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What Might Have Been #1
The Correction of Folly
Elinor Dashwood has found herself disappointed in love. Not only are the odds of a match between her and Edward Ferrars "insurmountable", there's the little matter of his secret engagement to another young lady.Colonel Alan Brandon hasn't had an easy time securing a loving partner. His first love was coerced into an unhappy marriage with his elder brother, and Elinor's younger sister Marianne refuses to see past his age.These two practical people find solace in each other's company, both of them suffering their heartbreak in secret and in silence. Then comes the day when Brandon accepts there is no sense in pining for someone who thinks he's too old for marriage. At the same time, Elinor concludes she will have to let go of her dreams if she is to have any kind of happiness.Moving on isn't easy for either of them, but Elinor and Brandon soon discover that hope can be found even in difficult times, and often it is the unlikeliest of people with whom one falls in love.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 17, 2024
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. ~ John Powell
As much as it hurts me to see Darcy and Elizabeth not end up together in JAFF, it never bothers me at all if Jane and Bingley don’t have a HEA together.
Isn’t the relationship between Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars similar to Jane and Bingley? Bingley is not strong enough to withstand the criticisms of his sisters and his friend. Edward is not strong enough to withstand pressure from his Mother and sister. He isn’t even able to tell Elinor about his youthful commitment to Lucy Steele.
Why not correct the folly of Elinor’s infatuation with Edward?
If we consider the relationship between Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon in Austen’s story, we find his love for her is strongly influenced by his youthful love of Eliza. Is it fair to Marianne to spend her life being valued as the ghost of someone else instead of as herself?
Why not correct the folly of Colonel Brandon’s infatuation with Marianne?
A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying ... that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. ~ Alexander Pope
From the blurb accompanying this story, I expected the change in the relationships in S&S would be the entire story. Instead, the Colonel sees his folly in choosing Marianne early in this story and begins to appreciate the qualities Elinor possesses. The adjusted betrothal proceeds to marriage rapidly.
The story accelerates during the Brandons’ wedding trip when the couple stumbles into an event which leads to life changes for the Brandons, as well as the Darcys, Fitzwilliams and Lord Mildenhall, a new character in the story.
Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. ~ Frederick B. Wilcox
But will the Colonel be able to accept the changes in his life story? His relationship with his Father and especially his Mother become causes for reflection. Does Elinor want the life they will be required to lead?
There is a sub-plot involving servants at Delaford that tripped over into “it’s too much” land for me. I felt the story had enough complexities already and the servants’ behavior moved it into a more mature rating.
I did very much like all the references to other Austen stories: characters from P&P show up, as well as a family named Knightley and the Colonel’s sister is Cassandra. Lord Mildenhall’s family name is Northam … hmmm.
The story closes with an invitation from Charles Bingley to attend a ball he plans in a small village in Hertfordshire. The presence of the Knightleys makes me suspect we will eventually see a Highbury tale as well.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF, even if, like me, your main addiction is to P&P. The story held my interest throughout and I look forward to the next in the “Folly” series.
Most of all, I loved the closing line of the book … taken from Canon S&S but uttered by a different character.
To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. ~ Søren Kierkegaard
As much as it hurts me to see Darcy and Elizabeth not end up together in JAFF, it never bothers me at all if Jane and Bingley don’t have a HEA together.
Isn’t the relationship between Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars similar to Jane and Bingley? Bingley is not strong enough to withstand the criticisms of his sisters and his friend. Edward is not strong enough to withstand pressure from his Mother and sister. He isn’t even able to tell Elinor about his youthful commitment to Lucy Steele.
Why not correct the folly of Elinor’s infatuation with Edward?
If we consider the relationship between Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon in Austen’s story, we find his love for her is strongly influenced by his youthful love of Eliza. Is it fair to Marianne to spend her life being valued as the ghost of someone else instead of as herself?
Why not correct the folly of Colonel Brandon’s infatuation with Marianne?
A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying ... that he is wiser today than he was yesterday. ~ Alexander Pope
From the blurb accompanying this story, I expected the change in the relationships in S&S would be the entire story. Instead, the Colonel sees his folly in choosing Marianne early in this story and begins to appreciate the qualities Elinor possesses. The adjusted betrothal proceeds to marriage rapidly.
The story accelerates during the Brandons’ wedding trip when the couple stumbles into an event which leads to life changes for the Brandons, as well as the Darcys, Fitzwilliams and Lord Mildenhall, a new character in the story.
Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first. ~ Frederick B. Wilcox
But will the Colonel be able to accept the changes in his life story? His relationship with his Father and especially his Mother become causes for reflection. Does Elinor want the life they will be required to lead?
There is a sub-plot involving servants at Delaford that tripped over into “it’s too much” land for me. I felt the story had enough complexities already and the servants’ behavior moved it into a more mature rating.
I did very much like all the references to other Austen stories: characters from P&P show up, as well as a family named Knightley and the Colonel’s sister is Cassandra. Lord Mildenhall’s family name is Northam … hmmm.
The story closes with an invitation from Charles Bingley to attend a ball he plans in a small village in Hertfordshire. The presence of the Knightleys makes me suspect we will eventually see a Highbury tale as well.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF, even if, like me, your main addiction is to P&P. The story held my interest throughout and I look forward to the next in the “Folly” series.
Most of all, I loved the closing line of the book … taken from Canon S&S but uttered by a different character.
To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. ~ Søren Kierkegaard
December 4, 2021
I was fascinated by the big 'what if' scenario that was the premise for this variation on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. The author asked 'what if' Colonel Brandon turned his courtship to Elinor rather than Marianne Dashwood. And, what if Elinor saw her love for Edward Ferrars as hopeless and learned to love the Colonel instead.
I thought the author did a wonderful job of proving her case the way she set up her story and the romance leading to a friends to lovers situation. The surrounding characters were handled well and didn't depart much from Austen's original characters.
What did take a departure was the story about half way in. The story jumps into the S&S time line at the point that the Dashwoods arrive with Mrs. Jennings in London and Colonel Brandon had already left the country for his mysterious purpose. It stayed fairly close to the familiar events until about half way. I don't want to spoil things for future readers, but let's just say some wonderful gothic tones were inserted along with surprise appearances by characters from two other Austen novels. The crossovers were done well and now I can't wait to see how those threads pan out in future books.
But, back to the Colonel and Elinor...
I thought they were a great pair and enjoyed their romance. The Colonel was every bit the swoonworthy hero and Elinor could appreciate this even while coming along more slowly. And, if I have one big niggle, it is this. I thought Elinor's issue with being unable to see herself in love or declare it went on Waaaaay tooooo long. Come on! I got it at first and even applauded that she didn't fall into instalove, but then it seemed like denial just to hold out longer. Elinor would have been too practical for that.
And, on the subject of niggles, while I can undoubtedly say that I enjoyed the twists and surprises of the second half, I can also say that there was a lot of explaining and describing that bogged down the pace to a trickle at times. There was another side plot involving Elinor and one of the servants that I thought carried on too far and that, again, the practical resolved Elinor wouldh't have shied away from.
There were some modern turns of phrase that cropped in now and then, but overall, this felt like a piece that sat well in the historical time.
All in all, this was a fabulous start to a new series and I can't wait to see what further applecarts the author oversets as the series progresses to other Austen novels in her variations. I can easily recommend this to other Austenesque loving readers.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt #23 foreign country
I thought the author did a wonderful job of proving her case the way she set up her story and the romance leading to a friends to lovers situation. The surrounding characters were handled well and didn't depart much from Austen's original characters.
What did take a departure was the story about half way in. The story jumps into the S&S time line at the point that the Dashwoods arrive with Mrs. Jennings in London and Colonel Brandon had already left the country for his mysterious purpose. It stayed fairly close to the familiar events until about half way. I don't want to spoil things for future readers, but let's just say some wonderful gothic tones were inserted along with surprise appearances by characters from two other Austen novels. The crossovers were done well and now I can't wait to see how those threads pan out in future books.
But, back to the Colonel and Elinor...
I thought they were a great pair and enjoyed their romance. The Colonel was every bit the swoonworthy hero and Elinor could appreciate this even while coming along more slowly. And, if I have one big niggle, it is this. I thought Elinor's issue with being unable to see herself in love or declare it went on Waaaaay tooooo long. Come on! I got it at first and even applauded that she didn't fall into instalove, but then it seemed like denial just to hold out longer. Elinor would have been too practical for that.
And, on the subject of niggles, while I can undoubtedly say that I enjoyed the twists and surprises of the second half, I can also say that there was a lot of explaining and describing that bogged down the pace to a trickle at times. There was another side plot involving Elinor and one of the servants that I thought carried on too far and that, again, the practical resolved Elinor wouldh't have shied away from.
There were some modern turns of phrase that cropped in now and then, but overall, this felt like a piece that sat well in the historical time.
All in all, this was a fabulous start to a new series and I can't wait to see what further applecarts the author oversets as the series progresses to other Austen novels in her variations. I can easily recommend this to other Austenesque loving readers.
COYER Summer Birthday Bash Scavenger Hunt #23 foreign country
July 22, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
My expectation, based on the book description, was that this would be a retelling of Sense and Sensibility, except the happy conclusion would be the wedding of Colonel Alan Brandon to Elinor rather than Marianne. It's true that this is an integral part of the plot, but it turns out that's just the beginning of their story.
While you may not agree with her, the author does a great job of presenting Colonel Brandon and Elinor as a perfect match for each other. We're given an alternate version of events starting from the time that Marianne is sending out her unanswered letters to Willoughby, fully expecting him to come and explain his sudden avoidance of her. Colonel Brandon comes to call instead, and Marianne makes her disappointment clear, rudely leaving the room as soon as she sees it's not Willoughby.
This leads Colonel Brandon to recognize the futility of thinking he can win her affections, and he determines he will overcome his feelings for her. Elinor tries to ease his disappointment. She is empathetic and easy to talk to and...
Hey! Wait a minute! Maybe he's been mooning over the wrong Dashwood sister!
The relationship between the two builds believably. Brandon takes his time but does find the allegiance of his heart relatively easy to redirect. In fact, his feelings for Elinor strengthen beyond what he had felt for Marianne. Brandon eventually confides the story of Eliza and her daughter, and Elinor confides her secret heartbreak over Edward Ferrars and Lucy Steele. Long before the middle of the book, the two are happily married at Delaford in the company of Elinor's beloved family and friends. Just as Brandon finally let go of Marianne, Elinor overcomes her regret over Edward despite others' assumption that she still carries a torch for a man other than her husband.
But wait! There's more!
Enjoying their wedding tour, they get as far as Bath (with the Peaks District their intended destination), where they run smack into a prequel to Pride and Prejudice. Circumstances lead them to Pemberley, and they make the acquaintance of Georgiana, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley. There's lots more to this part of the story, but I'm trying to stay away from spoiler territory.
Moving on.... Through the Darcys, they meet Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam and his parents, Lord and Lady Disley, who invite them to a ball at their estate. At the ball, the Duke of Mildenhall and his daughter, Lady Amelia, specifically request an introduction to the Brandons. The plot takes another abrupt but entertaining turn that takes up a big chunk of the book.
But there's still more... The couple eventually returns to Delaford. Although the previous plot continues to evolve, another storyline that had been vaguely introduced when Elinor was at the estate before the wedding now becomes more significant and leads to potential tragedy for the couple.
And there will be more to come... Things wrap up nicely. However, the Brandons have received an invitation from Mr. Bingley to attend a ball at his leased estate in Netherfield, so we already know where Book 2 is headed!
The major string apparently meant to tie the book together is that, while Brandon is positive of his love for Elinor and freely expresses it, she cannot honestly tell him the same. It is so obvious to the reader and everyone around them that she clearly DOES love him. Her reluctance to admit it to herself is explained by her disappointment in all the significant men in her life: her father did not make appropriate provisions in his will to take care of his daughters and wife when he died, her brother John has left them in relative poverty despite all the wealth he inherited from their father, Edward made her fall in love with him when he was already betrothed, while Willoughby cruelly used her dear sister Marianne and then abandoned her.
Considering ALL the Brandons experience in such a short period of time, their ability to handle all these stressors as a team, their mutual delight in the marriage bed, and Elinor's complete trust in her husband, I have trouble believing she takes so long to figure out she loves him. Eventually, it just seems like an ineffective plot device to provide some continuity in the book.
The author is a gifted writer. There's some marvelous storytelling here, but there's too much crammed into one very, very long book. Let's see... kidnapping (twice), rape, PTSD, bigotry, domestic abuse, theft, madness (implied), attempted murder, life-threatening injury...and more! There's a sense of everything but the kitchen sink having been hurled at the reader.
The bedroom scenes are reasonably discreet and fade away after heated kisses. Paradoxically, there is one extremely unnecessary sentence describing a woman discovered performing fellatio on her male partner, so I have to say this book is MA.
My expectation, based on the book description, was that this would be a retelling of Sense and Sensibility, except the happy conclusion would be the wedding of Colonel Alan Brandon to Elinor rather than Marianne. It's true that this is an integral part of the plot, but it turns out that's just the beginning of their story.
While you may not agree with her, the author does a great job of presenting Colonel Brandon and Elinor as a perfect match for each other. We're given an alternate version of events starting from the time that Marianne is sending out her unanswered letters to Willoughby, fully expecting him to come and explain his sudden avoidance of her. Colonel Brandon comes to call instead, and Marianne makes her disappointment clear, rudely leaving the room as soon as she sees it's not Willoughby.
This leads Colonel Brandon to recognize the futility of thinking he can win her affections, and he determines he will overcome his feelings for her. Elinor tries to ease his disappointment. She is empathetic and easy to talk to and...
Hey! Wait a minute! Maybe he's been mooning over the wrong Dashwood sister!
The relationship between the two builds believably. Brandon takes his time but does find the allegiance of his heart relatively easy to redirect. In fact, his feelings for Elinor strengthen beyond what he had felt for Marianne. Brandon eventually confides the story of Eliza and her daughter, and Elinor confides her secret heartbreak over Edward Ferrars and Lucy Steele. Long before the middle of the book, the two are happily married at Delaford in the company of Elinor's beloved family and friends. Just as Brandon finally let go of Marianne, Elinor overcomes her regret over Edward despite others' assumption that she still carries a torch for a man other than her husband.
But wait! There's more!
Enjoying their wedding tour, they get as far as Bath (with the Peaks District their intended destination), where they run smack into a prequel to Pride and Prejudice. Circumstances lead them to Pemberley, and they make the acquaintance of Georgiana, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley. There's lots more to this part of the story, but I'm trying to stay away from spoiler territory.
Moving on.... Through the Darcys, they meet Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam and his parents, Lord and Lady Disley, who invite them to a ball at their estate. At the ball, the Duke of Mildenhall and his daughter, Lady Amelia, specifically request an introduction to the Brandons. The plot takes another abrupt but entertaining turn that takes up a big chunk of the book.
But there's still more... The couple eventually returns to Delaford. Although the previous plot continues to evolve, another storyline that had been vaguely introduced when Elinor was at the estate before the wedding now becomes more significant and leads to potential tragedy for the couple.
And there will be more to come... Things wrap up nicely. However, the Brandons have received an invitation from Mr. Bingley to attend a ball at his leased estate in Netherfield, so we already know where Book 2 is headed!
The major string apparently meant to tie the book together is that, while Brandon is positive of his love for Elinor and freely expresses it, she cannot honestly tell him the same. It is so obvious to the reader and everyone around them that she clearly DOES love him. Her reluctance to admit it to herself is explained by her disappointment in all the significant men in her life: her father did not make appropriate provisions in his will to take care of his daughters and wife when he died, her brother John has left them in relative poverty despite all the wealth he inherited from their father, Edward made her fall in love with him when he was already betrothed, while Willoughby cruelly used her dear sister Marianne and then abandoned her.
Considering ALL the Brandons experience in such a short period of time, their ability to handle all these stressors as a team, their mutual delight in the marriage bed, and Elinor's complete trust in her husband, I have trouble believing she takes so long to figure out she loves him. Eventually, it just seems like an ineffective plot device to provide some continuity in the book.
The author is a gifted writer. There's some marvelous storytelling here, but there's too much crammed into one very, very long book. Let's see... kidnapping (twice), rape, PTSD, bigotry, domestic abuse, theft, madness (implied), attempted murder, life-threatening injury...and more! There's a sense of everything but the kitchen sink having been hurled at the reader.
The bedroom scenes are reasonably discreet and fade away after heated kisses. Paradoxically, there is one extremely unnecessary sentence describing a woman discovered performing fellatio on her male partner, so I have to say this book is MA.
October 5, 2018
Let me start by saying I absolutely adored the beginning of this book. Maybe it was the casting of S&S 1995 that I always felt that poor Col. Brandon and dear Elinor both deserved better. Marianne was a 'special snowflake' long before the term was coined.
So this book corrects the mismatches and has Brandon realize he only 'loves' Marianne because she reminds him of Eliza. (Which in 2018 we would call creepy, like how John Derek tried to make his wives over to look the same). I liked they way the Col & Elinor spoke to one another. There is some unequal affection but both are honest about it. He really loves her but he isn't obsessive like Darcy in many P&P variations, and Elinor is a little overwhelmed at her new life and responsibilities but minus the hysteria and self loathing we get in many P&P variations. ,
Then the author took a trip to crazy town. She has the newlywed Brandons meet up with a desperate Georgiana Darcy in Bath and And they end up at Pemberley Then the Earl of Disley (Matlock in P&P) invites the Brandons to a ball where they meet the Duke of Mildenhall and shit gets more cray-cray.
So the book I was so enjoying where I was looking forward to Elinor & the Colonel enjoying their time at Delaford and growing in love instead turns into a reverse Cinderella story. And the last 1/4 of the book is pretty much repeated scenes of the Brandons telling a variety of family and friends their 'news' and then the reactions. Both Willoughby and Edward Ferrars swing by to apologize or something and Elinor is threatened ... the end.
So this book corrects the mismatches and has Brandon realize he only 'loves' Marianne because she reminds him of Eliza. (Which in 2018 we would call creepy, like how John Derek tried to make his wives over to look the same). I liked they way the Col & Elinor spoke to one another. There is some unequal affection but both are honest about it. He really loves her but he isn't obsessive like Darcy in many P&P variations, and Elinor is a little overwhelmed at her new life and responsibilities but minus the hysteria and self loathing we get in many P&P variations. ,
Then the author took a trip to crazy town. She has the newlywed Brandons meet up with a desperate Georgiana Darcy in Bath and And they end up at Pemberley Then the Earl of Disley (Matlock in P&P) invites the Brandons to a ball where they meet the Duke of Mildenhall and shit gets more cray-cray.
So the book I was so enjoying where I was looking forward to Elinor & the Colonel enjoying their time at Delaford and growing in love instead turns into a reverse Cinderella story. And the last 1/4 of the book is pretty much repeated scenes of the Brandons telling a variety of family and friends their 'news' and then the reactions. Both Willoughby and Edward Ferrars swing by to apologize or something and Elinor is threatened ... the end.
June 13, 2019
Reads a bit like a three-part miniseries, but the meandering quality isn't too bad.
October 22, 2023
My first book from this author won’t be my last
What a beautiful story. I really wasn’t sure I would like the premise of this book but I was convinced it was right in first chapter. The challenges our Hero and Hero face are off canon so creatively but follow canon too as we are familiar with so much happening. But the new direction the story takes is amazing when Colonel Brandon learns of his heritage.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Regency/Georgian romance novels not only fans of Austen variations.
What a beautiful story. I really wasn’t sure I would like the premise of this book but I was convinced it was right in first chapter. The challenges our Hero and Hero face are off canon so creatively but follow canon too as we are familiar with so much happening. But the new direction the story takes is amazing when Colonel Brandon learns of his heritage.
I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Regency/Georgian romance novels not only fans of Austen variations.
July 24, 2018
Wow a really good correction of what if
Wow, a really good correction of what if in the sense and sensibility. I always wondered why Colonel Brandon chose Marianne over Elinor in the original. Yes, I get Elinor and Edward had some feelings for each other in the original, Edward was never a strong character in my mind and in this story he was the same. I loved how C. Brandon worked out his true feelings for Elinor as she compliments him in every way and found love with Elinor. Elinor feelings were a bit more muddled in this version. The twists and turns kept me on edge and I was surprised to read how much the couples lives would be changing. I look forward to the next book.
Wow, a really good correction of what if in the sense and sensibility. I always wondered why Colonel Brandon chose Marianne over Elinor in the original. Yes, I get Elinor and Edward had some feelings for each other in the original, Edward was never a strong character in my mind and in this story he was the same. I loved how C. Brandon worked out his true feelings for Elinor as she compliments him in every way and found love with Elinor. Elinor feelings were a bit more muddled in this version. The twists and turns kept me on edge and I was surprised to read how much the couples lives would be changing. I look forward to the next book.
July 18, 2018
I absolutely loved this.
At first I thought it might have been better suited to be split into a series due to its length, and still it might be better categorized as parts I and II with the first part being the revised Sense & Sensibility and the second part the Austen mash-up.
I have always thought Eleanor deserved better than Jane gave her. I was delighted to see the Colonel turn his attention to her. I enjoyed the journey of their love story.
In the second part, oh how I enjoyed the crossovers... characters from Other Austen favorites... intrigue... the surprises... absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for another in the series.
At first I thought it might have been better suited to be split into a series due to its length, and still it might be better categorized as parts I and II with the first part being the revised Sense & Sensibility and the second part the Austen mash-up.
I have always thought Eleanor deserved better than Jane gave her. I was delighted to see the Colonel turn his attention to her. I enjoyed the journey of their love story.
In the second part, oh how I enjoyed the crossovers... characters from Other Austen favorites... intrigue... the surprises... absolutely loved it. I cannot wait for another in the series.
January 14, 2025
1798. The two elder Dashwood sisters, Eleanor and Marianne, are now in London as the guests of Mrs Jennings. Where Marianne awaits Willoughby, and Colonel Alan Brandon has an epiphany. How does this affect all their futures and that of Brandon
An entertaining story
An entertaining story
July 1, 2023
A really interesting premise - 3.5*
First - hats off to the author for writing a Sense and Sensibility variation. There are very few written and the idea of a change in direction for Elinor and Brandon is a very interesting one.
The story however is just too long with some rather random storylines which significantly detract and distract. There are repeated, and unnecessary, acts of violence against women which whilst not described are inappropriate. There are also some rather bizarre behaviours by the staff which don’t quite ring true.
The language is too modern at times and there is a rather strange obsession with bodily functions.
Another edit is urgently needed to sharpen this up. I hope the author does this as this has potential.
First - hats off to the author for writing a Sense and Sensibility variation. There are very few written and the idea of a change in direction for Elinor and Brandon is a very interesting one.
The story however is just too long with some rather random storylines which significantly detract and distract. There are repeated, and unnecessary, acts of violence against women which whilst not described are inappropriate. There are also some rather bizarre behaviours by the staff which don’t quite ring true.
The language is too modern at times and there is a rather strange obsession with bodily functions.
Another edit is urgently needed to sharpen this up. I hope the author does this as this has potential.
June 8, 2019
Sense & Sensibility variation.
This book left me with a lot of food for thought.
I am not revealing any big spoiler when I say that this book had jiggled the couples from canon a bit and new constellations was founded. I do not mind, as long as it is not Darcy & Elizabeth (then I would surely suffer an apoplexy), that the pairings differ from the original and I must say that this author did a convincing job in reasoning the whys and hows.
The pairings was not the only unexpected twist and turn in this book but it is the only one I can mention without spoiling your read...
I really liked plot though and I am looking forward to the next installment in this serie of what might have been.
My only complaint would be that I struggled a bit with connecting with the characters, they felt a tad flat.
Recommend
This book left me with a lot of food for thought.
I am not revealing any big spoiler when I say that this book had jiggled the couples from canon a bit and new constellations was founded. I do not mind, as long as it is not Darcy & Elizabeth (then I would surely suffer an apoplexy), that the pairings differ from the original and I must say that this author did a convincing job in reasoning the whys and hows.
The pairings was not the only unexpected twist and turn in this book but it is the only one I can mention without spoiling your read...
I really liked plot though and I am looking forward to the next installment in this serie of what might have been.
My only complaint would be that I struggled a bit with connecting with the characters, they felt a tad flat.
Recommend
March 28, 2022
My rating is only for the first third of the book that concerns
October 1, 2018
Fantastic!!!
Sense & Sensibility meet Pride & Prejudice in the most perfect way possible! My two favorite Austen works brought together in a totally believable way. I only wish I could award this book more than 5 stars, it deserves 10 stars at least.
Sense & Sensibility meet Pride & Prejudice in the most perfect way possible! My two favorite Austen works brought together in a totally believable way. I only wish I could award this book more than 5 stars, it deserves 10 stars at least.
September 3, 2022
3.5 stars
June 10, 2021
A lot of food for thought
I really like the re-imagining of Sense and Sensibility done by this author, and the way that she tied it into Pride and Prejudice, and also Emma, in small ways. She asks the question: What if Elinor Dashwood ended up with Colonel Brandon? In that scenario, what would happen with Marianne Dashwood and Edward Ferrars? We find out in this book.
Sense and Sensibility has never been a favorite Jane Austen work, in part because the pairings of Elinor and Edward, and Colonel Brandon and Marianne, just seemed a little insipid, a little annoying, like the characters were settling for less than they should have. This tale gives us an alternative, and it just feels more sensible and correct. However, this isn't a simple romance. Elinor and Colonel Brandon are in for some major upheavals, and they also deal with some pretty nasty problems along their road to a HEA.
I deducted a star because a fair portion of the book was narrative, almost like a documentary, just explaining what happens rather than having the characters interact with dialogue. It made those parts of the book a little dry, which led to some skimming over on my part, which is never good.
This book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
I really like the re-imagining of Sense and Sensibility done by this author, and the way that she tied it into Pride and Prejudice, and also Emma, in small ways. She asks the question: What if Elinor Dashwood ended up with Colonel Brandon? In that scenario, what would happen with Marianne Dashwood and Edward Ferrars? We find out in this book.
Sense and Sensibility has never been a favorite Jane Austen work, in part because the pairings of Elinor and Edward, and Colonel Brandon and Marianne, just seemed a little insipid, a little annoying, like the characters were settling for less than they should have. This tale gives us an alternative, and it just feels more sensible and correct. However, this isn't a simple romance. Elinor and Colonel Brandon are in for some major upheavals, and they also deal with some pretty nasty problems along their road to a HEA.
I deducted a star because a fair portion of the book was narrative, almost like a documentary, just explaining what happens rather than having the characters interact with dialogue. It made those parts of the book a little dry, which led to some skimming over on my part, which is never good.
This book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
March 8, 2019
Good story
I enjoyed this au. Brandon and Elinor are two of my favorite characters and I have always felt they were better suited to each other. So I was very thrilled to find a story that explores this pairing. This is not only an engaging story but it is also very well written. The characters of Brandon and Elinor felt in character. Their interactions were so lovely and sweet as they grow from friends to more. Not only do you get to read about the two of them getting together but the second half you get to read how their first couple of months as a married couple progresses. There are several crossovers with other Jane Austen characters that was a surprise. (Also just a warning there is a rape that happens off page to a well known character from another Jane Austen book nothing graphic but I found it unsettling.) The reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars was because there were several scenes that felt repetitive and a few scenes that seemed to drag on. Overall though I greatly enjoyed the book and will probably read the next one in the series.
I enjoyed this au. Brandon and Elinor are two of my favorite characters and I have always felt they were better suited to each other. So I was very thrilled to find a story that explores this pairing. This is not only an engaging story but it is also very well written. The characters of Brandon and Elinor felt in character. Their interactions were so lovely and sweet as they grow from friends to more. Not only do you get to read about the two of them getting together but the second half you get to read how their first couple of months as a married couple progresses. There are several crossovers with other Jane Austen characters that was a surprise. (Also just a warning there is a rape that happens off page to a well known character from another Jane Austen book nothing graphic but I found it unsettling.) The reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars was because there were several scenes that felt repetitive and a few scenes that seemed to drag on. Overall though I greatly enjoyed the book and will probably read the next one in the series.
March 24, 2021
Unbeatable! I will read this again and again!
What a beautifully written novel! It is very difficult to find variations of Sense and Sensibility but this encompasses everything I’d hoped for. The characters stayed true and the plot ever changing! I will read this again and again! I hope to find a paperback to add to my library of favorites!
What a beautifully written novel! It is very difficult to find variations of Sense and Sensibility but this encompasses everything I’d hoped for. The characters stayed true and the plot ever changing! I will read this again and again! I hope to find a paperback to add to my library of favorites!
April 21, 2021
Great crossover
Mostly S&S, with some P&P, this alternate universe has Elinor paired up with Colonel Brandon. I found it easy to understand their matchup in terms of their characters, even in canon. The plot takes a few high-flying twists, adds a few non-canon characters, and has a little angst along with sweet romance. Nice writing and good editing!
Mostly S&S, with some P&P, this alternate universe has Elinor paired up with Colonel Brandon. I found it easy to understand their matchup in terms of their characters, even in canon. The plot takes a few high-flying twists, adds a few non-canon characters, and has a little angst along with sweet romance. Nice writing and good editing!
July 24, 2021
Too cute! Jane Austen would have loved this continuation.
All hail Colonel Brandon and Elinor dashwood! I'm sorry I love Jane Austen, but I've always felt Marianne was a brat. I won't give away any spoilers but the author did a great job of weaving in obvious and subtle nods to other Austin characters throughout the book I loved it!
All hail Colonel Brandon and Elinor dashwood! I'm sorry I love Jane Austen, but I've always felt Marianne was a brat. I won't give away any spoilers but the author did a great job of weaving in obvious and subtle nods to other Austin characters throughout the book I loved it!
August 18, 2021
Course correction ends in happily ever after
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and how the story played out. I love that Brandon and Eleanor ended up together. I have always felt that Marianne did not deserve Brandon and Edward had been cruel not to warn Eleanor he was not free. I look forward to the sequel
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and how the story played out. I love that Brandon and Eleanor ended up together. I have always felt that Marianne did not deserve Brandon and Edward had been cruel not to warn Eleanor he was not free. I look forward to the sequel
December 16, 2021
I like this much better than the original JA novel!
Jane Austen is cursing me from her grave, I know! But I have to be honest, this is a much more touching and rewarding story. I could give or take Brandon’s unexpected rise in fortune; however, given these two characters, as originally written by JA, are the most deserving.
Jane Austen is cursing me from her grave, I know! But I have to be honest, this is a much more touching and rewarding story. I could give or take Brandon’s unexpected rise in fortune; however, given these two characters, as originally written by JA, are the most deserving.
March 6, 2023
The way it should have been
I thoroughly enjoyed this alternative to Sense and Sensibility. The pairing of Elinor Dashwood and Colonel Brandon made much more sense than Brandon with the flighty Marianne. Interesting development and enjoyable interweaving with other Austen characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this alternative to Sense and Sensibility. The pairing of Elinor Dashwood and Colonel Brandon made much more sense than Brandon with the flighty Marianne. Interesting development and enjoyable interweaving with other Austen characters.
June 12, 2021
Fantastic book. After reading S&S I felt uneasy about Col. Brandon and Marianne. I wondered why would he not pursue Elinor. This book answered my curiosity of what could have been. I loved the mix of characters from other JA books.
July 13, 2021
Unexpected Disappointment
A character or two from another of Miss Austen's books wreaks havoc. Time goes by before the matter is clearly defined. Miss Elizabeth finds himself in more than turmoil.
A character or two from another of Miss Austen's books wreaks havoc. Time goes by before the matter is clearly defined. Miss Elizabeth finds himself in more than turmoil.
June 9, 2023
Wonderful, Wonderful Book!
The author has captured the personality of each character perfectly! It does contain some mature themes (adultery, rape, marital relations) but perfect, tasteful reading for an adult.
The author has captured the personality of each character perfectly! It does contain some mature themes (adultery, rape, marital relations) but perfect, tasteful reading for an adult.
March 8, 2024
Closed door romance. What if Brandon set his sight on Elinor rather than Marianne, has adventures, and meets Mr Darcy? Read and find out.
5 star premise, but when you have many friends and acquaintances you retell things many times. True life maybe, but can be tedious for the reader.
5 star premise, but when you have many friends and acquaintances you retell things many times. True life maybe, but can be tedious for the reader.
November 4, 2019
As much as I enjoy Colonel Brandon with Marianne, this version had me completely enjoying Brandon with Elinor. The way Combe described it, I believed it when Brandon realized that his feelings for Marianne had only been a fleeting infatuation inspired by her resemblance to his lost love, and that the woman he has serious feelings for is Elinor.
And we could *see* Elinor falling in love with him. When they first get married, she feels only affection, but she hopes she'll fall in love, and she does by believable stages. It's a really well told love story.
Also, we get to see some of the Pride and Prejudice characters, and they're very well depicted and woven in.
Well done!
And we could *see* Elinor falling in love with him. When they first get married, she feels only affection, but she hopes she'll fall in love, and she does by believable stages. It's a really well told love story.
Also, we get to see some of the Pride and Prejudice characters, and they're very well depicted and woven in.
Well done!
May 5, 2021
Fabulous
I absolutely loved this book. I've always thought that Eleanor and the Colonel were a batter match and this was marvelously managed.
I absolutely loved this book. I've always thought that Eleanor and the Colonel were a batter match and this was marvelously managed.
July 23, 2021
I surprisingly enjoyed it so much!
Read
September 7, 2022Content not acceptable. Trigger warning. DNF @52%
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