She studied him in the gray, dreary light of the morning, and her heart ached as she wondered how she was going to tell him that once again, the past was forcing its way into the present. Will Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are deeply in love, and together with Will’s young son Jack, they are looking forward to their happily ever after on the shores of Great Diamond Island. For Will, the future has never looked he’s wild about Elizabeth, has found a best friend in Charles Bingley, and his new consulting business is slowly gaining momentum—as is his fledgling relationship with his father. Elizabeth, too, is deliriously she’s crazy about Will and is embracing her role as Jack’s “new” mom, she loves her job at the Portland Children’s Library, and is looking forward to having her younger sister Lydia settled close by. It seems they’ve left their troubled histories behind and are heading into the future as a blissful family of three. But can anyone truly forget—or escape—a past that is determined to reassert itself? Can a new love withstand the forces that seek to destroy it? ◆◆◆ Sanctuary is a contemporary love story inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice , but uses Austen’s characters only as a launching point; it is not a meticulous and faithful retelling of the original. It contains mature content and is intended for adult readers.
Cat Andrews has always been an avid reader, but didn’t discover Jane Austen until her love of a certain British actor led her to the BBC’s 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. Her discovery of Jane Austen Fan Fiction opened up a whole new world, and she was inspired to begin a cautious but earnest foray into the world of writing.
In real life, Cat has spent thirty-eight years working in healthcare. She enjoys life on the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and more often than not, you can find her at the beach with a book in her hand and her toes in the sand.
I received a copy of this last in a series of three during a blog raffle.
This story brings some angst into what has been a strong romance in modern day Maine for Will and Elizabeth. As the blurb informs us, people from the past and events associated with them crop up. Some of these move forward the relationship between Will and Elizabeth. Those moves were not unexpected...just brought forward.
If you have read the other two books, (and you must) you know that both Darcy's cousin, Richard, and his father, Robert, have been thorns in Darcy's side. Here we read of one relationship improving greatly and widening to encompass Jack and Elizabeth. The other man uses knowledge from Elizabeth's pass to bring a menace into her and Will's home. Jane's opinions about Elizabeth's relationships and her decisions to act or talk about such finally bring Elizabeth to decide how to bring closure to that in her life.
There are many "bedroom" scenes and many discussions as ODC works to go forward. In this series the two are much quicker to realize they have to talk about words or actions taken and share decisions. I loved the quote about "not growing under my heart but growing in it". (I was an adoption worker for many years and that saying is well known in the adoption community.)
The last sentence in this tale was a sweet surprise! Loved it. I didn't highlight any sentences or words as I find I can't do that on my kindle as easily as I can on my PC app for Kindle and this was only sent to my Kindle when I won it.
I loved this series. The relationship between Will and Elizabeth was nearly love at first sight...even then it was attraction at first sight. They have a broad range of friends, both on the island, in Portland and even some back in NYC and Boston. Lydia is the sister with whom Elizabeth forms close ties in this tale. But there are others, i.e., Charlotte, Maddie Gardiner, etc. who are there for the couple. Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds gladly welcome Elizabeth into the family, having seen what a difference she makes to Will and his son, Jack. Charles Bingley and his sister, Caroline, also have roles.
I highly recommend this story. Do note that it is MA rated.
Steering Through the Waves and Seizing the Promising Sunshine Ahead!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Modern Adaptation
NOTE: This is volume three in a three volume series. It is necessary to read all three books in succession to attain the story’s conclusion.
SETTING: Great Diamond Island, Maine Present-Day
SYNOPSIS: Not more than three months ago Will Darcy,with his son Jack, moved to Great Diamond Island, Maine in need of a fresh start and he found a future he didn’t even know was possible. Deeply in love and blissfully happy, Elizabeth, Will, and Jack are busy enmeshing their lives together and becoming a family. However, there are some people in their lives and from their pasts that emerge onto the scene to threaten that happiness. How do Will and Elizabeth handle the danger, disruption, and drama? And how does their relationship fare when they steer into some less smooth and treacherous waters?
WHAT I LOVED:
- The World Created: Throughout this series, I have become deeply attached to these characters, their lives, and the enchanting community that surrounds them. Cat Andrews portrayed Great Diamond Island with such warmth and vibrancy. It feels like it is such a dynamic, beautiful, and inviting place, I don’t question Lizzy and Will for wanting to live here! I love how throughout this series the reader becomes intimate with all the places and people around the island – like we are additional members of this tight-knit and friendly community.
- A Focus on Fathers: It has been extremely heartwarming and endearing to see Will Darcy as a single father. His interactions with his son will constantly melt your heart into a puddle. But in this volume especially, there were some other father-child relationships stepping into the spotlight, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these relationships develop and evolve. It isn’t every Austenesque book where you see Fitzwilliam Darcy in the active role of both son and father.
- Roles Reversals: As I mentioned in my previous review, there are some interesting character deviations in this series – and it truly is like some characters have swapped sides a little bit. It was quite interesting to see two characters who are typically such supportive allies to our protagonists in the roles of antagonists! And vice-versa. I loved observing the creative liberties Cat Andrews explored with these characters.
- Will and Elizabeth: They are the heart of this story and their relationship is one that will live in my heart for quite some time. I loved everything about this relationship and all the relationship phases Ms. Andrews strived to illustrate in her story – moving on from the past, overcoming insecurities, being fully open another person, giving/receiving unconditional acceptance, and best of all, fervently embracing and appreciating the happiness and joy another person can bring you. This is one of the most beautifully-rendered and moving incarnations of a Darcy and Elizabeth relationship I have experienced.
- Descriptive, Detailed, Daily Affairs: I love how visual and accessible this story felt. It was so easy to picture all the scenes, places, and characters and to understand all that went on in their lives. Cat Andrew’s writing is filled with illustrative language and articulate expression. I loved learning so much about what the characters were doing, seeing, feeling, and thinking.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Part of me would have liked to have seen the antagonists receive just a smidgen more page time and create a little more tension, but I also loved it as is.
SECOND NOTE: In this story there are several romantic interludes and intimates scenes. Recommended for mature audiences.
CONCLUSION:
Sanctuary: Volume Three brings a supremely satisfying and perfect close to Cat Andrews incredibly romantic and exquisitely-crafted contemporary Pride and Prejudice romance. For readers who crave stories with heartfelt connections, inspiring growth, charming small-town vibes, and a deeply ardent romance, I cannot recommend this trilogy enough!
“Disclosure: I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.”
Sanctuary Volume 3 takes places right after the end of volume 2. In this volume, lots of Will's and Elizabeth's past lives traumas and complications are finally resolved. There is a lot of emotional pain there, but they both, together, get through it all. They build a beautiful life together, full of love, trust and laughter. There were some parts that made me cry with joy. It took me longer to finish this volume than the ones before, because I just didn't want to part with these dear characters. The whole story is written with such care and sensibility and the characters are so complex and real and their lives, struggles and achievements touched me deeply. I felt like I was saying goodbye to dear friends by the end of their journey. However, it will be a brief goodbye because I am sure I will go back to this story again and again in the future.
“Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.” While I eagerly anticipated this last volume to see how their story would conclude at the same time I was sad that the journey was over. I anticipate that these stories will be reread regularly by me because of the sheer emotion and beauty of them all. The first volume began as a simple melody and as the story progressed with each chapter and volume it built to a beautiful symphony of life. Their story felt real and I laughed and cried and sighed along with them as it went along. When a story gets that entwined in your heart and emotions you know it is a good one. I highly recommend all three books and you will greatly enjoy the ride with them.
Safety: The condition of being safe; freedom from danger, risk, or injury.
This is the final volume in the Sanctuary saga that continues to weave its spell on me. It is one of those stories that wraps around you...'the good, the bad, and the really bad'. There is a strong reality within its pages that makes it 'real' for many men and women who have gone through this pain, heartache, and abuse and have come out the other side with love, life and laughter. I realize that not everyone will get that chance, but it is out there...and this story gives us that hope...that sanctuary.
"She was like a drug to him, an addiction he was more than happy to drown in for the rest of his life." (quote from the book)
Life for Elizabeth, Will, and Jack couldn't be better. They continue to grow and build their relationship as a family... ah, young love! Part of that growth is to try and heal the breach with Will's father. It is a work in progress. But there are also those who wish to rain on their parade and cause the most grief or wreak havoc in their lives. And, they succeed, to a point, but they did not expect the price they themselves must pay...for there are always consequences to one's actions.
"It was payback time." (quote from the book)
The build up and tension in this book was palpable. It was as if I was walking on eggshells along with Elizabeth and Darcy...you could cut it with a knife. You didn't know when the other shoe was going to drop nor how it was going to play out. And when it did, I didn't see it coming.
"The protective instincts that come out - it goes beyond love at that point, it's just - a ferocity of feeling." (quote from the book)
When the chips are down, their friends and family come to their aid. It was wonderful to see Lydia play a strong role in this story. She was a delightful surprise. The Gardiners are just as wonderful as in the original. I loved feeling as if I was part of this 'family of friends'.
"You know who gives you strength and who drags you down. It takes some people a long time to figure that out, and once they do, it can take even longer to cut the toxic ones loose." (quote from the book)
For some reason, I wasn't expecting to see an epilogue...not that I'm complaining. But I must say, the last line of that epilogue was spectacular! Brava Ms. Andrews on a fantastic debut novel(s)!! It is now one of my top all time favourites!
If you haven't guessed, I highly recommend this whole trilogy!
I liked these books very much, the story is solid and the characters very enjoyable. Anyway, reading the third book I felt it was a too long story and I have to confess that this feelings diminished my enthusiasm.
Becoming a Family In the final third volume of Sanctuary, this wonderfully-written story has Darcy, Elizabeth and Jack happily building their bonds of love. Can the past threaten their peace and happiness? Will they be able to work out fragile relationships with certain family members?
I absolutely loved this three-volume set. It’s one of those novels you hate to see come to an end after coming to love this couple and (most of) their family and friends. The brilliant writing style allows you to become like the proverbial fly on the wall watching silently as events take place in their lives—both happy and sad, and how they faced it all together. It makes you want to be there among that wonderful group.
I crave modern Pride and Prejudice variations like this—an interesting story, funny, charmingly romantic, just a touch of angst, and with an easy, unpretentious writing style that captivates and has you wishing it will never end. I look forward to seeing this work published so I can add it to my permanent Kindle library. I know I will read it again and again. I most definitely recommend it.
**Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
What a thrilling ending to this fabulous trilogy. I loved it from start to finish! Everything was wrapped up in a compelling tale that I could not put down. The ending was particularly satisfying, the last sentence gave me goosebumps, I thought was absolutely genius.
Enjoyed this story very much. All 3 variations.Had me wanting more. I hope the author is, maybe,thinking about a fourth. So that the reader could see what the children chose as they grew. As Jack grew older , did he show an interest in the family business? Etc….
This is not a stand-alone novel, it's 3 of 3 books that form the full story.
Things That Didn't Work:
Things That Worked: - It was sweet seeing Jack accept Elizabeth as a mothering figure. He deserved it. - There's also quite a bit happening with Will and his father, as well as Elizabeth and her father. - Great Diamond Island seems a little less idyllic in this book, but it was still pretty great.
“Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.”
I can't believe the story is over. I have loved this modern adaptation of Jane Austen's classic, Pride & Prejudice since it was first around on fan fiction sites. Volume three is perfect. We get our Happy Ever After plus a glimpse into the future of the Darcy family. The villains make their play, the pseudo-villains get their comeuppance and relationships are resolved. I won't say anymore because I don't want to give away spoilers.
The writing is gorgeous. I really feel I know the island, the library, the bar and Darcy's new office plus their sumptuous place in New York. Cat Andrews' descriptive writing really made me feel like I was there. Her characters are so real, they reflect the characteristics of Austen's and yet fit right into the 21st century. I didn't want to let them go.
I am so happy that these books are being released, I can now own them and re-read and re-read and re-read...you get the picture.
I purchased all three books in the series and thought they were well written. I think the author took the Jane Austen characters and created a new story. I think there could have been a little less sex but it was not overdone. They kept my interest I could not rest until the end. Well done.
This was the conclusion of this modern P&P trilogy. This book has a little more substance and plot than the second book, but the exciting part of the story seemed to move really slow due to all the “romantic scenes” and day to day filler. I did like the story, but would have liked it much more if I hadn’t been subjected to every thought and every conversation, no matter how mundane, being included and discussed in the story. It muddied that water and diluted the excitement.
If I were to rate the series in collectively, I would probably give it between a 3 and 3.5. The series started off well. I really enjoyed the first book because I love taking the journey to love with Darcy and Elizabeth in any setting. Book two almost had me quit the series all together as once D&E were a couple, they became so nauseatingly syrupy sweet and affectionate that if there was one more kiss or touch or stroke or, pardon the vulgarity, one more erection described and explored, I would have thrown my kindle across the room. It was a real turn off to me, especially because there wasn’t much else going on. Book 3 was not much better with the excessive love and sex scenes, but I did like the other parts of the story in this final installment. Overall, this series did not need to be a series. It was way too long and way too full of unnecessary excess. If the content been edited down to more plot and less detail of every minute of every day, these three books could have become one normal sized book and IMO, would have made it a great book instead of an okay series.
What an enjoyable experience! This series take the story and the reader in a wonderful journey where all the details get taken care of and the ending is the best!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The final volume in the Sanctuary trilogy immediately immerses the reader in multiple plot points. For those who have read the first two volumes, it is a seamless transition. However, those readers who have not read the previous installments will not pick up on the nuanced characterizations or understand why certain conversations are relevant or even important because this is, at it’s heart, a character-driven novel, and to not have the relevant background information will keep the reader from the full experience.
While, again, not all the characters act in accordance with their Pride & Prejudice counterparts, the story is still compelling – in fact, some of the dissimilarities make for a more interesting variation. I would argue that there is more plot in this volume than in the others, as all the points that have been so carefully lined up start to act and react, making for an interesting read that can be hard to put down. There are elements of intrigue and suspense cleverly woven into the existing storyline in the third installment that add depth to the read. The relationship between the main characters is now firmly established, so the conflicts are mostly external, and the author can explore new depths of their interactions. The conclusion wraps the three-volume journey up in a satisfying way. Readers who have already read the first two volumes will definitely enjoy the third! Overall, this was a very well-written novel and one of the best modern Pride and Prejudice variations I have read.
Excellent ending to this seris I couldn't keep stop reading it
I chose 5 stars because the author always continued in the path of the prior book ....it made you laugh cry and want to get angry at the other characters to save the pain from the main characters Cat Andrews always kept up with the rhythm of vol 2 to 3 and the epic part was the very last line it is a definate reread in my seris of books which is just about the pemberly library......It was lovley sweet and always keeping you wanting to know what would happen on the next page ........it has been a while since I looked forward to a setis every time there was a reorder .....I did it ....it is a definfate 5 stars if could give 6 I would !!!!
I’ve now completed volume 3 of Sanctuary and while it was wonderful, it’s always hard to say goodbye to characters you’ve come to love! This third volume picks up right where volume 2 left off, and it really requires having read the prior two volumes to fully appreciate all the ground the author covers in volume 3, and how beautifully all the story lines have been woven together and tied up. This obviously is the book where Darcy and Lizzy finally get their HEA, but it really is so much more than that, and there’s so much to digest along the way!
Here’s what I just LOVED in volume 3:
1) The wedding! Just like this Lizzy was at first, I was a little unsure about the timing for this happy event, as it is as the character says, “less than ideal.” There was so much going on at this moment in the narrative, and I don’t want to ruin it for you so I won’t go into many details, but I was convinced as I read that it would feel kind of anti-climactic given everything else that was happening around them, but I was SO wrong! It was what every good modern Austen author should be able to do, but what in reality is so hard to pull off. She made it feel absolutely, one hundred percent real—like you were literally there with the characters as they walked through every decision and made every move—while at the same time making the event itself feel extraordinarily special and unique to this couple. By the end you can’t imagine them not getting married in that moment. Completely magical! So well done!!! I should have never have doubted Ms. Andrews (or Darcy for that matter, swoon!)!
2) The way in which Lizzy and Jack took the last steps to becoming mother and son as Will and Lizzy take the last steps to becoming husband and wife. This too was something I was kind of nervous about. Having married my high school sweetheart and sharing kids together, I was a bit worried about how I would feel about Lizzy stepping into Anne’s shoes not only as Will’s wife but also as Jack’s mom, even though Jack didn’t really remember her. There are some JAFF readers that don’t want Will or Lizzy to have ever really loved anyone other than each other, whereas I was in the opposite boat of thinking how would I feel about being replaced by this great love. After all, even if Jack didn’t remember Anne as his mom, Will certainly did, and I was glad to see how gracefully the author pulled all this off. Looking at Will’s relationships as different chapters of life, not necessarily better or worse, just different, definitely made it feel fair to both women and gave me a smile. Having Will reflect on his feelings about Anne as the mother of his child at the time of Jack’s birth, while putting himself in his father’s shoes of losing the love of his life to childbirth, was definitely skillfully done on the author’s part and an important moment in seeing how Will loves with his whole heart, without taking anything away from his new love for Lizzy. You’ll have tears when he helps Jack through the process of asking Lizzy to be his mom!
3) The way Will and his father Robert are able to finally really talk about the past in this volume, and the steps they make towards a reconciliation. The lengths Robert went to, while unacceptable, will make much more sense after reading volume 3, and are truly heartbreaking. He too knew what it was to have a great love and to lose it. He didn’t want Will to experience what he had. Definitely a moving read. I couldn’t put it down anytime Robert was in a scene.
4) What the author did with the supporting cast. I loved watching Darcy and Lizzy put into place a strong network of friends and family members around them, while realizing sometimes there are people you have to let go of in life in order to keep moving forward towards who you are meant to be. This is extraordinarily hard for any person to do, and I definitely felt for them (Lizzy especially) as they tentatively found what people were the right fit for their new family. You may be surprised by who stays and who goes, but it all feels faithful to each character’s development in the end.
5) I’ll throw in a fifth item this time and say I definitely appreciated the epilogue. There’s always debate in the JAFF community about epilogues, but I loved getting that extra peek into their lives past the story’s natural conclusion. I was definitely in all the way up until the very end. So sweet! I’m glad the author decided to keep it in!
What I think you should know before reading this book. It remains much the same as volumes 1 & 2:
1) This is a long story that is meant to be savored. While I guess someone might just want to skip to the final volume for the HEA, I don’t see how it would make sense and be properly appreciated without reading the first two volumes of the story.
2) This is an Austen-inspired tale and not a strict retelling. The author has taken liberties with the supporting cast and has not stuck to cannon. Really and truly, if you loved this story like I did, you could recommend it to any friend who you think would enjoy it, regardless of whether they are a fan of Austen's characters. It's so well done it could stand on its own.
3) This story is written about an adult couple in modern times and includes adult content. While that adult content is in my opinion very tastefully done, if that is something you find offensive in an Austen-inspired work, this probably isn’t the story for you.
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
Will and Elizabeth were so hurt from past relationships and found their hearts ready to heal by the time they met on this beautiful island off Maine. They grow more and more in love over time and have the most wonderful life together including a home full of children! So enjoyable!!
First book was very good. Second book was difficult to push myself through but I was glad I did. Third book is just painful to read about 40% in so I’m calling it. Just not enough to keep me entertained at this point. I just don’t care how it ends but think I can guess.
The third volume of this story continues in the same awesome style as the first two volumes. Elizabeth and Will face challenges from family, and even themselves, to fight for their happiness. There are heart warming resolutions to certain issues and good karmic justice for others. The ending was so perfect..and you won’t see it coming. You will want this book on your bookshelf to pick up and read over and over.
**Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review
I genuinely loved the Lydia in this series as well as the bad boy Richard. In fact, those two character modifications (plus the adorable Jack Darcy) are the reason I rated novels at 4 instead of a 3 - very lIttle angst and a little too sappy at times. I was hoping for more angst with Bill Collins; the emotional abuse offered a plethora of venues to explore presaging his release from prison. The minimized Wickham character - wonderful!! I still have to wonder how much angst the author could have mixed in if the three bad boys- Richard, Wickham and Bill - had plotted together. Potential for great subplot!!! In all honesty, this could have been a one-novel book; not sure why it was so divided unless you’re someone who enjoys the details of Elizabeth and Will’s sex life. Personally, I got that they were hot for each other, always. I do prefer the more realistic Jane character in this novel over the goody-2-shoes we usually read about. A new love interest for Bingley outside the Bennet and Darcy women as well as the addition of Darcy’s dad being alive throughout novel was a great plot addition. Maybe it was me but I genuinely didn’t miss the deBourghs. And this version of Charlotte was refreshing.
A wonderful capstone to a lovely series. Well written with good pacing, honest dialogue, and attention to appropriate sensibilities. Read straight through.
Cat Andrews blew my mind with this 3 book series and has put my choice of favorite books in motion. You must read all 3 books in series and be ready to fall in love. Darcy is romantic and that giddy crazy love for Lizzy. She is independent but reasonable and not fighting him to make their story start. I didn’t know how I would feel about the fact that D was married prior with a son but this variation are the story relevant and allowed for more substance to the tale.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review. Volume III: I am so sad to say goodbye to Will, Elizabeth, Jack, Ed, Maddie, Charlotte, Kate, Charles, Sam, Sam’s parents, Lydia and John. What a wonderful ending to Will and Elizabeth’s love story. I just wish there was a sequel! There are mature scenes in this volume as well, but don’t let that turn you off. The plot and characters and so well developed that you will be caught up in the story. I have read this story on the boards several times and am so excited for its publication. After I finished Volume III, I went directly back and re-read my favorite parts of Vols I and II. I am in the process of re-reading Vol III. It’s such a fun story that I didn’t want to say goodbye yet. This is a long story that will keep you entertained for the duration. I loved it!