awkward!! But what happens at the end amazes me and has me respecting Elly all the more when it comes to her.
When the family moves to Maryland, Ethan promises to visit because he has an organization that helps vets with coming back into civilization.
In Maryland, they find their grandmother's house in ruins and full of stuff!! She has a job lined up for the two older sisters at an organic farm that owns and runs an ice cream store. The owner is Colton. He immediately takes notice of Maren. But Maren isn't interested.
Maren does however; find interest in this motorcycle dude who is living with his aunt for the moment. He takes Maren everywhere and woos her quite well actually. But what she doesn't do is take her medication. She believes it is him who has cured her of the depression. So when he leaves unexpectantly, she has a relapse. She takes the motorcycle out and wrecks it and they have to go out and find her. Colton has a clue where she is.
Maren is pretty banged up and goes to the hospital and has several surgeries and Colton is there often and he is so sweet to her. But he doesn't flaunt what he does for her and it is very tender. Wyatt shows up eventually but Maren kicks his butt out, realizing who would be there for her and be her steady always.
As far as Elly goes, it takes some time for her and Ethan and there is another woman like in Jane Austen's. But this one is different and I will let you read it for yourself. I like the twist and how the author leads us to believe Ethan is no longer available and how Elly finds out.
This book is for Jane Austen fans and people who like clean reads, Christian romance, stupid motorcycles, learning from your mistakes, finding love, family, giving of your time and talents and just a sweet read than this book is for you.
August 10, 2014
In this retelling of the Jane Austen Classic, sisters Elly and Maren Goodwin cope with life and love after their father's death leaves the family business destroyed and them penniless.
I love that the author doesn't twist and stretch her story to exactly fit the original. Elly and Maren aren't Regency Misses dressed up in jeans and high heels. Jamison takes great trouble give them psychological depth--Maren's battle with depression, her little sister Grace's autism are both portrayed with sensitivity as well as sometimes stark realism. Jamison's contemporary settings--the computer industry of California and an organic dairy in Maryland--are just as convincing as her characters and offer interesting opportunities for the plot to unwind.
The plot takes a little time to get off the ground, with the first third feeling much slower than the rest of the book. But this deliberation and gravity is in keeping with the original, one of Austen's darker works, in which she deals with complicated themes of marriage and family obligation in an age when economic class equaled identity and a woman without means, even from a good family, faced an uncertain future.
Also paralleling the original, Jamison's female characters outshine the males. Ethan Ferrero, especially, comes off as weak and indecisive. In his case, the contemporary setting works against him. He has none of the family or class constraints of Austen's hero, so the big obstacle between him and Elly (at least his evasiveness about it) seems somewhat contrived.
Unlike Jamison's previous Austen retellings, the LDS aspect of this novel remains largely in the background. We're aware of the characters' faith, and we witness it in their actions/reactions, but day-to-day Ward life isn't quite as integral to the plot as in Jamison's EMMA and PERSUASION. I can see why this might have been necessary--there's so much going on with each character personally and professionally--but that broad window into a worldview so different from my own was one of my favorite parts of the first two novels. Even so,Sense and sensibility: A Latter-day Tale is a solid work that rises well above the standards of the usual contemporary romance. I hope Jamison continues on her journey through Jane Austen.
I love that the author doesn't twist and stretch her story to exactly fit the original. Elly and Maren aren't Regency Misses dressed up in jeans and high heels. Jamison takes great trouble give them psychological depth--Maren's battle with depression, her little sister Grace's autism are both portrayed with sensitivity as well as sometimes stark realism. Jamison's contemporary settings--the computer industry of California and an organic dairy in Maryland--are just as convincing as her characters and offer interesting opportunities for the plot to unwind.
The plot takes a little time to get off the ground, with the first third feeling much slower than the rest of the book. But this deliberation and gravity is in keeping with the original, one of Austen's darker works, in which she deals with complicated themes of marriage and family obligation in an age when economic class equaled identity and a woman without means, even from a good family, faced an uncertain future.
Also paralleling the original, Jamison's female characters outshine the males. Ethan Ferrero, especially, comes off as weak and indecisive. In his case, the contemporary setting works against him. He has none of the family or class constraints of Austen's hero, so the big obstacle between him and Elly (at least his evasiveness about it) seems somewhat contrived.
Unlike Jamison's previous Austen retellings, the LDS aspect of this novel remains largely in the background. We're aware of the characters' faith, and we witness it in their actions/reactions, but day-to-day Ward life isn't quite as integral to the plot as in Jamison's EMMA and PERSUASION. I can see why this might have been necessary--there's so much going on with each character personally and professionally--but that broad window into a worldview so different from my own was one of my favorite parts of the first two novels. Even so,Sense and sensibility: A Latter-day Tale is a solid work that rises well above the standards of the usual contemporary romance. I hope Jamison continues on her journey through Jane Austen.
October 31, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Elly and Maren are so different, yet they are similar in more ways than they realize. Events occurred that were almost comical, yet some were tragic, and the sisters moved forward in their lives, especially level-headed Elly. I loved the way the chapters jumped back and forth between the two sisters. I'm more like Elly, so it was fun to see into Maren's head, to try and understand her way of thinking better.
Elly is the stabilizing force in trying to hold her family together. After her father's death and the loss of their company, their mother has to work hard to make ends meet, which leaves a lot of the care of their autistic sister, Grace, up to Elly and Maren. Elly ends up taking a job with the rival company, headed by her ex-fiance, to help makes ends meet. A whole slew of...interesting (aka funny)...situations arise from that experience.
Maren is struggling with her mental state, due to her father's death. She isn't very rational in her decisions and comes across as very flighty. I loved seeing into her head--I could understand better why she did things that she did, but she was still crazy.
When the family moves across the country to live with the grandmother, new characters and situations are introduced--some are quirky, some are fun, and all are entertaining. I loved every minute of this crazy, fun story!
Content: no language; no violence; mild kissing; mild religious references. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Elly is the stabilizing force in trying to hold her family together. After her father's death and the loss of their company, their mother has to work hard to make ends meet, which leaves a lot of the care of their autistic sister, Grace, up to Elly and Maren. Elly ends up taking a job with the rival company, headed by her ex-fiance, to help makes ends meet. A whole slew of...interesting (aka funny)...situations arise from that experience.
Maren is struggling with her mental state, due to her father's death. She isn't very rational in her decisions and comes across as very flighty. I loved seeing into her head--I could understand better why she did things that she did, but she was still crazy.
When the family moves across the country to live with the grandmother, new characters and situations are introduced--some are quirky, some are fun, and all are entertaining. I loved every minute of this crazy, fun story!
Content: no language; no violence; mild kissing; mild religious references. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
March 12, 2016
What a fresh retelling of Sense and Sensibility! The author did a great job translating the trials of 19th century England to some that readers could definitely relate to in our day. Maren's mental instability was fascinating to read, how she coped with her depression in different ways and her perspective of the professional help she received. Elly's developing relationship with Ethan was sweet, but frustrating since he was not committing 100%. The youngest sister in this version is not a child but a young woman with autism. Something that I appreciated was the addressing throughout the novel of the very real grief that the girls felt over the death of their father. The settings and dialogue were realistic and contemporary, yet the Austen-esque storyline was definitely recognizable, and it was fun making comparisons between the two. The characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as Mormons), but the references are very basic and it has the same feel as other Christian fiction novels. I'd feel comfortable recommending it to members of any denomination.
(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
August 7, 2014
Here is an old favorite of mine, re-done in a contemporary setting. I loved that I still felt the familiar chords of the orginal story but also felt something fresh and new being added in.
The story started out slowly for me. It took a little while for me to settle in and become more invested but it did happen. Elly and Maren are both likeable characters with flaws and quirks that will endear them to you. It's a rocky road of love and relationships for them but one that is worth it in the end. The last third of the book was my favorite because the story kicks up a notch and things really start happening.
I loved the ending. It wrapped everything up in way that made me happy and left me feeling content. (Stand alone books can be so refreshing after reading so many books in a series that leave you hanging!)
This book is LDS based, there is some mentions of church related things although nothing I would consider preachy. Because it does have that base, it is also free of swearing and sexual situations, which I love.
The story started out slowly for me. It took a little while for me to settle in and become more invested but it did happen. Elly and Maren are both likeable characters with flaws and quirks that will endear them to you. It's a rocky road of love and relationships for them but one that is worth it in the end. The last third of the book was my favorite because the story kicks up a notch and things really start happening.
I loved the ending. It wrapped everything up in way that made me happy and left me feeling content. (Stand alone books can be so refreshing after reading so many books in a series that leave you hanging!)
This book is LDS based, there is some mentions of church related things although nothing I would consider preachy. Because it does have that base, it is also free of swearing and sexual situations, which I love.
March 16, 2015
This was a cute, modern day remake of Jane Austen’s classic. The characters were varied and well-developed. Elly made me laugh. She was so cute in her insecure way. Maren was the tortured character who seems to make mistake after mistake, yet you see her grow and change as she discovers truths about herself and love. The male characters—Ethan, Wyatt, Jake, and Colton—are fun to read about too. I gobbled this story up and found myself smiling at some of the quirky things that happened. Some of the issues experienced by characters in this book are autism, severe depression, and PTSD, yet the book is written in such a way that you aren’t pulled down by the dark subjects; instead humor is woven into the plot to help carry you along and not get sucked under by sadness. Great book.
January 1, 2016
A good modern re-telling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. It also shows some of the issues and struggles that come with depression and PTSD, for the one suffering and also for their family and friends.
July 19, 2019
2.85
First off, if you don’t like religious romances or Hallmark-y books, don’t read this one.
This is obviously a modern Sense and Sensibility. I get why the author did some choices because she was trying to modernize it, but I didn’t like all the choices. It was still a quick read which was nice since I’m on vacation. The author decided to have some of the characters have a mental illness. I understand why she decided to do that but I don’t know if I agreed with it.
All in all, if you want a quick, cheesy read then give this book a try.
First off, if you don’t like religious romances or Hallmark-y books, don’t read this one.
This is obviously a modern Sense and Sensibility. I get why the author did some choices because she was trying to modernize it, but I didn’t like all the choices. It was still a quick read which was nice since I’m on vacation. The author decided to have some of the characters have a mental illness. I understand why she decided to do that but I don’t know if I agreed with it.
All in all, if you want a quick, cheesy read then give this book a try.
January 23, 2024
Wow. Where to begin. I have read two of the three books in this "series". This book is a humdinger. The book is not that long but there is more packed into these pages than a lot of books I have read. And it's a really good read. But it's a really challenging read. Especially if you deal with mental health issues or other similar trials in your family. Again, I can only say Wow. Happy endings make all the difference with this book. A little too heavy for me but if you start it, don't stop. You will need to read to the very end!
February 26, 2020
A wonderful story of love
Love conquers all. A very refreshing love story. Life has many trials but love can and will prevail. A relaxing read. I recommend to anyone looking for a brief escape as you enter your book realm and transform yourself into the authors world of characters. I'm glad I chose to read this.
Love conquers all. A very refreshing love story. Life has many trials but love can and will prevail. A relaxing read. I recommend to anyone looking for a brief escape as you enter your book realm and transform yourself into the authors world of characters. I'm glad I chose to read this.
September 2, 2018
The ways she changed and modernized the story were interesting and fairly well done, but she changed the characters too much. I honestly feel like the writer made Elly a much weaker version of Elinor, and because of that, I just really couldn't like the book very much.
July 25, 2019
Love.. doesn’t always make sense
I really enjoyed all the references to the classics and parallels. This is a more realistic romance from the insta attraction, depression, embarrassing moments to the eventual eye opening situations that inspire true love.
I really enjoyed all the references to the classics and parallels. This is a more realistic romance from the insta attraction, depression, embarrassing moments to the eventual eye opening situations that inspire true love.
August 2, 2019
3.5
I didn't love this one as much as her other two Latter-Day Tales. It was good, but I was sad pretty much all through it. The romance was sweet, and played along with Austen's original story nicely. There were religious elements but nothing too pushy in it.
Moral Note: Clean
I didn't love this one as much as her other two Latter-Day Tales. It was good, but I was sad pretty much all through it. The romance was sweet, and played along with Austen's original story nicely. There were religious elements but nothing too pushy in it.
Moral Note: Clean
May 2, 2022
I had to read a book that was a retellling of a classic story. I have never read the original so not sure how close this one got. I had struggles throughout this book. I got the sisters confused and was not sure what was happening at times.
January 21, 2018
A friend gave me this book and it was ok. I think it did a good job of making Jane Austen modern but I didn’t love love it and while it was a fun quick read, the ending was too contrived.
March 29, 2018
Loved original Jane Austen book and Emma Thompson movie so this was a fun twist
July 7, 2018
A very fun take on the one it's based on. The characters were close to the original with more flare and of course modern living. It's a little sappy which I found okay.
September 3, 2018
I'm not sure why, but I didn't enjoy this book. Sorry
March 8, 2019
I was curious to see how the author would follow the storyline of one of my favorite movies! She did pretty well. This was an enjoyable read. ❤️
August 19, 2019
A great modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. The author deals with some hard issues but does a great job addressing them and great character development.
May 24, 2020
Elly has to take a job from her ex-fiance to pay the bills caused by her dad's death and their business being destroyed. The programming is easy, and seems very familiar.
July 3, 2020
2.5 stars. A few lines really rubbed me the wrong way.
January 19, 2025
Such a fun book that turned the classic into a modern story. Very creative and so cute.
July 5, 2025
Well done adaption of the original story to modern day situations and ailments.
July 10, 2025
LDS story on a classic. Only ok.
November 13, 2014
This book is a fun read. The author’s use of humor to diffuse tension is well-done and effective. The characters are well-developed, and I felt I knew each of them within a few pages after they were introduced. I enjoyed the first setting of the book, San Jose, California, as I was raised just north of there. I could relate to the setting very easily because of the realistic details the author included about the San Francisco Bay Area. Later the story moved to Maryland, which I am not familiar with firsthand, but the author guided the reader through the scenery, climate, surroundings well.
The main character, Elly, tap dances as a stress reliever. I laughed at this at first, but I can see (and believe in) the benefit in doing some sort of physical exercise when stressed. Elly was the level-headed elder sister in a family of three, although she sometimes doubted herself. She’s a skilled computer programmer and was the ‘ glue’ which held the family together through her father’s death, business takeover, foreclosure, and bankruptcy.
Maren, the middle daughter, was an artist who was suffering through severe depression after the death of the their father. During the course of the story she goes through many trials and tribulations involving love interests and grief over her father’s passing.
Grace, the youngest sister, is a fifteen-year-old who must deal with her own challenges on a daily basis. She is autistic, and the author did a beautiful job of portraying this young woman in a realistic and loving manner.
My favorite character in this story is Ethan Ferrero, Elly’s love interest. I admired his kindness toward and patience with Elly’s youngest sister. We learn in the story that Grace’s autism can be a challenge, and Ethan is keenly tuned in to her special needs, wants, and desires. He is compassionate and understanding with everyone, but especially with Grace. I liked how he spoke calmly to Grace and dealt with her sometimes untimely outbursts in order to make her more comfortable. His generosity helped this teen enjoy the simpler things in life. He was obviously in touch with what made Grace tick.
Ethan and Elly communicated their feelings for one another through the Victorian language of flowers. Those of you who have followed my blog will recognize this language as a part of gardens and flowers that I personally enjoy. In this book, I learned the meaning of orchids, camellias, hyacinths, roses, honeysuckle, and many other flowers through the course of Ethan and Elly’s courtship. This element added sweet romance to their sometimes rocky relationship.
While I enjoyed the entire story, the last twelve chapters were spellbinding. Once I reached Chapter 40, I literally could not stop reading until I reached the period at the end of the last sentence in the book. There is a lot of action in this section of the book, and I liked how Rebecca wrapped everything up before the last sentence on the last page. Maren is married, and Elly is engaged. (Sigh . . . ) Romance writing at its best! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
The main character, Elly, tap dances as a stress reliever. I laughed at this at first, but I can see (and believe in) the benefit in doing some sort of physical exercise when stressed. Elly was the level-headed elder sister in a family of three, although she sometimes doubted herself. She’s a skilled computer programmer and was the ‘ glue’ which held the family together through her father’s death, business takeover, foreclosure, and bankruptcy.
Maren, the middle daughter, was an artist who was suffering through severe depression after the death of the their father. During the course of the story she goes through many trials and tribulations involving love interests and grief over her father’s passing.
Grace, the youngest sister, is a fifteen-year-old who must deal with her own challenges on a daily basis. She is autistic, and the author did a beautiful job of portraying this young woman in a realistic and loving manner.
My favorite character in this story is Ethan Ferrero, Elly’s love interest. I admired his kindness toward and patience with Elly’s youngest sister. We learn in the story that Grace’s autism can be a challenge, and Ethan is keenly tuned in to her special needs, wants, and desires. He is compassionate and understanding with everyone, but especially with Grace. I liked how he spoke calmly to Grace and dealt with her sometimes untimely outbursts in order to make her more comfortable. His generosity helped this teen enjoy the simpler things in life. He was obviously in touch with what made Grace tick.
Ethan and Elly communicated their feelings for one another through the Victorian language of flowers. Those of you who have followed my blog will recognize this language as a part of gardens and flowers that I personally enjoy. In this book, I learned the meaning of orchids, camellias, hyacinths, roses, honeysuckle, and many other flowers through the course of Ethan and Elly’s courtship. This element added sweet romance to their sometimes rocky relationship.
While I enjoyed the entire story, the last twelve chapters were spellbinding. Once I reached Chapter 40, I literally could not stop reading until I reached the period at the end of the last sentence in the book. There is a lot of action in this section of the book, and I liked how Rebecca wrapped everything up before the last sentence on the last page. Maren is married, and Elly is engaged. (Sigh . . . ) Romance writing at its best! I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
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