What do you think?
Rate this book
Jane Austen #3
Central Park
Wrenched from her family, young Francine is terrified by her new life with her Aunt Mariette and Uncle Tom Barrimore in New York City. But their foster son, Ethan, comes to Francine’s rescue. As the years pass, the bond between the two deepen…and they spend many hours enjoying the serenity of Central Park. When Ethan goes to Paris for a missions trip, Francine realizes affection has transformed into love. She dreams of the day Ethan will arrive home and share her love.
But when Ethan returns, he brings two newcomers—the beautiful and wealthy Carrie Casper, who has obviously captured his heart, and her flirtatious brother, Hugh, who flashes his inviting smile at Francine and her two cousins. As the Caspers cast their spell over the Barrimores, Francine alone senses the danger behind their façade of respectability.
As the days go by, Francine is forced to face the truth: Ethan’s heart belongs to the lovely Carrie. When the playful Hugh turns his charms toward Francine, she wonders if he’s finally left his playboy days behind. Pressured by her uncle to accept Hugh’s advances, Francine is torn between remaining true to a love that will never be or settling for a marriage of convenience.
But when Ethan returns, he brings two newcomers—the beautiful and wealthy Carrie Casper, who has obviously captured his heart, and her flirtatious brother, Hugh, who flashes his inviting smile at Francine and her two cousins. As the Caspers cast their spell over the Barrimores, Francine alone senses the danger behind their façade of respectability.
As the days go by, Francine is forced to face the truth: Ethan’s heart belongs to the lovely Carrie. When the playful Hugh turns his charms toward Francine, she wonders if he’s finally left his playboy days behind. Pressured by her uncle to accept Hugh’s advances, Francine is torn between remaining true to a love that will never be or settling for a marriage of convenience.
348 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2005
43 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Debra White Smith
67 books106 followersDebra White Smith is a seasoned Christian author, speaker, and media personality who has been regularly publishing books for over a decade. In the last twelve years, she has accumulated more than 55 books sales to her credit with more than 1 million books in print. Her titles include such life-changing books as Romancing Your Husband, Romancing Your Wife, The Divine Romance: Developing Intimacy with God, the The Lonestar Intrigue fiction series, and The Jane Austen fiction series.
As a woman of God, Debra is committed to the highest standards of integrity and to spending hours a week being still before the Father, staying in tune with Him, and listening for His voice of direction in all she does. This commitment to romancing the Lord, coupled with her lifestyle of devouring, analyzing, and dissecting the Word of God has allowed God to bring about a miracle of deliverance and healing in Debra's spirit, mind, and soul. Debra holds a double Ph.D. from the toughest schools in the world. The first Ph.D. from the "School of Hard Knocks" and the second, from the "School of Very Hard Knocks." Aside from that, she holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas.
Along with Debra's being voted a fiction-reader favorite several times, her book Romancing Your Husband was a finalist in the 2003 Gold Medallion Awards. And her Austen Series novel First Impressions was a finalist in the 2005 Retailer's Choice Awards. Debra has been a popular media guest across the nation, including Fox TV, The 700 Club, ABC Radio, USA Radio Network, and Moody Broadcasting. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, bargain-hunting, and swimming with her family. Debra also vows she would walk 50 miles for a scoop of German chocolate ice cream.
As a woman of God, Debra is committed to the highest standards of integrity and to spending hours a week being still before the Father, staying in tune with Him, and listening for His voice of direction in all she does. This commitment to romancing the Lord, coupled with her lifestyle of devouring, analyzing, and dissecting the Word of God has allowed God to bring about a miracle of deliverance and healing in Debra's spirit, mind, and soul. Debra holds a double Ph.D. from the toughest schools in the world. The first Ph.D. from the "School of Hard Knocks" and the second, from the "School of Very Hard Knocks." Aside from that, she holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas.
Along with Debra's being voted a fiction-reader favorite several times, her book Romancing Your Husband was a finalist in the 2003 Gold Medallion Awards. And her Austen Series novel First Impressions was a finalist in the 2005 Retailer's Choice Awards. Debra has been a popular media guest across the nation, including Fox TV, The 700 Club, ABC Radio, USA Radio Network, and Moody Broadcasting. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, bargain-hunting, and swimming with her family. Debra also vows she would walk 50 miles for a scoop of German chocolate ice cream.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 30, 2009
I need to isssue this warning for anyone who is interested in this book because it is a remake of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park." The author has taken a lot of liberties with the novel and it is really only loosely based on the beloved novel. There are also a lot of religious undertones. But I find no fault with it, nevertheless. I found it a delighful book, very brilliantly written. This book is a part of a series of modern Christian versions of Jane Austen's novels. I have to say I still prefer the origional, but this was a fun read and very hard to put down. Some people may be disappointed because it is so far from the book it is copied from, Mansfield Park. You do not need to read Mansfield Park to understand this book. In fact, if you do read this and like it I suggest you give Mansfield Park a try!
For those of you have read Mansfield Park:
(here is what is different besides what the change of time periods allows) Thomas Bertram has no sons. He has only a foster son (Edmund in Mansfield) otherwise it would be weird for cousins to date. There is no Tom Bertram, the older brother! I missed the scenes where Fanny nursed him when he was almost dead. It takes place in New York City and Fanny goes to college and hopes to become a teacher. In addition, Edmund falls for the Mary Crawford character while on a mission trip in Paris. Their break up scene is quite different from the novel's and for different reasons.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mansfield Park:
(here is the scenario)
A mother has too many mouths to feed so when her wealthy sister offers to take one of her children away and bring her up in New York City, she sends her eldest and most shy, Francine Pounce. At the age of eleven, Frannie is terrified of the graduer of the brownstone and her Aunt Nora, who always tells her she does not deserve this. Yet her Aunt Mariette and Uncle Tom make her feel welcomed and treat her with every kindness they do their own two daughters: Julia and Mary. They also have a foster son named Ethan who becomes Frannie's first friend, being four years older he is a protective brother to the shy and lonely girl. We start the book at her introduction to this home at the age of 11 and then jump to ten years later when she discovers that she loves Ethan. Frannie has grown into a moral, dependable, wise and generous person we can all admire. Ethan is in the process of becoming ordained. However, he meets a girl. Her name is Carrie Casper and she is rich and gorgeous. Frannie is so disappointed to see her reliable and stable Ethan lose his head over a pretty face. Carrie causes a lot of friction also because she brings her brother, Hugh Casper, who is a womanizer and a flirt. The two sisters become his next conquests. The problem is Mary is engaged yet she has her eyes on Hugh. The only female who is able to repell Hugh is Frannie. He doesn't like that one bit and starts to pursue her! Will Ethan marry Carrie or will he come to his senses in time? Will Frannie see that if she marries Hugh everyone will be happy with her and she can save her poor family? What will the outcome be? You should try and read it, I am sure you will like it.
For those of you have read Mansfield Park:
(here is what is different besides what the change of time periods allows) Thomas Bertram has no sons. He has only a foster son (Edmund in Mansfield) otherwise it would be weird for cousins to date. There is no Tom Bertram, the older brother! I missed the scenes where Fanny nursed him when he was almost dead. It takes place in New York City and Fanny goes to college and hopes to become a teacher. In addition, Edmund falls for the Mary Crawford character while on a mission trip in Paris. Their break up scene is quite different from the novel's and for different reasons.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Mansfield Park:
(here is the scenario)
A mother has too many mouths to feed so when her wealthy sister offers to take one of her children away and bring her up in New York City, she sends her eldest and most shy, Francine Pounce. At the age of eleven, Frannie is terrified of the graduer of the brownstone and her Aunt Nora, who always tells her she does not deserve this. Yet her Aunt Mariette and Uncle Tom make her feel welcomed and treat her with every kindness they do their own two daughters: Julia and Mary. They also have a foster son named Ethan who becomes Frannie's first friend, being four years older he is a protective brother to the shy and lonely girl. We start the book at her introduction to this home at the age of 11 and then jump to ten years later when she discovers that she loves Ethan. Frannie has grown into a moral, dependable, wise and generous person we can all admire. Ethan is in the process of becoming ordained. However, he meets a girl. Her name is Carrie Casper and she is rich and gorgeous. Frannie is so disappointed to see her reliable and stable Ethan lose his head over a pretty face. Carrie causes a lot of friction also because she brings her brother, Hugh Casper, who is a womanizer and a flirt. The two sisters become his next conquests. The problem is Mary is engaged yet she has her eyes on Hugh. The only female who is able to repell Hugh is Frannie. He doesn't like that one bit and starts to pursue her! Will Ethan marry Carrie or will he come to his senses in time? Will Frannie see that if she marries Hugh everyone will be happy with her and she can save her poor family? What will the outcome be? You should try and read it, I am sure you will like it.
September 3, 2018
Very, and I mean very loosely based on Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. It’s part of a slew of contemporary retelling of Austen’s six classic novels with this one published by a major Christian publisher.
I read this shortly after publication, now 12 years ago, and I remember that I cringed at every mention of Coca Cola, excessively used by the author. I know, it’s a strange fact to retain, it seemed like White Smith used it exclusively to remind readers of its contemporary setting.
This one was just too far removed from the original, I did not connect with the characters and found them shallow, one dimensional, and while a retelling is already a type of spoiler, it made this story too predictable. While I appreciate the attempt of a “Christian” concept, it came off as contrived, too much bubble gum theology” when it could have been so much more.
I read this shortly after publication, now 12 years ago, and I remember that I cringed at every mention of Coca Cola, excessively used by the author. I know, it’s a strange fact to retain, it seemed like White Smith used it exclusively to remind readers of its contemporary setting.
This one was just too far removed from the original, I did not connect with the characters and found them shallow, one dimensional, and while a retelling is already a type of spoiler, it made this story too predictable. While I appreciate the attempt of a “Christian” concept, it came off as contrived, too much bubble gum theology” when it could have been so much more.
May 14, 2018
3.5 Even by Austen standards, I thought was far too short. A few other quibbles but this modern MP did have some charm. Bravo for a stronger "Fanny" than the original.
October 26, 2009
I love Jane Austen, so Debra's whole Austen series is one of my favs. I loved how this one worked out. This one is based on Mansfield park and Debra knows how to keep the main storyline of the original book, but still give it a contemporary feel. I was rooting for Ethan and Francine to get together the whole time! It was one of those books that I wanted to shake the characters and yell at them to wake up! LOL. I get into my books sometimes. But, the most important thing is that they both learned their lessons and in the end it made them a better person and they were both able to appreciate each other more.
August 1, 2015
I have loved every one of Debra White Smith's Austen Series. This one did not disappoint. Loved every word. Wanted to smack Ethan (Edmond) over the head of course. Just wish they were not so hard to find in print to buy. I own a few, but this one I have yet to purchase.
January 17, 2008
I stayed up late and just plowed through the last 200 pages last night. This book is Jane Austen's Mansfield Park retold in present time set near Central Park. I love Mansfield Park and this is a pretty faithful adaptation of Austen's novel. It's written for the Christian fiction market. Normally, I find that some Christian fiction can either be too cheesy or preachy, but I didn't find that to be the case with this book. I enjoyed the pacing of this novel, but although it ends happily, it ends abruptly.
November 29, 2008
So far in this series, Debra White Smith has taken liberties with dropping 'extra' characters and siblings, changing what jobs people have, and even changing how people are related to one another. None the less, I looked for how well the characteristics, motives, and interactions of the characters stay true to the Jane Austen stories despite all these changes.
I loved this modernization and felt that she kept all the characters true as well as keeping all those favorite moments from Mansfield Park even if the settings had changed. This is my favorite of Smith's 'Austen Series' so far.
I loved this modernization and felt that she kept all the characters true as well as keeping all those favorite moments from Mansfield Park even if the settings had changed. This is my favorite of Smith's 'Austen Series' so far.
October 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this modern interpretation of Mansfield Park. I rooted for Francine and liked how Christianity wove its way into the story (not that it doesn't already in Mansfield Park). However, the story ends very abruptly. Beware of this.
July 27, 2020
This may be my favorite retelling of Debra White Smith's series. This is the fourth one that I've read, the other three at this date are: Northpointe Chalet, Reason and Romance, and First Impressions.
I could NOT put the book down. I tried, but I stared at the ceiling and thought, "Oh, but I've just got to find out!" Keep in mind that I just finished my third reading of Mansfield Park a few weeks before picking this up, so it's not like I didn't know the outcome of everything. But it was the How in this modern setting it all came about.
The author definitely takes some liberties and changes things, but it didn't bother me as much as I always thought it would. Faults/Some things I would have liked to see changed: More Ike. I loved Ike and wished he had more page time. The ending was WAY too short for my liking. It was good, but I wanted MORE. And that last scene with Carrie. I would have loved to see her try to lure Ethan back, as Austen intended. And to see the results of Marie and Henry's affair, and Aunt Nora's end as well.
Despite those things, however, I really loved this one. I loved Ethan's slow realization, then his AHA, was my favorite aspect of it, but Oh. Was. That. Frust. Rating!! He was such an idiot! There were times when I just had to look away from the page and breathe. But most of the time I was yelling at him.
I had so much fun reading this! As with the others, the essence of the story stays true to the original.
I could NOT put the book down. I tried, but I stared at the ceiling and thought, "Oh, but I've just got to find out!" Keep in mind that I just finished my third reading of Mansfield Park a few weeks before picking this up, so it's not like I didn't know the outcome of everything. But it was the How in this modern setting it all came about.
The author definitely takes some liberties and changes things, but it didn't bother me as much as I always thought it would. Faults/Some things I would have liked to see changed: More Ike. I loved Ike and wished he had more page time. The ending was WAY too short for my liking. It was good, but I wanted MORE. And that last scene with Carrie. I would have loved to see her try to lure Ethan back, as Austen intended. And to see the results of Marie and Henry's affair, and Aunt Nora's end as well.
Despite those things, however, I really loved this one. I loved Ethan's slow realization, then his AHA, was my favorite aspect of it, but Oh. Was. That. Frust. Rating!! He was such an idiot! There were times when I just had to look away from the page and breathe. But most of the time I was yelling at him.
I had so much fun reading this! As with the others, the essence of the story stays true to the original.
June 14, 2024
DNF.
I love Mansfield Park. I love retellings. I would have loved this retelling of Mansfield Park if it was well written. It was not well-written. I tried, I seriously did! But after the first 2 chapters of sentences and paragraphs with zero flow, I knew it was a waste of time. I skimmed the rest. I don't know how it is, but the sentences are grammatically correct, yet so blunt that they make it difficult to pay attention to the actual words.
There are so many better romances that have all the romantic tension and delicious build-up without the author having to describe every little detail. Like, sometimes it's appropriate to get detailed, especially when it's a moment that the character is paying close attention to, right? But it has to be done sparingly so that it stands out and makes you feel the moment.
So yeah, the writing style lost me. Other than that, I'm sure it's fine. I didn't even really have a problem with the Christian part, even though I'm really picky about my Christian Fiction in general. It wasn't preachy to my mind, but still held to Christian values, so that's good. Maybe a sprinkle of Christianese. Luckily(?), I speak Christianese pretty fluently
I love Mansfield Park. I love retellings. I would have loved this retelling of Mansfield Park if it was well written. It was not well-written. I tried, I seriously did! But after the first 2 chapters of sentences and paragraphs with zero flow, I knew it was a waste of time. I skimmed the rest. I don't know how it is, but the sentences are grammatically correct, yet so blunt that they make it difficult to pay attention to the actual words.
There are so many better romances that have all the romantic tension and delicious build-up without the author having to describe every little detail. Like, sometimes it's appropriate to get detailed, especially when it's a moment that the character is paying close attention to, right? But it has to be done sparingly so that it stands out and makes you feel the moment.
So yeah, the writing style lost me. Other than that, I'm sure it's fine. I didn't even really have a problem with the Christian part, even though I'm really picky about my Christian Fiction in general. It wasn't preachy to my mind, but still held to Christian values, so that's good. Maybe a sprinkle of Christianese. Luckily(?), I speak Christianese pretty fluently
January 23, 2021
I’ll confess that I don’t remember Mansfield Park all that well, but while I genuinely liked a couple of the main characters in this book, others just drove me mad, and I couldn’t understand how it could be so obvious as a reader and not for the other characters. Maybe that’s part of the narrative? I did like the realistic conflicts, the strong infusion of faith (though sometimes a bit heavy-handed and very conservative), and the growth various characters experienced. Overall, a very good read.
July 30, 2019
I really liked this Christian contemporary retelling of Mansfield Park. Though I will say I have never read the original, just seen the movies (1999 and 2007).
I had trouble putting the book down, and I loved how much integrity Francine had and the Christian/contemporary twist that “Ethan” was working towards ordination and becoming a pastor and how “Carrie” didn’t fit what he needed.
Only wish the book was longer or had an epilogue. Nice, quick read.
I had trouble putting the book down, and I loved how much integrity Francine had and the Christian/contemporary twist that “Ethan” was working towards ordination and becoming a pastor and how “Carrie” didn’t fit what he needed.
Only wish the book was longer or had an epilogue. Nice, quick read.
November 1, 2021
This book is a somewhat modern retelling of Mansfield Park.
The writing is nowhere the original, but I truly enjoyed the juxtaposition of past morals and a lack of modern morality. I believe what is right and wrong doesn't change, but the modern world certainly likes to act as if it does.
And it never hurts to hold the mirror close to my own face and check. I know I will never be perfect, but I am trying to follow in our Lord's footsteps and it is good to be reminded of high standards.
The writing is nowhere the original, but I truly enjoyed the juxtaposition of past morals and a lack of modern morality. I believe what is right and wrong doesn't change, but the modern world certainly likes to act as if it does.
And it never hurts to hold the mirror close to my own face and check. I know I will never be perfect, but I am trying to follow in our Lord's footsteps and it is good to be reminded of high standards.
October 1, 2019
Good as a stand-alone story. Not sure it matches up to Mansfield Park, as I read a few chapters of that then decided to switch to this to understand the story better. Reading other reviews make me see it is a slim relation. I understand part of the change, because in this day and age it is not acceptable to marry your cousin!
dnf
November 24, 2025the writing is so simple and feels like elementary-level comprehension so it was painful to try to continue reading. I also didn’t realize this is part of a whole series of modern retellings with an emphasis on the church and Christianity, which… I’m just not super interested in reading? at the moment? so yeah, I’m giving up
May 10, 2020
This book in the Austen Series by Debra Smith is much better than the previous one I read, First Impressions. It seems Smith found her fictional literary legs along the way. I really enjoyed this modern day telling of Mansfield Park.
January 10, 2021
Modern day challenges
This had me revisit Mansfield Park to further explore the relationships between the characters. This modern retelling has one hoping for Franny and Ethan to find what each was destined to discover.
This had me revisit Mansfield Park to further explore the relationships between the characters. This modern retelling has one hoping for Franny and Ethan to find what each was destined to discover.
February 5, 2022
Central Park by Debra White Smith – If you had the same issue with cousins falling in love in Mansfield Park, I think this is better because Franny falls for her foster brother who is of no relation. Happy Reading!
February 16, 2024
Francine is love with Ethan a foster son of the people she is living with. He wants to be a minister, but he falls for Carrie a girl he met in Paris who doesn't care too much for ministers. Francine wonders if he will ever feel for her what she is feeling for him. Fun reading
January 30, 2019
I haven't read the original, so I can't compare it. This book was entertaining and I wanted to know what would happen at the end, but I did feel that it was really drawn out.
March 10, 2019
I so wanted to shake Ethan and tell him to wake up, before he made a mistake he would regret.
May 4, 2019
This is a fun retelling of Mansfield Park
May 14, 2020
Mansfield Park is my least favorite Jane Austen book, however I think this is one,of my favorite of Deborah White Smith's retelling. I enjoyed how she updated it.
October 15, 2021
This is an interesting retelling of Mansfield Park. Sometimes it’s a little too preachy for me but I still liked it.
December 18, 2024
Have I read the original of this one
July 18, 2025
The most fun of the series that I have read so far! But I love Mansfield Park, so that may be part of the reason. This is a wonderful series.
January 25, 2019
Cute and clean
Cute and very clean and innocent. A little cheesy at times (bordering on eye - rolling cheesy), but overall a sweet book.
Cute and very clean and innocent. A little cheesy at times (bordering on eye - rolling cheesy), but overall a sweet book.
December 19, 2016
I could not remember Mansfield Park very well when I started this book, but it seemed to me that a few events were completely changed. Nevertheless, that did not stop me from liking it, even though I found Francine to be a little too perfect.
May 2, 2007
I liked it - just not as much as the others *that's why it got only 4 out of 5* Based on Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.
Ethan Summers captivates Francine’s youthful heart. Drawn together by a love of learning, they become friends. But Francine dreams that Ethan will return her love. When the beautiful Lylleth appears, Francine is dismayed that Ethan falls under her spell.
When a wealthy man comes calling, Francine recognizes his lack of morals and rejects him. Pressured by her uncle to accept such a fortuitous match, Francine cries out to God. Will she marry someone she doesn’t love? Will Ethan discover what true love is in time to intervene?
Ethan Summers captivates Francine’s youthful heart. Drawn together by a love of learning, they become friends. But Francine dreams that Ethan will return her love. When the beautiful Lylleth appears, Francine is dismayed that Ethan falls under her spell.
When a wealthy man comes calling, Francine recognizes his lack of morals and rejects him. Pressured by her uncle to accept such a fortuitous match, Francine cries out to God. Will she marry someone she doesn’t love? Will Ethan discover what true love is in time to intervene?
January 2, 2016
This is part of the Jane Austen series, but for all intents and purposes, Central Park is a standalone novel. I will admit that I have not read Mansfield Park, but I did not like any of these characters. I don't have a lot of knowledge about the early 2000's, as I was born in 2001, but I am positive that most parents didn't tell their children who to marry in the early 2000's, which is one of the main reasons I didn't like it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews