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Modern Jane #4
Unromantic
In a family of hopeless romantics and dreamers, Elinor is the sensible one. Her mom is an artist, her sister is a poet, and Elinor’s just doing her best to keep the family afloat.
After her father’s untimely death, she takes over his job managing Norland Park, a rustic family resort in Big Sur, California.
Elinor doesn’t mind unclogging toilets, smoking hornet nests, and dealing with grumpy guests as long as it means she can continue to live with her mom and sister in their beloved Bumble Cottage rent fee—a perk of being camp manager.
But when Norland Park gets a new owner, Elinor’s idyllic life is threatened.
She can’t deny her initial attraction to the new owner’s son, Edward. But neither his charming smile, dry sense of humor, nor their shared childhood memories, can make up for the fact that he’s working to destroy her beloved home by turning it into a luxury resort.
Book 4 in the Modern Jane Series, Unromantic is a contemporary retelling of Elinor’s story from Sense and Sensibility. It can be enjoyed on its own and read out of order, like all the books in the series. However, Unromantic should be read before Romantic, Marianne’s story from Sense and Sensibility–available fall 2026.
After her father’s untimely death, she takes over his job managing Norland Park, a rustic family resort in Big Sur, California.
Elinor doesn’t mind unclogging toilets, smoking hornet nests, and dealing with grumpy guests as long as it means she can continue to live with her mom and sister in their beloved Bumble Cottage rent fee—a perk of being camp manager.
But when Norland Park gets a new owner, Elinor’s idyllic life is threatened.
She can’t deny her initial attraction to the new owner’s son, Edward. But neither his charming smile, dry sense of humor, nor their shared childhood memories, can make up for the fact that he’s working to destroy her beloved home by turning it into a luxury resort.
Book 4 in the Modern Jane Series, Unromantic is a contemporary retelling of Elinor’s story from Sense and Sensibility. It can be enjoyed on its own and read out of order, like all the books in the series. However, Unromantic should be read before Romantic, Marianne’s story from Sense and Sensibility–available fall 2026.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2026
About the author
Ruth Mitchell
6 books215 followersRuth Mitchell strongly believes the world needs more happy endings. She aims to write “hospital waiting room” books, stories that cheer and distract readers when their world is crumbling, make them laugh and sigh, and finish with a little more hope. All of her books are love stories with plenty of banter, and sizzling chemistry, but no spice. (Just kissing.)
Ruth and her husband live in San Diego, where their four mostly-grown children visit often. She loves long rambling conversations, baking (she makes the best pie), hiking, and running (slowly) along the coasts and canyons of Southern California.
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Ruth and her husband live in San Diego, where their four mostly-grown children visit often. She loves long rambling conversations, baking (she makes the best pie), hiking, and running (slowly) along the coasts and canyons of Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 13, 2026
🎉Happy Pub Day!🎉
Are you kidding me? This was so romantic! 🥰🥰🥰
Elinor and Edward have a meet-cute, but she doesn’t date tourists, so she doesn’t agree to a date. Which she promptly regrets. As she should. Luckily, fate throws them back together a few months later, and it turns out that things are complicated—but also that they were each other’s childhood crushes, which was so adorable I couldn’t stop smiling.
I loved, loved, loved their chemistry. The accidental touches and almost-kisses, the teasing and banter, and the cutest letters they would leave for each other in a rusty, abandoned mailbox. Edward was the sweetest golden retriever of a man, and he was crazy about Elinor from the beginning, so basically my favorite type of hero. Elinor was a bit skittish at times, but she was very lovable, and I was rooting for both of them.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the way everyone was constantly and very openly trying to match Edward and Elinor. J.J., especially, should have a chat with HR about what’s appropriate to say and what isn’t. But it’s a minor thing, and this book is my absolute favorite in the series.
I can’t wait for Annie and Brandon!
Thanks to the author for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Are you kidding me? This was so romantic! 🥰🥰🥰
Elinor and Edward have a meet-cute, but she doesn’t date tourists, so she doesn’t agree to a date. Which she promptly regrets. As she should. Luckily, fate throws them back together a few months later, and it turns out that things are complicated—but also that they were each other’s childhood crushes, which was so adorable I couldn’t stop smiling.
I loved, loved, loved their chemistry. The accidental touches and almost-kisses, the teasing and banter, and the cutest letters they would leave for each other in a rusty, abandoned mailbox. Edward was the sweetest golden retriever of a man, and he was crazy about Elinor from the beginning, so basically my favorite type of hero. Elinor was a bit skittish at times, but she was very lovable, and I was rooting for both of them.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the way everyone was constantly and very openly trying to match Edward and Elinor. J.J., especially, should have a chat with HR about what’s appropriate to say and what isn’t. But it’s a minor thing, and this book is my absolute favorite in the series.
I can’t wait for Annie and Brandon!
Thanks to the author for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
June 12, 2026
"My mom and sister call me unromantic, but that isn't true. I am simply careful with my heart. Because I know just how easily I could lose it."
I am very picky about my Austen adaptations. In my experience, the best ones pay homage to and acknowledge her genius while putting their own creative spin on her timeless stories. Ruth Mitchell does both.
Mitchell has chosen to split Sense and Sensibility into two separate books, Unromantic and Romantic, told from each sister's point of view. Elinor, the practical older sister, has had to be the voice of sense and reason in her family since the death of her father while her mother and younger sister refuse to face reality. "My dad used to say, 'With Ellie everything is understatement, and with Annie everything's hyperbole.' " When Norland Park, her family's home and the site of the rustic resort she manages, is passed to new management and she encounters the new owner's son Edward--well, as the author assures the reader in a note at the beginning, this is a romance with a guaranteed happy ending but there's no escaping all of life's unpleasantness. However, the journey is an absolute delight.
As always, knowledge of Austen's work is not required to enjoy this book but the experience is SO much richer for Janeites! There is a quote from Sense and Sensibility at the beginning of each chapter (taken from the David M. Shapard annotated edition, my personal favorite) and if you know the story well there are many clever parallels in terms of character, dialogue, and situation.
Having read every book in the series, I think this one might be my favorite so far. I can't wait for Romantic.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am very picky about my Austen adaptations. In my experience, the best ones pay homage to and acknowledge her genius while putting their own creative spin on her timeless stories. Ruth Mitchell does both.
Mitchell has chosen to split Sense and Sensibility into two separate books, Unromantic and Romantic, told from each sister's point of view. Elinor, the practical older sister, has had to be the voice of sense and reason in her family since the death of her father while her mother and younger sister refuse to face reality. "My dad used to say, 'With Ellie everything is understatement, and with Annie everything's hyperbole.' " When Norland Park, her family's home and the site of the rustic resort she manages, is passed to new management and she encounters the new owner's son Edward--well, as the author assures the reader in a note at the beginning, this is a romance with a guaranteed happy ending but there's no escaping all of life's unpleasantness. However, the journey is an absolute delight.
As always, knowledge of Austen's work is not required to enjoy this book but the experience is SO much richer for Janeites! There is a quote from Sense and Sensibility at the beginning of each chapter (taken from the David M. Shapard annotated edition, my personal favorite) and if you know the story well there are many clever parallels in terms of character, dialogue, and situation.
Having read every book in the series, I think this one might be my favorite so far. I can't wait for Romantic.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2026
loved it!
I am loving the retellings of the best novels by Ruth Mitchell. She doesn’t force the story it’s just updated and flows so wonderfully!! What an adorable read. I couldn’t put it down and now I will be exhausted for tomorrow
I am loving the retellings of the best novels by Ruth Mitchell. She doesn’t force the story it’s just updated and flows so wonderfully!! What an adorable read. I couldn’t put it down and now I will be exhausted for tomorrow
June 19, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
I absolutely loved Unromantic by Ruth Mitchell. I have enjoyed every book in the Modern Jane series, and this one was no exception. Even though these books are connected, they work wonderfully as standalones, and I always look forward to seeing how the author reimagines classic Jane Austen stories in a modern setting.
Elinor was such an easy character to root for. She carries so much responsibility on her shoulders as she works to keep her family’s life together after her father’s death. I loved her practical nature and determination, but I also appreciated the glimpses of vulnerability beneath her strong exterior. The setting of Norland Park in Big Sur was charming and immersive, and I could easily picture Bumble Cottage and the resort grounds.
The romance between Elinor and Edward was delightful. Their shared history added depth to their relationship, and I enjoyed watching them navigate their conflicting goals and growing feelings. The tension surrounding the future of Norland Park kept me invested from beginning to end.
One of my favorite things about this series is how naturally the Austen inspiration blends into contemporary life. Fans of Sense and Sensibility will recognize familiar elements, but the story still feels fresh and unique.
A quick note for readers who prefer completely clean language: there are a few mild curse words throughout the book.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, Jane Austen retellings, memorable characters, and stories with plenty of heart, I highly recommend Unromantic. This was another wonderful addition to a series that has yet to disappoint me, and I cannot wait to read Marianne’s story in Romantic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved Unromantic by Ruth Mitchell. I have enjoyed every book in the Modern Jane series, and this one was no exception. Even though these books are connected, they work wonderfully as standalones, and I always look forward to seeing how the author reimagines classic Jane Austen stories in a modern setting.
Elinor was such an easy character to root for. She carries so much responsibility on her shoulders as she works to keep her family’s life together after her father’s death. I loved her practical nature and determination, but I also appreciated the glimpses of vulnerability beneath her strong exterior. The setting of Norland Park in Big Sur was charming and immersive, and I could easily picture Bumble Cottage and the resort grounds.
The romance between Elinor and Edward was delightful. Their shared history added depth to their relationship, and I enjoyed watching them navigate their conflicting goals and growing feelings. The tension surrounding the future of Norland Park kept me invested from beginning to end.
One of my favorite things about this series is how naturally the Austen inspiration blends into contemporary life. Fans of Sense and Sensibility will recognize familiar elements, but the story still feels fresh and unique.
A quick note for readers who prefer completely clean language: there are a few mild curse words throughout the book.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, Jane Austen retellings, memorable characters, and stories with plenty of heart, I highly recommend Unromantic. This was another wonderful addition to a series that has yet to disappoint me, and I cannot wait to read Marianne’s story in Romantic. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 29, 2026
I loved this book! (It also has me hungry for a trip to Big Sur- the imagery that Ruth Mitchell paints in all of her books make me feel like I am there or want to be there!) This book is a great modern, fun take on sense and sensibility; but, being well versed in the original book is not a prerequisite to enjoy this one- It can stand on its own! The characters are cute, funny and the author managed to give them great depth without the book being overly fussy or too long- it’s just perfect!
I’m excited to read the next book in the series, I always fly through these! Recommend to everyone!
I’m excited to read the next book in the series, I always fly through these! Recommend to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Is there an Austen heroine more unromantic than Elinor Dashwood? Well, perhaps Charlotte Lucas, but we are talking Sense and Sensibility here. I always suspected that Elinor was just as romantic as her sister and mother, but suffered from being the responsible eldest daughter. And perhaps had some higher standards than Marianne.
I received an ARC of the first part of Ruth Mitchells Sense & Sensibility duology, Unromantic, focussing on the story of Elinor and Edward. S&S is tricky to modernise, but Ruth does it very convincingly.
In this book, the Greenwoods are not forced to leave their beloved Norland, but due to the death of its owner they are in uncertain waters: will Norland Park be sold and/or redeveloped, and will there be a place for them?
Norland Park takes the form of a very lovingly portrayed holiday parc/camp ground, which is so magical that even I (not a camper or hiker at all) would love to see it. Who can resist a beach perfect for treasure seeking, a whishing tree named Lady Whimple, and a café that has people coming in from hundreds of miles? It really is a character of its own.
Ellie is the general manager of NP, and Edward (Frechette in this re-imaging) is not only the grandson of the deceased owner, son of the present owner, but also their new landlord. Will he be able to sell adorable Bumble Cottage and evict the Greenwoods, or will he cave in and ‘fall for a Greenwood’ as his mother warned him not to?
We already had a sneak peek of Edward in Caroline Bingley’s story, Desperate, and I love the way the two stories are deftly woven together.
The mutual attraction between Ellie and Edward is clear from the start, but both struggle to keep the relationship professional. The alternating POVs show the effort both make to try to appear distant, while every other person in the book isn’t fooled at all.
Keep your eyes out for reincarnations of other beloved characters: Brandon, of course, mrs Jennings, Sir Middleton and Lucy Steele all have a part to play. Margaret is merged with the original Brandon ward to become Pepper, who is simply irrisistable.
It is going to be a long wait till September, when Romantic, the story of Marianne and Brandon is published!
I received an ARC of the first part of Ruth Mitchells Sense & Sensibility duology, Unromantic, focussing on the story of Elinor and Edward. S&S is tricky to modernise, but Ruth does it very convincingly.
In this book, the Greenwoods are not forced to leave their beloved Norland, but due to the death of its owner they are in uncertain waters: will Norland Park be sold and/or redeveloped, and will there be a place for them?
Norland Park takes the form of a very lovingly portrayed holiday parc/camp ground, which is so magical that even I (not a camper or hiker at all) would love to see it. Who can resist a beach perfect for treasure seeking, a whishing tree named Lady Whimple, and a café that has people coming in from hundreds of miles? It really is a character of its own.
Ellie is the general manager of NP, and Edward (Frechette in this re-imaging) is not only the grandson of the deceased owner, son of the present owner, but also their new landlord. Will he be able to sell adorable Bumble Cottage and evict the Greenwoods, or will he cave in and ‘fall for a Greenwood’ as his mother warned him not to?
We already had a sneak peek of Edward in Caroline Bingley’s story, Desperate, and I love the way the two stories are deftly woven together.
The mutual attraction between Ellie and Edward is clear from the start, but both struggle to keep the relationship professional. The alternating POVs show the effort both make to try to appear distant, while every other person in the book isn’t fooled at all.
Keep your eyes out for reincarnations of other beloved characters: Brandon, of course, mrs Jennings, Sir Middleton and Lucy Steele all have a part to play. Margaret is merged with the original Brandon ward to become Pepper, who is simply irrisistable.
It is going to be a long wait till September, when Romantic, the story of Marianne and Brandon is published!
June 26, 2026
- Kisses only (level 2)
- Mild profanity (2 d—- , 1 b@st@rd)
- No violence (except against a tree)
- One creepy boss that tries to make everything an innuendo (but they aren’t actually real innuendos, if that makes sense)
This modern retelling of Sense & Sensibility had me giggling from the very first chapter. It was clever, creative, and completely compelling.
The characters were so lovable in their flaws and complexity. Edward had so many green flags — but he was also conflict-avoidant to a fault, which led to some deliciously complicated situations.
Elinor was completely and utterly sensible — which was wonderful… until it wasn’t. Her sensibility taken to an extreme added such a delightful twist to this timeless tale. I absolutely adored how self-sacrificing and selfless she was, but my heart also ached for her to rediscover her own dreams again.
And her sister Annie (Marianne) was wild, passionate, impetuous, and the complete opposite of sensible — and all the more lovable because of it. I can’t wait for her book next!
Also… how does an author make something as simple as brushing teeth together feel so romantic, full of tension, and overflowing with yearning?! Pure genius.
The yearning and pining in this book are off the charts, and I am absolutely here for it.
Expect:
- Dual POV (1st person)
- Forbidden romance
- Slow burn
- Childhood friends
- Friends to lovers, but also sort of enemies to lovers (due to some serious professional conflicts)
- Matchmaking shenanigans by a sibling
- Dry senses of humor (love it!)
Content / Triggers
- past loss of loved ones
- side character - mention of past premarital pregnancy leading to single parenting
- side character - infidelity, divorce
- Mild profanity (2 d—- , 1 b@st@rd)
- No violence (except against a tree)
- One creepy boss that tries to make everything an innuendo (but they aren’t actually real innuendos, if that makes sense)
This modern retelling of Sense & Sensibility had me giggling from the very first chapter. It was clever, creative, and completely compelling.
The characters were so lovable in their flaws and complexity. Edward had so many green flags — but he was also conflict-avoidant to a fault, which led to some deliciously complicated situations.
Elinor was completely and utterly sensible — which was wonderful… until it wasn’t. Her sensibility taken to an extreme added such a delightful twist to this timeless tale. I absolutely adored how self-sacrificing and selfless she was, but my heart also ached for her to rediscover her own dreams again.
And her sister Annie (Marianne) was wild, passionate, impetuous, and the complete opposite of sensible — and all the more lovable because of it. I can’t wait for her book next!
Also… how does an author make something as simple as brushing teeth together feel so romantic, full of tension, and overflowing with yearning?! Pure genius.
The yearning and pining in this book are off the charts, and I am absolutely here for it.
Expect:
- Dual POV (1st person)
- Forbidden romance
- Slow burn
- Childhood friends
- Friends to lovers, but also sort of enemies to lovers (due to some serious professional conflicts)
- Matchmaking shenanigans by a sibling
- Dry senses of humor (love it!)
Content / Triggers
- past loss of loved ones
- side character - mention of past premarital pregnancy leading to single parenting
- side character - infidelity, divorce
June 28, 2026
Ruth hits it out of the park with this one! I have loved all her books. The back and forth, the funny quips, the story, you get swept away in the beauty of the story and absolutely love it! So good from start to end!
June 14, 2026
It’s a simple story that draws you in and captivates, fun read when you want to get away from everything
June 27, 2026
This was cute. I think it got resolved a bit too easily, though. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Childhood Crushes Done Right!
This was such a charming read! The alternating POVs made it so much fun, it was just plain adorable. I found myself smiling through so many scenes, especially watching Elinor and Edward desperately try to keep things professional while everyone around them could clearly see what was happening.
What really made this story for me was how easy it was to root for them. Every interaction had me hoping they'd finally stop fighting their feelings. The slow build of their relationship kept me completely invested, and finding out they had been childhood crushes made everything even sweeter.
I also loved the little moments woven throughout the story. The notes hidden in the old mailbox were such a sweet touch, and every scene between Elinor and Edward left me wanting just one more chapter.
This one had me smiling constantly, from beginning to end, and now I'm so excited for Annie and Brandon's story! 💕
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story early.
Childhood Crushes Done Right!
This was such a charming read! The alternating POVs made it so much fun, it was just plain adorable. I found myself smiling through so many scenes, especially watching Elinor and Edward desperately try to keep things professional while everyone around them could clearly see what was happening.
What really made this story for me was how easy it was to root for them. Every interaction had me hoping they'd finally stop fighting their feelings. The slow build of their relationship kept me completely invested, and finding out they had been childhood crushes made everything even sweeter.
I also loved the little moments woven throughout the story. The notes hidden in the old mailbox were such a sweet touch, and every scene between Elinor and Edward left me wanting just one more chapter.
This one had me smiling constantly, from beginning to end, and now I'm so excited for Annie and Brandon's story! 💕
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story early.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews