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Never Inconstant
Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.
MISS ANNE ELLIOT COULD NOT HAVE FORESEEN the happiness she would find as the wife of Captain Frederick Wentworth but neither could she have envisioned the life he led when they were separated for eight heartbreaking years. Now years into her married life, Anne Wentworth finds a cache of letters written, but never sent, to her by the then-heartbroken Navy captain.
AMID PERIL ON THE SEA, Captain Wentworth faced heart-wrenching loneliness throughout their years apart. Anne reads the letters to gain a deeper appreciation of the constant and ardent love her husband possessed and still possesses for her, and learns far more about the true character of her old, persuasive friend Lady Russell.
This sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion journeys into the years after Frederick Wentworth made his second and final proposal to his beloved Anne Elliott.
MISS ANNE ELLIOT COULD NOT HAVE FORESEEN the happiness she would find as the wife of Captain Frederick Wentworth but neither could she have envisioned the life he led when they were separated for eight heartbreaking years. Now years into her married life, Anne Wentworth finds a cache of letters written, but never sent, to her by the then-heartbroken Navy captain.
AMID PERIL ON THE SEA, Captain Wentworth faced heart-wrenching loneliness throughout their years apart. Anne reads the letters to gain a deeper appreciation of the constant and ardent love her husband possessed and still possesses for her, and learns far more about the true character of her old, persuasive friend Lady Russell.
This sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion journeys into the years after Frederick Wentworth made his second and final proposal to his beloved Anne Elliott.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 13, 2022
“Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.” –Jane Austen, Persuasion
>>Rating: mature due to descriptions of death, violence, injuries, and life in general of the men who serve their country on the seas: [5+++ Stars]
>>Angst Level: mostly low while our characters were on land. However, that changed when an assignment put them back on the water and things happened at sea. The nation was still at war. Then we had the treachery of a friend-enemy [frenemy].
>> Source: ARC via Booksprout [7-6-22]. The views and opinions expressed are my own. 29-Chapters.
>>Timeline: The sequel to Persuasion and the years after our dear Captain made his second proposal to Anne Elliott.
>>Trope: Epistolary writing in the form of letters Anne found in an old sea trunk of Frederick’s.
>>Life lesson when traveling by sea: never sail without a yellow dress.
“The nature of the epistolary genre was revealed to me: a form of writing devoted to another person. Novels, poems, and so on, were texts into which others were free to enter, or not. Letters, on the other hand, did not exist without the other person, and their very mission, their significance, was the epiphany of the recipient.” –Amélie Nothomb, Life Form
I owe this author and her publisher a tremendous apology. I agreed to an ARC because I like Persuasion. However, I was a bit reluctant to read about their life after marriage and kept putting it off. I could not envision their life on land as being anything but BORING. Plus, I don’t like Anne’s family and didn’t want to see her having to tolerate their snobbery. Ugh! For days I’d think about it and push it aside. What could this author possibly add to the Persuasion story that would be new and refreshing?
“It was through words I found you. Through words, I reach you. And through words, I beg to keep you close.” –Caroline George, Dearest Josephine
Well, I have a few words to say about that. Oh-My-Gosh! I was bowled over by this story. It had it all. Frederick’s letters described heart-wrenching grief over lost love, swoon-worthy declarations, swashbuckling, ships at sea, pirates, horrific storms, ports of call, privateers, disease aboard ship, smoking cannons, seriously… I was gobsmacked. There was so much happening in this story. It was not a surface walk in a shallow pool. No, this was as deep as the ocean our Captain and Anne Wentworth sailed during the years after their marriage.
It made me think back on Anne’s life in the canon account. Really, she was sheltered, naïve to the things happening around her, rarely traveled, and everything was new to her. Into her calm waters blew a tall ship with a handsome naval officer that changed the course of her life forever. Then, everything crashed and burned and a bitter resentful Wentworth headed back to sea. What happened those eight-and-a-half years that Jane Austen left in silence?
“Letter writing can be seen as a gift because someone has taken his/her time to write and think and express love.” –Soraya Diase Coffelt
Austen presented the life of Anne Elliot before and after Wentworth sailed into and out of her life and the effects that had on her. We saw her suffering at the hands of her relations and friends. The best way to describe the Elliot family would be benign neglect. She was there for them but not the other way around.
This new story jumps forward several years and we now have a very different character. Anne was approaching her second confinement and found herself once again in the attic rummaging through trunks. I love that scene in the 1995 movie where Anne found Wentworth’s note to her folded to resemble a small ship. She thought back on those days. However, this time she found a loose board in a false bottom of an old sea trunk with several letters addressed to her. Frederick had written to her all those years ago and never mailed them. And, he had kept them all this time. It was like he was maintaining a thread of connection to her. I swooned right there. I was useless the rest of the day. Man, that was beautiful.
“In every letter, in every line, she saw him. He hadn’t changed – he’d only grown into the man he’d meant to be.” –Diana Peterfreund, For Darkness shows the Stars
It was a brilliant strategy interspersing Wentworth’s letters between scenes with Anne on land and even later. What a fun break from what could have been tedious. We learned so much about what he and others had experienced. The reader was given a firsthand account of the life and times of our captain while he commanded his first ship and how he advanced in his career.
Anne Wentworth was no longer that naive girl from the past. This was a mature woman who had world experience and very little flapped her sensibilities. She was smart, sharp, and knew how to handle herself in tight situations. She did not crumble at the first sign of trouble. She was the captain’s wife and that respect helped her through stressful times. Anne and Wentworth were a pair and you could see and feel the synergy between them. Together they could conquer anything. Wow! I loved this story. I want to say more but don’t want to give any spoilers. I highly recommend this.
>>Rating: mature due to descriptions of death, violence, injuries, and life in general of the men who serve their country on the seas: [5+++ Stars]
>>Angst Level: mostly low while our characters were on land. However, that changed when an assignment put them back on the water and things happened at sea. The nation was still at war. Then we had the treachery of a friend-enemy [frenemy].
>> Source: ARC via Booksprout [7-6-22]. The views and opinions expressed are my own. 29-Chapters.
>>Timeline: The sequel to Persuasion and the years after our dear Captain made his second proposal to Anne Elliott.
>>Trope: Epistolary writing in the form of letters Anne found in an old sea trunk of Frederick’s.
>>Life lesson when traveling by sea: never sail without a yellow dress.
“The nature of the epistolary genre was revealed to me: a form of writing devoted to another person. Novels, poems, and so on, were texts into which others were free to enter, or not. Letters, on the other hand, did not exist without the other person, and their very mission, their significance, was the epiphany of the recipient.” –Amélie Nothomb, Life Form
I owe this author and her publisher a tremendous apology. I agreed to an ARC because I like Persuasion. However, I was a bit reluctant to read about their life after marriage and kept putting it off. I could not envision their life on land as being anything but BORING. Plus, I don’t like Anne’s family and didn’t want to see her having to tolerate their snobbery. Ugh! For days I’d think about it and push it aside. What could this author possibly add to the Persuasion story that would be new and refreshing?
“It was through words I found you. Through words, I reach you. And through words, I beg to keep you close.” –Caroline George, Dearest Josephine
Well, I have a few words to say about that. Oh-My-Gosh! I was bowled over by this story. It had it all. Frederick’s letters described heart-wrenching grief over lost love, swoon-worthy declarations, swashbuckling, ships at sea, pirates, horrific storms, ports of call, privateers, disease aboard ship, smoking cannons, seriously… I was gobsmacked. There was so much happening in this story. It was not a surface walk in a shallow pool. No, this was as deep as the ocean our Captain and Anne Wentworth sailed during the years after their marriage.
It made me think back on Anne’s life in the canon account. Really, she was sheltered, naïve to the things happening around her, rarely traveled, and everything was new to her. Into her calm waters blew a tall ship with a handsome naval officer that changed the course of her life forever. Then, everything crashed and burned and a bitter resentful Wentworth headed back to sea. What happened those eight-and-a-half years that Jane Austen left in silence?
“Letter writing can be seen as a gift because someone has taken his/her time to write and think and express love.” –Soraya Diase Coffelt
Austen presented the life of Anne Elliot before and after Wentworth sailed into and out of her life and the effects that had on her. We saw her suffering at the hands of her relations and friends. The best way to describe the Elliot family would be benign neglect. She was there for them but not the other way around.
This new story jumps forward several years and we now have a very different character. Anne was approaching her second confinement and found herself once again in the attic rummaging through trunks. I love that scene in the 1995 movie where Anne found Wentworth’s note to her folded to resemble a small ship. She thought back on those days. However, this time she found a loose board in a false bottom of an old sea trunk with several letters addressed to her. Frederick had written to her all those years ago and never mailed them. And, he had kept them all this time. It was like he was maintaining a thread of connection to her. I swooned right there. I was useless the rest of the day. Man, that was beautiful.
“In every letter, in every line, she saw him. He hadn’t changed – he’d only grown into the man he’d meant to be.” –Diana Peterfreund, For Darkness shows the Stars
It was a brilliant strategy interspersing Wentworth’s letters between scenes with Anne on land and even later. What a fun break from what could have been tedious. We learned so much about what he and others had experienced. The reader was given a firsthand account of the life and times of our captain while he commanded his first ship and how he advanced in his career.
Anne Wentworth was no longer that naive girl from the past. This was a mature woman who had world experience and very little flapped her sensibilities. She was smart, sharp, and knew how to handle herself in tight situations. She did not crumble at the first sign of trouble. She was the captain’s wife and that respect helped her through stressful times. Anne and Wentworth were a pair and you could see and feel the synergy between them. Together they could conquer anything. Wow! I loved this story. I want to say more but don’t want to give any spoilers. I highly recommend this.
September 20, 2022
This inventive story is more than a sequel. While the book's "present" is indeed after the events of Persuasion (Frederick and Anne Wentworth now have been happily married for several years), the novel prominently features letters Frederick wrote but did not send to Anne during their separation after she broke their original engagement. It also provides her reflections about that period of her life as she finally reads them.
Ms. Constable writes beautifully and does a wonderful job conveying Frederick's conflicted emotions in his first letters, which gradually soften with time and the events of his early naval career. The reader learns exactly how he progresses from captain of the HMS Asp, a mere sloop, to command the HMS Laconia. He describes many of the officers that he serves with - both good and bad - as well as various naval battles and strategies he used to defeat the enemy.
Frederick's letters are more interesting than Anne's day-to-day life in the first chapters of this book. When the Royal Navy sends him on a new assignment, he must leave her behind; she's pregnant with their second child. The Elliot relations, both near and far, continue to display their inflated sense of importance and lack of consideration for Anne. The Wentworths' home is not far from Kellynch, so Admiral Croft and his wife are close, but so is the Musgrove estate. Claire Harwick (daughter of Frederick's friend Captain Harwick) comes to stay with Anne in Frederick's absence to help manage the household. Things gets more interesting with a romance brewing once young Charles Musgrove (the now grown son of Mary and Charles Musgrove) meets Claire. Anne, knowing full well how the rest of the Elliot family will react, does not alert them to the possible match.
Time marches on as the book continues. In the final chapters, set more than a year after the first, Anne goes on a voyage herself. Her adventure at sea rivals those related in her husband's letters.
I read several books in C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series when I was a girl. It didn't surprise me to read in Ms. Constable's acknowledgements that she was inspired by those books as much as Jane Austen's Persuasion. Ms. Constable certainly flexes her writing chops in the naval sequences, which feel very realistic.
There's a lot going on in this novel. Generally, I think it's juggled well. I do think Anne's situation in the early chapters drags a bit in spots, but every time she picks up one of Frederick's old letters to read there, the pace immediately quickens. I was more disappointed that the Charles Musgrove-and-Claire Harwick storyline doesn't get complete closure; the reader gets the sense that they'll probably end up together, but the Elliot family outrage has not dimmed, nor are the two wed yet. It's a nice parallel to Anne and Frederick's prior experience, and it seems odd that it's not resolved.
Overall, though, it's an excellent story that I happily recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Constable writes beautifully and does a wonderful job conveying Frederick's conflicted emotions in his first letters, which gradually soften with time and the events of his early naval career. The reader learns exactly how he progresses from captain of the HMS Asp, a mere sloop, to command the HMS Laconia. He describes many of the officers that he serves with - both good and bad - as well as various naval battles and strategies he used to defeat the enemy.
Frederick's letters are more interesting than Anne's day-to-day life in the first chapters of this book. When the Royal Navy sends him on a new assignment, he must leave her behind; she's pregnant with their second child. The Elliot relations, both near and far, continue to display their inflated sense of importance and lack of consideration for Anne. The Wentworths' home is not far from Kellynch, so Admiral Croft and his wife are close, but so is the Musgrove estate. Claire Harwick (daughter of Frederick's friend Captain Harwick) comes to stay with Anne in Frederick's absence to help manage the household. Things gets more interesting with a romance brewing once young Charles Musgrove (the now grown son of Mary and Charles Musgrove) meets Claire. Anne, knowing full well how the rest of the Elliot family will react, does not alert them to the possible match.
Time marches on as the book continues. In the final chapters, set more than a year after the first, Anne goes on a voyage herself. Her adventure at sea rivals those related in her husband's letters.
I read several books in C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series when I was a girl. It didn't surprise me to read in Ms. Constable's acknowledgements that she was inspired by those books as much as Jane Austen's Persuasion. Ms. Constable certainly flexes her writing chops in the naval sequences, which feel very realistic.
There's a lot going on in this novel. Generally, I think it's juggled well. I do think Anne's situation in the early chapters drags a bit in spots, but every time she picks up one of Frederick's old letters to read there, the pace immediately quickens. I was more disappointed that the Charles Musgrove-and-Claire Harwick storyline doesn't get complete closure; the reader gets the sense that they'll probably end up together, but the Elliot family outrage has not dimmed, nor are the two wed yet. It's a nice parallel to Anne and Frederick's prior experience, and it seems odd that it's not resolved.
Overall, though, it's an excellent story that I happily recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
Very good debut
4.5* rounded up
Now married, and while searching the attic for wooden play swords for her young son Freddie, Anne Wentworth comes across old letters addressed to her and written by her husband during the years following their broken engagement. A Persuasion sequel, this first-person account by Anne, along with the discovered letters, cover part of their past, Captain Wentworth’s years at sea, and their present time living happily ever after.
Anne begins to read of the anguish and loneliness Frederick endured after their break up. He also relates the many events and battles, and natural forces he experienced at sea. He also tells her of the fine officers and men who served along side him. Expecting their second child, Anne is nearing her confinement. When she finishes reading the letters, Frederick gives her a second batch of letters to read while he will be away—he has once again been called to duty.
I loved the epistolary portions of this book. The letters were well done, and the reader can truly appreciate the emotions the poor captain went through from not just the main content of the letters, but also the ways he signed them. As she reads, Anne also reflects upon her emotions and “what-ifs” during their time of separation. There’s a very interesting revelation made about Lady Russell that will surprise. I never saw that coming. The pages covering their present life were also very good, as they welcome a new baby, and then as a family, eventually make their way to Barbados for yet another naval assignment.
I know Anne was a forgiving person, so I can understand to some degree why there’s no retribution given to the nasty people of the story. However, I was hoping room would be given for Anne to grow a bit more backbone than in canon towards those who did her wrong in the past, and who still had the potential to negatively influence and effect the next generation of young ones seeking an attachment. I hoped for at least some comeuppance, especially for a certain Lady! I also wanted to know how the young Musgrove and Harville couple fared. So because of these two reasons, the story felt a tad unfinished for me.
This book really was a delight to read though. I noted no errors, and the grammar and punctuation was on the mark—a big plus for me. The loyal and ever-so-constant love of these two characters through all those years definitely shines through. I loved the portrayals for them both, as we are shown more banter between them and the teasing side of their personalities. Frederick’s naval intelligence and strategy on the seas in various situations was expressed by him very well, while not compromising his modesty. I also enjoyed the brief mentions of Captain Austen—a little Austen family inspiration here. Jane had two brothers in the navy. This Austen captain appears to be inspired by Francis William Austen. A reference in this book mentions his capture of the French ship, Canopus, which the real Austen did indeed do.
If you loved Persuasion, I believe you’ll love this excellent sequel too. I definitely recommend this debut novel, and look forward to more from Ms. Constable. Very nicely done!
Content is clean, with just kisses and embraces between a married couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5* rounded up
Now married, and while searching the attic for wooden play swords for her young son Freddie, Anne Wentworth comes across old letters addressed to her and written by her husband during the years following their broken engagement. A Persuasion sequel, this first-person account by Anne, along with the discovered letters, cover part of their past, Captain Wentworth’s years at sea, and their present time living happily ever after.
Anne begins to read of the anguish and loneliness Frederick endured after their break up. He also relates the many events and battles, and natural forces he experienced at sea. He also tells her of the fine officers and men who served along side him. Expecting their second child, Anne is nearing her confinement. When she finishes reading the letters, Frederick gives her a second batch of letters to read while he will be away—he has once again been called to duty.
I loved the epistolary portions of this book. The letters were well done, and the reader can truly appreciate the emotions the poor captain went through from not just the main content of the letters, but also the ways he signed them. As she reads, Anne also reflects upon her emotions and “what-ifs” during their time of separation. There’s a very interesting revelation made about Lady Russell that will surprise. I never saw that coming. The pages covering their present life were also very good, as they welcome a new baby, and then as a family, eventually make their way to Barbados for yet another naval assignment.
I know Anne was a forgiving person, so I can understand to some degree why there’s no retribution given to the nasty people of the story. However, I was hoping room would be given for Anne to grow a bit more backbone than in canon towards those who did her wrong in the past, and who still had the potential to negatively influence and effect the next generation of young ones seeking an attachment. I hoped for at least some comeuppance, especially for a certain Lady! I also wanted to know how the young Musgrove and Harville couple fared. So because of these two reasons, the story felt a tad unfinished for me.
This book really was a delight to read though. I noted no errors, and the grammar and punctuation was on the mark—a big plus for me. The loyal and ever-so-constant love of these two characters through all those years definitely shines through. I loved the portrayals for them both, as we are shown more banter between them and the teasing side of their personalities. Frederick’s naval intelligence and strategy on the seas in various situations was expressed by him very well, while not compromising his modesty. I also enjoyed the brief mentions of Captain Austen—a little Austen family inspiration here. Jane had two brothers in the navy. This Austen captain appears to be inspired by Francis William Austen. A reference in this book mentions his capture of the French ship, Canopus, which the real Austen did indeed do.
If you loved Persuasion, I believe you’ll love this excellent sequel too. I definitely recommend this debut novel, and look forward to more from Ms. Constable. Very nicely done!
Content is clean, with just kisses and embraces between a married couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2022
Was anyone else ever curious about those eight years spent apart for Jane Austen’s second chance romance pair in Persuasion? Or maybe what happened next for them and the other characters? How about their time before the big break up? A new to me author, Lyndsay Constable answers all those questions with her heartwarming, reflective tale told in a blend of narrative and epistolary format.
Anne and Frederick have been married for several years now, still tenderly and deeply in love with a young precocious son living in a quiet Somerset manor house not far from his sister and hers. Life is idyllic and then while organizing in the attic, Anne comes across a packet of letters in Frederick’s old sea chest and they are addressed to her. Her curiosity is great especially knowing these were written after they parted and Frederick gives her permission to read his deepest thoughts when he takes up his first captaincy aboard his first naval command, the Asp.
I am a huge fan of Age of Sail adventures and I was pleased as punch when Frederick’s letters reflect his feelings about Anne breaking their engagement, his observations of daily life at sea, but also the excitement of naval battles and skirmishes with the French, privateers, and pirates. Anne’s memories blossom to the forefront with each letter read so the reader is getting both their perspectives of that time, but mostly his. In between are present day events that follow up with Anne, Frederick and other familiar characters.
Frederick’s letters fill in the whole eight years they were apart and had an authentic feel showing the author did meticulous study to get shipboard life and historical events as well as capturing the Austenesque tone well. Not so detailed that the reader gets lost in detail, but enough to sense that a naval captain was writing the letters. I was pleasantly thrilled, though why I was surprised at this since I knew they became friends in the Navy, to get Frederick’s meeting with Benwick and then Harville. But oh the extra fun of two other Austen-related naval figures crossing over from her real life and another of her stories.
I loved that this is a love story about a married couple that comes after the happily ever after so it was a blend of historical fiction and historical romance. I will caution that this might be read standalone just fine, but I got a much richer reading experience being familiar with the original Persuasion story. Definitely a recommend!
I rec’d a print copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Nov 23rd.
Anne and Frederick have been married for several years now, still tenderly and deeply in love with a young precocious son living in a quiet Somerset manor house not far from his sister and hers. Life is idyllic and then while organizing in the attic, Anne comes across a packet of letters in Frederick’s old sea chest and they are addressed to her. Her curiosity is great especially knowing these were written after they parted and Frederick gives her permission to read his deepest thoughts when he takes up his first captaincy aboard his first naval command, the Asp.
I am a huge fan of Age of Sail adventures and I was pleased as punch when Frederick’s letters reflect his feelings about Anne breaking their engagement, his observations of daily life at sea, but also the excitement of naval battles and skirmishes with the French, privateers, and pirates. Anne’s memories blossom to the forefront with each letter read so the reader is getting both their perspectives of that time, but mostly his. In between are present day events that follow up with Anne, Frederick and other familiar characters.
Frederick’s letters fill in the whole eight years they were apart and had an authentic feel showing the author did meticulous study to get shipboard life and historical events as well as capturing the Austenesque tone well. Not so detailed that the reader gets lost in detail, but enough to sense that a naval captain was writing the letters. I was pleasantly thrilled, though why I was surprised at this since I knew they became friends in the Navy, to get Frederick’s meeting with Benwick and then Harville. But oh the extra fun of two other Austen-related naval figures crossing over from her real life and another of her stories.
I loved that this is a love story about a married couple that comes after the happily ever after so it was a blend of historical fiction and historical romance. I will caution that this might be read standalone just fine, but I got a much richer reading experience being familiar with the original Persuasion story. Definitely a recommend!
I rec’d a print copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Nov 23rd.
January 22, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
This was a lovely story. Persuasion is my second favorite of JA's stories so I had borrowed this from KU but not yet read it when a review on Austenesque Reviews prompted me to move this into the position to be next read.
The story does have many "old" letters and as I loved the letter written by Captain Wentworth in canon it was no trial to read the many in this story.
Married and with one son, Anne finds a bunch of letters hidden away in a trunk as she searches for some toy swords for her son to play with. She finds that Frederick had written letters and not sent them over the year after their engagement was broken.
Wentworth not only writes of his continuing love for her but also describes events from his naval career. As the story progresses he gives her one, then another and finally a last bunch of letter, never telling her about those hidden missives. At one point he discontinues to sign the letters with his loving regard for her as he continues to try to forget her and, maybe, find someone else he can love and marry.
As the tale continues we also are treated to what is happening in their lives rather than just the history from his letters. At one point they are sent to live in the West Indies. As Frederick has tracked down a square piano for her, she goes off to accompany it to their present home and here we have some angst as a storm, a broken anchor and an enemy ship hold the ship she is upon cornered.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
This was a lovely story. Persuasion is my second favorite of JA's stories so I had borrowed this from KU but not yet read it when a review on Austenesque Reviews prompted me to move this into the position to be next read.
The story does have many "old" letters and as I loved the letter written by Captain Wentworth in canon it was no trial to read the many in this story.
Married and with one son, Anne finds a bunch of letters hidden away in a trunk as she searches for some toy swords for her son to play with. She finds that Frederick had written letters and not sent them over the year after their engagement was broken.
Wentworth not only writes of his continuing love for her but also describes events from his naval career. As the story progresses he gives her one, then another and finally a last bunch of letter, never telling her about those hidden missives. At one point he discontinues to sign the letters with his loving regard for her as he continues to try to forget her and, maybe, find someone else he can love and marry.
As the tale continues we also are treated to what is happening in their lives rather than just the history from his letters. At one point they are sent to live in the West Indies. As Frederick has tracked down a square piano for her, she goes off to accompany it to their present home and here we have some angst as a storm, a broken anchor and an enemy ship hold the ship she is upon cornered.
I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
September 12, 2022
Constancy is the complement of all other human virtues. ~ Giuseppe Mazzini
What is it about Jane Austen’s heroes that makes them so very much more articulate on paper than in speech?
It is not just Fitzwilliam Darcy but also my other favorite Austen hero, Captain Frederick Wentworth who excels in the written word.
Another characteristic those men share: constancy.
Darcy remains in love from Hertfordshire to Hunsford to Pemberley and back to Hertfordshire.
Wentworth lasts even longer — through eight long years at sea separated from his love by half a world. In canon “Persuasion,” he proves his ability to persuade on paper: “You pierce my soul.”
Years after Anne Elliot finally married her Captain, she discovers letters written during the eight long years.
Quote from the book: When I returned to the trunk, my eye was arrested by the sight of a plank ajar inside.
A false bottom? I reached down and lifted gently. It wobbled up easily, not very securely in place. Another fine Frederick Wentworth woodworking masterpiece, I thought, smiling. A packet of folded letters, many times secured with red ribbon, lay under the plank. Curious, I pulled it out and untied it to find them all addressed to me, in Frederick’s familiar hand.
The letters are addressed to Anne — but should she read them?
Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind. ~ Cicero
Quote from the book: If I proceeded without my husband’s permission, I ran the risk of steering my happy marriage into uncertain waters.
Anne receives permission and opens the letters, one by one.
The early letters are angry, despairing, and maybe even suicidal. Later letters detail life aboard the ship, becoming a journal of Wentworth’s naval career, including battles at sea and phenomena of nature.
First Lieutenant Conner came into my cabin, asking permission to speak. He related that ‘something’ was off the port bow that required my attention. I gave a good show of grumbling about the interruption and followed him slowly.
There, in the distance, far away but not far enough for my ease, were two towers snaking towards us. I wish you had been there, Anne, to see it. My words can hardly do it justice. It makes my heart flutter at the remembrance of such a display. The rotating towers stretched up, from the water to the sky far above …
My heart raced and seemed to move up to my mouth as I gazed calmly at the twin goliaths.
‘Ah,’ I said, ‘ ’tis nothing more than a few waterspouts. Wind and rain in a tower, running together before that bank of clouds.’ As I nonchalantly informed those around me of the nature of the beasts, before our eyes another spout reached up from the sea and reached down from the sky to meet in the middle. An audible gasp emerged.
The letters are also a testament to Wentworth’s constancy:
I wish I could see how you are faring, Anne. Has another won your heart already? Are you well? Are you happy?
Sometimes, as I walk the decks, during a spectacular sunset or as our ship slices among a racing pod of dolphins, I cannot help but ask myself, ‘What would Anne say, if she were here by my side?’
Should anyone ever wish to discover what vice that Captain Frederick Wentworth hides from the world, it would be that I cannot defeat the desire to put pen to paper and pour my soul out to you.
I wish your gentle hand were here to rest on my arm and ease my anxiety on this point. But, barring that, I do seem to derive some measure of comfort from writing to you. For that small solace, I am grateful, dearest Anne.
Those Marriages generally abound most with Love and Constancy, that are preceded by a long Courtship. ~ Joseph Addison
What a rousing story from a newly published author! Fidelity, Passion, Adventure! Everything I could want in a book. If you look for a little swoon in your reading, this is a sure-fire hit.
Also, a shout-out to the cover designer. Loved it!
Prosperity asks for fidelity; adversity exacts it. ~ Seneca the Younger
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What is it about Jane Austen’s heroes that makes them so very much more articulate on paper than in speech?
It is not just Fitzwilliam Darcy but also my other favorite Austen hero, Captain Frederick Wentworth who excels in the written word.
Another characteristic those men share: constancy.
Darcy remains in love from Hertfordshire to Hunsford to Pemberley and back to Hertfordshire.
Wentworth lasts even longer — through eight long years at sea separated from his love by half a world. In canon “Persuasion,” he proves his ability to persuade on paper: “You pierce my soul.”
Years after Anne Elliot finally married her Captain, she discovers letters written during the eight long years.
Quote from the book: When I returned to the trunk, my eye was arrested by the sight of a plank ajar inside.
A false bottom? I reached down and lifted gently. It wobbled up easily, not very securely in place. Another fine Frederick Wentworth woodworking masterpiece, I thought, smiling. A packet of folded letters, many times secured with red ribbon, lay under the plank. Curious, I pulled it out and untied it to find them all addressed to me, in Frederick’s familiar hand.
The letters are addressed to Anne — but should she read them?
Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind. ~ Cicero
Quote from the book: If I proceeded without my husband’s permission, I ran the risk of steering my happy marriage into uncertain waters.
Anne receives permission and opens the letters, one by one.
The early letters are angry, despairing, and maybe even suicidal. Later letters detail life aboard the ship, becoming a journal of Wentworth’s naval career, including battles at sea and phenomena of nature.
First Lieutenant Conner came into my cabin, asking permission to speak. He related that ‘something’ was off the port bow that required my attention. I gave a good show of grumbling about the interruption and followed him slowly.
There, in the distance, far away but not far enough for my ease, were two towers snaking towards us. I wish you had been there, Anne, to see it. My words can hardly do it justice. It makes my heart flutter at the remembrance of such a display. The rotating towers stretched up, from the water to the sky far above …
My heart raced and seemed to move up to my mouth as I gazed calmly at the twin goliaths.
‘Ah,’ I said, ‘ ’tis nothing more than a few waterspouts. Wind and rain in a tower, running together before that bank of clouds.’ As I nonchalantly informed those around me of the nature of the beasts, before our eyes another spout reached up from the sea and reached down from the sky to meet in the middle. An audible gasp emerged.
The letters are also a testament to Wentworth’s constancy:
I wish I could see how you are faring, Anne. Has another won your heart already? Are you well? Are you happy?
Sometimes, as I walk the decks, during a spectacular sunset or as our ship slices among a racing pod of dolphins, I cannot help but ask myself, ‘What would Anne say, if she were here by my side?’
Should anyone ever wish to discover what vice that Captain Frederick Wentworth hides from the world, it would be that I cannot defeat the desire to put pen to paper and pour my soul out to you.
I wish your gentle hand were here to rest on my arm and ease my anxiety on this point. But, barring that, I do seem to derive some measure of comfort from writing to you. For that small solace, I am grateful, dearest Anne.
Those Marriages generally abound most with Love and Constancy, that are preceded by a long Courtship. ~ Joseph Addison
What a rousing story from a newly published author! Fidelity, Passion, Adventure! Everything I could want in a book. If you look for a little swoon in your reading, this is a sure-fire hit.
Also, a shout-out to the cover designer. Loved it!
Prosperity asks for fidelity; adversity exacts it. ~ Seneca the Younger
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
"It's solely your choice to make, they are yours..." (quote from the book)
A recalcitrant button and a false bottom in Frederick's navy trunk reveals a stack of old letters addressed to Anne as she searches for little Freddy's play swords. So begins a beautifully written sequel told in the first person by Anne several years after they have been happily married.
"I write to the memories of you, to the memories of us, to the possibilities of what may have been." (quote from the book)
For me it was a gentle journey full of love, poignancy and intimate letters. These letters reveal Captain Wentworth's heartache, loneliness and constancy towards Anne. For he cannot forget her. It also provides Anne with a visual of his life on board the HMS Asp and some of the more interesting highlights of his career...it all came to life before her eyes. We also get Anne's thoughts during and after each letter. Anne treasures each and every letter, as did I. I loved how she made herself read only one a day.
"I realised that even though my family and friend had claim to the nobler lineage, we did not have claim to a nobler spirit than was to be found in the breast of Frederick Wentworth." (quote from the book)
In between reading these letters, life continues on. New and interesting developments in the lives of her family and her own but certain attitudes still persist. There are more surprises for Anne and the reader as the novel continues...some even shocking!
And as I write this review, I feel as if this won't be the last we see of our favourite adventuresome couple and their family. There is such potential for a continuation as I need to know what happened back in England after they were assigned to the West Indies!
I highly recommend this wonderful sequel to lovers of Jane Austen and 'Persuasion'. Brava Ms. Constable on launching your debut novel! I adored it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A recalcitrant button and a false bottom in Frederick's navy trunk reveals a stack of old letters addressed to Anne as she searches for little Freddy's play swords. So begins a beautifully written sequel told in the first person by Anne several years after they have been happily married.
"I write to the memories of you, to the memories of us, to the possibilities of what may have been." (quote from the book)
For me it was a gentle journey full of love, poignancy and intimate letters. These letters reveal Captain Wentworth's heartache, loneliness and constancy towards Anne. For he cannot forget her. It also provides Anne with a visual of his life on board the HMS Asp and some of the more interesting highlights of his career...it all came to life before her eyes. We also get Anne's thoughts during and after each letter. Anne treasures each and every letter, as did I. I loved how she made herself read only one a day.
"I realised that even though my family and friend had claim to the nobler lineage, we did not have claim to a nobler spirit than was to be found in the breast of Frederick Wentworth." (quote from the book)
In between reading these letters, life continues on. New and interesting developments in the lives of her family and her own but certain attitudes still persist. There are more surprises for Anne and the reader as the novel continues...some even shocking!
And as I write this review, I feel as if this won't be the last we see of our favourite adventuresome couple and their family. There is such potential for a continuation as I need to know what happened back in England after they were assigned to the West Indies!
I highly recommend this wonderful sequel to lovers of Jane Austen and 'Persuasion'. Brava Ms. Constable on launching your debut novel! I adored it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2023
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Anne Elliott had been persuaded by Lady Russell, to give up her engagement to Frederick Wentworth for reasons that seemed logical at the time.
For eight years she kept him in her heart. Frederick kept her in his heart, as a lost and anguished memory.
Eventually they met again and after several obstacles, married.
Now, years into her very happy marriage she finds a bundle of letters addressed to her, in Frederick’s sea-trunk.
The letters contain an outpouring of grief, yearning, loneliness and heartbreak. Written, but never sent during their eight-year separation.
The result is a gentle story of love, angst and steadfast devotion.
I heartily recommend that you read this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
Anne Elliott had been persuaded by Lady Russell, to give up her engagement to Frederick Wentworth for reasons that seemed logical at the time.
For eight years she kept him in her heart. Frederick kept her in his heart, as a lost and anguished memory.
Eventually they met again and after several obstacles, married.
Now, years into her very happy marriage she finds a bundle of letters addressed to her, in Frederick’s sea-trunk.
The letters contain an outpouring of grief, yearning, loneliness and heartbreak. Written, but never sent during their eight-year separation.
The result is a gentle story of love, angst and steadfast devotion.
I heartily recommend that you read this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
July 12, 2022
Beautifully written, my heart broke and I kind of yearned for a Wentworth of my own.
Anne gets a glimpse into Wentworth's heart during their years of separation through letters he wrote to her while at sea.
Doing some basic house clearing, Anne happens across unsent letters her husband wrote to her during his years at sea, before they married.
He will not discuss them with her, but doesn't deny her reading them either. They are rich with his sea life experiences, regrets for their broken engagement and despair for love lost.
Anne is prompted by them to reminisce over her own loss and lack of family support during those years and the years since the wedding.
Still not willing to discuss his writing, Wentworth does provide her with more hidden letters while she is on bed rest in anticipation of their 2nd child.
In what feels to be part 2 of the book, following the birth of their daughter, the Wentworth family get new orders and travel to their next port.
During a seemingly simple errand, Anne ends up quarantined on the ship (other drama happens as well), but Anne receives from Wentworth the final few letters he wrote in the last years before the reconciliation.
Not really a drama driven story, it reads almost like a journal, of both flashback and current events. No real angst, but some serious tender moments, a few battles at sea and one major chin dropping omg moment (Oh no she di'n't!!)
This swoon-worthy Wentworth gives Darcy a run for his money.
The author did a fantastic job of describing sea-life on a ship in regency era. I found myself enjoying reading the language of the story, as much as enjoying the story itself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anne gets a glimpse into Wentworth's heart during their years of separation through letters he wrote to her while at sea.
Doing some basic house clearing, Anne happens across unsent letters her husband wrote to her during his years at sea, before they married.
He will not discuss them with her, but doesn't deny her reading them either. They are rich with his sea life experiences, regrets for their broken engagement and despair for love lost.
Anne is prompted by them to reminisce over her own loss and lack of family support during those years and the years since the wedding.
Still not willing to discuss his writing, Wentworth does provide her with more hidden letters while she is on bed rest in anticipation of their 2nd child.
In what feels to be part 2 of the book, following the birth of their daughter, the Wentworth family get new orders and travel to their next port.
During a seemingly simple errand, Anne ends up quarantined on the ship (other drama happens as well), but Anne receives from Wentworth the final few letters he wrote in the last years before the reconciliation.
Not really a drama driven story, it reads almost like a journal, of both flashback and current events. No real angst, but some serious tender moments, a few battles at sea and one major chin dropping omg moment (Oh no she di'n't!!)
This swoon-worthy Wentworth gives Darcy a run for his money.
The author did a fantastic job of describing sea-life on a ship in regency era. I found myself enjoying reading the language of the story, as much as enjoying the story itself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2022
A new favorite. A keeper. It’s on the best of the year list tor me
I’m not sure if I can call this an epistolary novel as the letters are all from one writer. But the story is all in those letters. Oh, there is enough wonderful prose in between the letters assuring us of Anne and Frederick Wentworth’s enduring and endearing romance and love in their happy marriage and sweet little family.
The letters are so full of intelligence, honor yet heartbreaking longing as Captain Wentworth pours out his soul in his writing that is never meant to see the light outside the depths of his sea trunk.
Persuasion is my second favorite Austen novel below P&P and sometimes I find it too melancholy to reread. In the original we see all of Anne’s struggles with family and then the ignominy of watching Wentworth lavish his attention on the younger girls in the neighborhood, Anne’s relatives no less. It’s too painful to contemplate just why he acted so cruelly. This novel redeems him in a way that enhances the
triumphant and romantic ending of the original.
Highly recommended.
I’m not sure if I can call this an epistolary novel as the letters are all from one writer. But the story is all in those letters. Oh, there is enough wonderful prose in between the letters assuring us of Anne and Frederick Wentworth’s enduring and endearing romance and love in their happy marriage and sweet little family.
The letters are so full of intelligence, honor yet heartbreaking longing as Captain Wentworth pours out his soul in his writing that is never meant to see the light outside the depths of his sea trunk.
Persuasion is my second favorite Austen novel below P&P and sometimes I find it too melancholy to reread. In the original we see all of Anne’s struggles with family and then the ignominy of watching Wentworth lavish his attention on the younger girls in the neighborhood, Anne’s relatives no less. It’s too painful to contemplate just why he acted so cruelly. This novel redeems him in a way that enhances the
triumphant and romantic ending of the original.
Highly recommended.
August 31, 2022
This book was a delight to read. Persuasion sequels are few and far between, and this one really hit the mark with a combination of old letters that Frederick wrote to Anne but never sent, a glimpse at the happily ever after this couple so deserved, and an adventure at sea for Anne. Captain Wentworth is as swoony and steadfast as ever. I loved reading his own account of key events that happened while he was at sea, as well as his struggle to forget Anne and mend his broken heart. I think the author did an excellent job portraying both Anne and Frederick in a style true to Austen’s own. I highly recommend this book. I mean, who doesn’t want more Captain Wentworth letters?!
I received a free eARC of this book via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free eARC of this book via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2022
The work follows a period in Anne and Frederic's lives as she reads letters he wrote to her during the time he was at sea between his first and second marriage proposals.
The letters, although addressed to Anne, were not initially intended to be sent to her and continue with reports of her daily life on the boat with adventures, problems, difficulties, battles, surprises, discoveries, friendships, moments of tension and joy, which give an insight into the possible dangers and situations encountered in the seas at that time.
More importantly, he shares with her his feelings, frustration at the end of the relationship, anxieties, desires, victories, reflections and discoveries.
The reader follows the evolution not only of his career, but of Frederick's thoughts and feelings as he uses those pages to maintain some emotional bond with Anne. From this reading, not only he but Anne herself are revealed in their essences and there are still narrated moments of the couple's past, when the first marriage proposal took place.
I could be wrong but there is at least one brother of the main character in another work by Jane Austen.
For me who love Persuasion, it was a gift!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The letters, although addressed to Anne, were not initially intended to be sent to her and continue with reports of her daily life on the boat with adventures, problems, difficulties, battles, surprises, discoveries, friendships, moments of tension and joy, which give an insight into the possible dangers and situations encountered in the seas at that time.
More importantly, he shares with her his feelings, frustration at the end of the relationship, anxieties, desires, victories, reflections and discoveries.
The reader follows the evolution not only of his career, but of Frederick's thoughts and feelings as he uses those pages to maintain some emotional bond with Anne. From this reading, not only he but Anne herself are revealed in their essences and there are still narrated moments of the couple's past, when the first marriage proposal took place.
I could be wrong but there is at least one brother of the main character in another work by Jane Austen.
For me who love Persuasion, it was a gift!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Never Inconstant is a Persuasion epistolary sequel in which scenes portraying current events in the Wentworth’s life a few years after their marriage are intertwined with letters Captain Wentworth wrote to Anne Elliot during the 8 years they were separated.
I loved the fact that as Anne Wentworth reads these letters, which were never meant to be read, she gets to know her husband a little better and to truly understand that his love for her was never inconstant. There are a few interesting details that Captain Wentworth’s retells in his letters that make the reader warm up to him, and dislike Lady Russel a bit more. In fact, a few details concerning Lady Russel spiced up this book and gave it a very curious twist I really appreciated.
I also enjoyed the fact that this was an epistolary book in which the reader is privy to Captain Wentworth’s most intimate thoughts and feelings throughout the years. I thought it was a beautiful way to tell a love story and to reveal to the reader the depth of Captain Wentworth’s soul. We know nothing about the years in which he was separated from Anne, so having a chance to picture his daily life and to witness how life treated him and how he reacted to it was fascinating. I felt this book really revealed Captain Wentworth’s personality to us.
The way the book is written is very interesting and captivating, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that while Anne is reading the old letters, the reader is following her life events. The book becomes increasingly exciting as the main story goes from a quiet living in England to an incredible adventure at sea. We get to see it all with this book, namely what it is like to be the wife of a navy captain, and I absolutely loved to know more about their life away from England.
Summing up, Never Inconstant is a must-read book to every Persuasion fan. It adds up a few more pieces to a story Jane Austen started telling us 200 years ago, and if you loved Wentworth’s letter, then you shouldn’t miss a book full of them.
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Never Inconstant is a Persuasion epistolary sequel in which scenes portraying current events in the Wentworth’s life a few years after their marriage are intertwined with letters Captain Wentworth wrote to Anne Elliot during the 8 years they were separated.
I loved the fact that as Anne Wentworth reads these letters, which were never meant to be read, she gets to know her husband a little better and to truly understand that his love for her was never inconstant. There are a few interesting details that Captain Wentworth’s retells in his letters that make the reader warm up to him, and dislike Lady Russel a bit more. In fact, a few details concerning Lady Russel spiced up this book and gave it a very curious twist I really appreciated.
I also enjoyed the fact that this was an epistolary book in which the reader is privy to Captain Wentworth’s most intimate thoughts and feelings throughout the years. I thought it was a beautiful way to tell a love story and to reveal to the reader the depth of Captain Wentworth’s soul. We know nothing about the years in which he was separated from Anne, so having a chance to picture his daily life and to witness how life treated him and how he reacted to it was fascinating. I felt this book really revealed Captain Wentworth’s personality to us.
The way the book is written is very interesting and captivating, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that while Anne is reading the old letters, the reader is following her life events. The book becomes increasingly exciting as the main story goes from a quiet living in England to an incredible adventure at sea. We get to see it all with this book, namely what it is like to be the wife of a navy captain, and I absolutely loved to know more about their life away from England.
Summing up, Never Inconstant is a must-read book to every Persuasion fan. It adds up a few more pieces to a story Jane Austen started telling us 200 years ago, and if you loved Wentworth’s letter, then you shouldn’t miss a book full of them.
September 20, 2022
Wentworth wrote several letters to Anne during their long separation, not expecting Anne to ever receive them. After some years of marriage, she does, however, find them, and reading the letters she gains a new understanding of what Frederick's life was like after she broke their engagement. Frederick is a witty and romantic letter writer and his life in the navy was quite interesting. The rest of the story consists mainly of Anne's reactions to the letters (she feels sorry for his loneliness and goes through several rounds of lamenting Frederick might have been lost to her forever). She is pregnant and waits for Frederick to return home from the sea and later she goes on a sea adventure of her own. From her other correspondence, we find out that Mary Musgrove and Lady Russell learned nothing.
This is a flawlessly edited relatively quick read with no explicit scenes. The best part of this story are the letters, in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a flawlessly edited relatively quick read with no explicit scenes. The best part of this story are the letters, in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2022
A story of love, loss, & second chances.
Never Inconstant, a variation
of Persuasion.
The story begins after the marriage
of Anne & Captain Wentworth.
They are living a very happy
life together.
While Anne was looking for something
in the attic, she came across sealed letter
addressed to her.
They were from the eight years
she & Frederick were apart.
It's a special romance told.
A Must Read!!
Never Inconstant, a variation
of Persuasion.
The story begins after the marriage
of Anne & Captain Wentworth.
They are living a very happy
life together.
While Anne was looking for something
in the attic, she came across sealed letter
addressed to her.
They were from the eight years
she & Frederick were apart.
It's a special romance told.
A Must Read!!
July 15, 2022
I really enjoyed it. I found it sweet and lovely. I loved reading the letters and getting into the mind of the characters. It was very entertaining. The author played with Jane's original character very well. I felt like this could be easily a part of her canon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2022
Anne Wentworth has become a supportive wife and wonderful mother. As she searches for toys for her son, she comes across a chest containing some of her husband’s belongings. When she finds letters written to her written by her husband, she learns more of her husband’s life while at sea.
It is with these letters we learn of Wentworth and his life at sea. This is a touching tale giving us insight to what happened in the past and how it affects the future of the Wentworths
This has to be one of my favorite persuasion variations. I got to see inside their world and the picture made me want to keep reading.
This is worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is with these letters we learn of Wentworth and his life at sea. This is a touching tale giving us insight to what happened in the past and how it affects the future of the Wentworths
This has to be one of my favorite persuasion variations. I got to see inside their world and the picture made me want to keep reading.
This is worth the read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2023
A Collection of Soul-Piercing Letters from Captain Wentworth
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Persuasion Sequel
THE PREMISE: Anne and Wentworth have been married around ten years when Anne discovers a false bottom in Frederick’s old navy trunk filled with a packet of letters addressed to her. What does reading them reveal about the past? What joy and challenges are the Wentworths facing in their married life together…
WHAT I LOVED:
- More Letters: Give me all the epistolary novels! I adore them! I love the intimacy and candidness of letter writing, and as a fan of Captain Wentworth’s letter professing his co-mingled agony and hope, I was eager to see more of him baring his soul when he put pens to paper. In addition, I loved how Anne had Wentworth’s permission to read these letters, and I loved witnessing her reactions to them as she read of Captain Wentworth’s emotions, confessions, and experiences.
- Frederick Baring His Soul: I’ve said it before, but I’m not Captain Wentworth’s biggest fan. He spends so much time being resentful and unjust that I just cannot warm to him completely in the pages of Persuasion. But this story is working to change that. Through Frederick’s eloquent letters filled with his personal professions and reflections readers witness Frederick’s grief about losing Anne, his attempts to condole with his disappointment, his understanding for her actions, and his placing the blame on others in her life instead of her. This shed such a sympathetic and compassionate light on our dear lovelorn captain that I completely lost any of my dissatisfaction I previously had with his character.
- Naval Adventures: I love learning about life at sea, and I am so glad Captain Wentworth’s letters contained so many tidbits and portrayals of what he was experiencing aboard the Asp and the Laconia on his naval missions. There was quite a lot of excitement with powerful storms, dangerous enemy encounters, unruly officers, and even pirates! I was riveted to it all. And I was especially happy to see some unexpected action at the end take place on page. Anne is a quick study…😏
- First Encounters and New Friends: In addition to seeing firsthand accounts of Captain Wentworth’s actions aboard the ships in his command, we witness his first encounters with his brother officers – Captain Harville and Captain Benwick. I loved hearing Captain Wentworth’s first impressions of these men – his respect in their integrity and capableness, his reliance on them, his interest in their personal well-beings. And a delightful bonus surprise were the other two naval men Captain Wentworth encountered that are familiar to us Austen devotees. Well done, Ms. Constable!
- Happily Married: I loved witnessing the Wentworths as a married couple – their happiness, their endearing playfulness with each other, their unconditional love and acceptance of each other. Their happiness is extremely hard-won, and I’m so glad we could see their steadfast love continue to thrive after all these years, even with the questionable support and association from most of Anne’s family. In addition, I appreciated seeing evidence of Anne’s continued growth in this last decade – how she doesn’t cater anymore to her family’s whims and how she views a persons’s prerogative to not yield to the decisions/recommendations of others.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That Captain Wentworth didn’t write more letters. 😆
CONCLUSION: An abundance of praise and applause for Lyndsay Constable and this remarkably reflective Persuasion sequel! Never Inconstant is a poignant and pensive tale that opens up Captain Wentworth’s heart and reveals his innermost agonies and hopes. This artful and eloquent Austenesque work is a must-read for any Austen admirer who professes to love Captain Wentworth’s famous letter. ✍🏼
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Persuasion Sequel
THE PREMISE: Anne and Wentworth have been married around ten years when Anne discovers a false bottom in Frederick’s old navy trunk filled with a packet of letters addressed to her. What does reading them reveal about the past? What joy and challenges are the Wentworths facing in their married life together…
WHAT I LOVED:
- More Letters: Give me all the epistolary novels! I adore them! I love the intimacy and candidness of letter writing, and as a fan of Captain Wentworth’s letter professing his co-mingled agony and hope, I was eager to see more of him baring his soul when he put pens to paper. In addition, I loved how Anne had Wentworth’s permission to read these letters, and I loved witnessing her reactions to them as she read of Captain Wentworth’s emotions, confessions, and experiences.
- Frederick Baring His Soul: I’ve said it before, but I’m not Captain Wentworth’s biggest fan. He spends so much time being resentful and unjust that I just cannot warm to him completely in the pages of Persuasion. But this story is working to change that. Through Frederick’s eloquent letters filled with his personal professions and reflections readers witness Frederick’s grief about losing Anne, his attempts to condole with his disappointment, his understanding for her actions, and his placing the blame on others in her life instead of her. This shed such a sympathetic and compassionate light on our dear lovelorn captain that I completely lost any of my dissatisfaction I previously had with his character.
- Naval Adventures: I love learning about life at sea, and I am so glad Captain Wentworth’s letters contained so many tidbits and portrayals of what he was experiencing aboard the Asp and the Laconia on his naval missions. There was quite a lot of excitement with powerful storms, dangerous enemy encounters, unruly officers, and even pirates! I was riveted to it all. And I was especially happy to see some unexpected action at the end take place on page. Anne is a quick study…😏
- First Encounters and New Friends: In addition to seeing firsthand accounts of Captain Wentworth’s actions aboard the ships in his command, we witness his first encounters with his brother officers – Captain Harville and Captain Benwick. I loved hearing Captain Wentworth’s first impressions of these men – his respect in their integrity and capableness, his reliance on them, his interest in their personal well-beings. And a delightful bonus surprise were the other two naval men Captain Wentworth encountered that are familiar to us Austen devotees. Well done, Ms. Constable!
- Happily Married: I loved witnessing the Wentworths as a married couple – their happiness, their endearing playfulness with each other, their unconditional love and acceptance of each other. Their happiness is extremely hard-won, and I’m so glad we could see their steadfast love continue to thrive after all these years, even with the questionable support and association from most of Anne’s family. In addition, I appreciated seeing evidence of Anne’s continued growth in this last decade – how she doesn’t cater anymore to her family’s whims and how she views a persons’s prerogative to not yield to the decisions/recommendations of others.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
That Captain Wentworth didn’t write more letters. 😆
CONCLUSION: An abundance of praise and applause for Lyndsay Constable and this remarkably reflective Persuasion sequel! Never Inconstant is a poignant and pensive tale that opens up Captain Wentworth’s heart and reveals his innermost agonies and hopes. This artful and eloquent Austenesque work is a must-read for any Austen admirer who professes to love Captain Wentworth’s famous letter. ✍🏼
Austenesque Reviews
June 29, 2025
This sequel to Persuasion fills in the blanks of what was going on with Captain Frederick Wentworth during those 8 years of separation. Anne and Frederick have been married 10 years when Anne finds the letters Frederick wrote to her during their time apart. The letters detail his love for Anne as well as his time in the navy. His adventures and dangerous missions were written in exciting detail. Frederick is definitely a man's man and such a wonderful romantic hero. Highly recommend!
October 5, 2022
WOW! This book is SO GOOD! Every time I picked up "Never Inconstant", I was whisked back in time, and went on such an emotional journey with this sequel to Jane Austen's "Persuasion".
Lyndsay Constable is such an incredible author! Her passion for the story she is telling is so clear, and her love and respect for Jane Austen's original novel is apparent. She seamlessly weaves events from "Persuasion" with some new, and this book is impossible to put down. "Persuasion" is one of my absolute favorite books, and I loved getting to continue on Anne Elliot's and Captain Wentworth's story.
I do not want to say too much about the plot of this book due to spoilers, so, I will simply say it is a must-read! The book begins a few years into Anne and Wentworth's marriage, as Anne stumbles upon letters Wentworth wrote to her while at sea. However, the letters were not sent, and as the book progresses, the reader sees events from the original novel through different eyes, as well as learning about much of Wentworth's experiences at sea. Back in the present, new characters are introduced, as well as older, and everything is seamlessly weaved together in as story full of love, heartfelt moments, heartbreak, hope, and so much more.
If you enjoy sequels to Jane Austen's novels, I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Lyndsay Constable writes next.
Thank you so much to Quills & Quartos Publishing for the review copy of this novel, it is amazing! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lyndsay Constable is such an incredible author! Her passion for the story she is telling is so clear, and her love and respect for Jane Austen's original novel is apparent. She seamlessly weaves events from "Persuasion" with some new, and this book is impossible to put down. "Persuasion" is one of my absolute favorite books, and I loved getting to continue on Anne Elliot's and Captain Wentworth's story.
I do not want to say too much about the plot of this book due to spoilers, so, I will simply say it is a must-read! The book begins a few years into Anne and Wentworth's marriage, as Anne stumbles upon letters Wentworth wrote to her while at sea. However, the letters were not sent, and as the book progresses, the reader sees events from the original novel through different eyes, as well as learning about much of Wentworth's experiences at sea. Back in the present, new characters are introduced, as well as older, and everything is seamlessly weaved together in as story full of love, heartfelt moments, heartbreak, hope, and so much more.
If you enjoy sequels to Jane Austen's novels, I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Lyndsay Constable writes next.
Thank you so much to Quills & Quartos Publishing for the review copy of this novel, it is amazing! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 27, 2022
Anne is happily married for some years when she finds by chance a bunch of letters that Captain Wentworth wrote to her trough the years at sea, after their first engagement was broken. Then we follow the narration of Wentworth's adventures and his efforts to mend his broken heart.
This sequel of Persuasion is well written, highly entertaining and pays hommage to the source material beautifully though not so faithfully.
Mrs Constable plot weaknesses are on the scenes that follows Anne and Wentworth married life, there are some minor mistakes regarding some characters and previous events that only a person who know Persuasion by heart, or read it too recently as myself, would notice. But her skill are on the writing of the letters, fleshing out Wentworth's life as a sea captain in a real sense.
She is a fan of Horatio Hornblower series and this explain the neatness of the descriptions of the Navy on the book. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend to all who are a fan of Persuasion or who simply like a good historical novel.
This sequel of Persuasion is well written, highly entertaining and pays hommage to the source material beautifully though not so faithfully.
Mrs Constable plot weaknesses are on the scenes that follows Anne and Wentworth married life, there are some minor mistakes regarding some characters and previous events that only a person who know Persuasion by heart, or read it too recently as myself, would notice. But her skill are on the writing of the letters, fleshing out Wentworth's life as a sea captain in a real sense.
She is a fan of Horatio Hornblower series and this explain the neatness of the descriptions of the Navy on the book. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend to all who are a fan of Persuasion or who simply like a good historical novel.
September 3, 2022
⚓️Never Inconstant ⚓️
A Sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion
✒️ Lyndsay Constable
Release Date 09/12/2022
Publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B44L7M1H/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.
MISS ANNE ELLIOT COULD NOT HAVE FORESEEN the happiness she would find as the wife of Captain Frederick Wentworth but neither could she have envisioned the life he led when they were separated for eight heartbreaking years. Now years into her married life, Anne Wentworth finds a cache of letters written, but never sent, to her by the then-heartbroken Navy captain.
AMID PERIL ON THE SEA, Captain Wentworth faced heart-wrenching loneliness throughout their years apart. Anne reads the letters to gain a deeper appreciation of the constant and ardent love her husband possessed and still possesses for her, and learns far more about the true character of her old, persuasive friend Lady Russell.
This sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion journeys into the years after Frederick Wentworth made his second and final proposal to his beloved Anne Elliott.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Hidden words of a lasting love …
Persuasion was not my favorite novel by Jane Austen as a teenager so I never reread it since I discovered the author’s as a fifteen something old girl.
But after the surprising Netflix adaptation, this book intrigued me.
The romance has found its known course for sometime when I read the first phrases, but what of the hidden years in between Wentworth’s two proposals.
I do love an epistolary novel, it is like reading a diary, the writer is often more forthright in its letters than during a conversation. And while it was in the form of letters addressed to Anne, like a diary, the picture of Anne in Wentworth’s mind in some ways becomes his confident during times of adversity.
Wentworth’s words lead us from one side of the world to another, sharing his loneliness, his hunger at time, his pain, the battles he fought and the wounds he sustained.
And while he does not always express it plainly, his love for Anne is behind every sentence he writes, she is his guardian Angel, soothing without knowing it his wounded soul.
He looks for her in his time of weakness, she has become his soul’s anchor, bringing solace to the lovely naval officer, why he can’t let her go, seeking dashes of her in any woman he meets.
Anne while stumbling onto a paquet of unsent letters, did not read them all in one sitting, like their author, she savors the weight of each written words, as they explain their time apart.
Plus Frederick once she has found his first unsent letters, grants her more bundles over the next months.
As their lives go by, she discovers more and more about the man she never stopped to love, his shrewdness in the face of adversity, his resilience and strength in front of ennemies and wounds. His words bring back memories of their times together, and in moments of struggles, they help her to face forward and to find hope in little things.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiDK1J...
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A Sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion
✒️ Lyndsay Constable
Release Date 09/12/2022
Publisher Quills & Quartos Publishing
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B44L7M1H/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.
MISS ANNE ELLIOT COULD NOT HAVE FORESEEN the happiness she would find as the wife of Captain Frederick Wentworth but neither could she have envisioned the life he led when they were separated for eight heartbreaking years. Now years into her married life, Anne Wentworth finds a cache of letters written, but never sent, to her by the then-heartbroken Navy captain.
AMID PERIL ON THE SEA, Captain Wentworth faced heart-wrenching loneliness throughout their years apart. Anne reads the letters to gain a deeper appreciation of the constant and ardent love her husband possessed and still possesses for her, and learns far more about the true character of her old, persuasive friend Lady Russell.
This sequel to Jane Austen's Persuasion journeys into the years after Frederick Wentworth made his second and final proposal to his beloved Anne Elliott.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Hidden words of a lasting love …
Persuasion was not my favorite novel by Jane Austen as a teenager so I never reread it since I discovered the author’s as a fifteen something old girl.
But after the surprising Netflix adaptation, this book intrigued me.
The romance has found its known course for sometime when I read the first phrases, but what of the hidden years in between Wentworth’s two proposals.
I do love an epistolary novel, it is like reading a diary, the writer is often more forthright in its letters than during a conversation. And while it was in the form of letters addressed to Anne, like a diary, the picture of Anne in Wentworth’s mind in some ways becomes his confident during times of adversity.
Wentworth’s words lead us from one side of the world to another, sharing his loneliness, his hunger at time, his pain, the battles he fought and the wounds he sustained.
And while he does not always express it plainly, his love for Anne is behind every sentence he writes, she is his guardian Angel, soothing without knowing it his wounded soul.
He looks for her in his time of weakness, she has become his soul’s anchor, bringing solace to the lovely naval officer, why he can’t let her go, seeking dashes of her in any woman he meets.
Anne while stumbling onto a paquet of unsent letters, did not read them all in one sitting, like their author, she savors the weight of each written words, as they explain their time apart.
Plus Frederick once she has found his first unsent letters, grants her more bundles over the next months.
As their lives go by, she discovers more and more about the man she never stopped to love, his shrewdness in the face of adversity, his resilience and strength in front of ennemies and wounds. His words bring back memories of their times together, and in moments of struggles, they help her to face forward and to find hope in little things.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiDK1J...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
October 12, 2022
If you've ever wondered what happened after the end of Persuasion AND what happened after Ann broke her engagement with Wentworth, this story will satisfying all around. The story starts a few years after Ann and Wentworth's marriage. They are living in a small manor house with their son and Ann is searching in the attic through some items in storage when she finds letters addressed to her from Wentworth. It seems that Wentworth wrote letters to her after she broke their engagement and when he went back to sea. The insight into Wentworth's frame of mind during the separation is done through his letters to Ann. The reader, however, is also treated to glimpses of the Wentworths current life as well. There are several time skips during the book which are paired with new packets of letters given to Ann at key moments during the book.
Overall a wonderful book that was well-edited and very enjoyable to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall a wonderful book that was well-edited and very enjoyable to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
A Beautifully constructed and intensely romantic story
This is a delightful and charming sequel to Jane Austen’s Persuasion and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
The author has skilfully woven together epistolary passages with narrative reflection and dialogue to create a story which is by turn moving, amusing and deeply romantic. Through times of difficulty and separation for a now happily-married Anne and Frederick Wentworth the time to reflect on their relationship allows Anne an even greater understanding of her husband and his capacity to love.
The author has taken care in her research to paint a very vivid picture of time on board ship for both Frederick as a single man and for Anne as a woman married to a naval captain. There was action and adventure with well-placed descriptions which added to the flow of the novel. The author has also breathed life into the character of some of the minor Austen characters, giving reason to the views and behaviours of Wentworth in Austen’s Persuasion. As a devotee of that novel I found this particularly pleasing.
This is an excellent work by a new author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a delightful and charming sequel to Jane Austen’s Persuasion and holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end.
The author has skilfully woven together epistolary passages with narrative reflection and dialogue to create a story which is by turn moving, amusing and deeply romantic. Through times of difficulty and separation for a now happily-married Anne and Frederick Wentworth the time to reflect on their relationship allows Anne an even greater understanding of her husband and his capacity to love.
The author has taken care in her research to paint a very vivid picture of time on board ship for both Frederick as a single man and for Anne as a woman married to a naval captain. There was action and adventure with well-placed descriptions which added to the flow of the novel. The author has also breathed life into the character of some of the minor Austen characters, giving reason to the views and behaviours of Wentworth in Austen’s Persuasion. As a devotee of that novel I found this particularly pleasing.
This is an excellent work by a new author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2022
"Persuasion" is one of my all time favorite Jane Austen books! Since there are so many sequels for "Pride and Prejudice", I was excited to see this book!! It did not disappoint, I'm happy to write.
Constable does a clever job of continuing the Wentworths love story by combining the present day-to-day of their lives along with letters Captain Wentworth wrote (but never sent) to Anne over the years they were apart. As Anne read them, we, the readers, had the chance to read along with her and learn Wentworth's feelings for Anne and experience her reactions as she came to understand the depth of his feelings for her. It was a clever way to combine the past with the present, and I also enjoyed how we received a glimpse of their life as a military family as they moved from place to place for Captain Wentworth's career. Constable did not break their characters from the original. Anne remained a capable, practical person who was well suited to be a sea captain's wife, and Wentworth showed more of his steadfastness as a smart leader. While their outward personas did not change, you still saw their passion and regard for each other when they had their private moments. I loved this book!
Constable does a clever job of continuing the Wentworths love story by combining the present day-to-day of their lives along with letters Captain Wentworth wrote (but never sent) to Anne over the years they were apart. As Anne read them, we, the readers, had the chance to read along with her and learn Wentworth's feelings for Anne and experience her reactions as she came to understand the depth of his feelings for her. It was a clever way to combine the past with the present, and I also enjoyed how we received a glimpse of their life as a military family as they moved from place to place for Captain Wentworth's career. Constable did not break their characters from the original. Anne remained a capable, practical person who was well suited to be a sea captain's wife, and Wentworth showed more of his steadfastness as a smart leader. While their outward personas did not change, you still saw their passion and regard for each other when they had their private moments. I loved this book!
September 26, 2022
Years after marrying Captain Wentworth, Anne Elliott finds a bundle of letters in the bottom of the captain's naval chest. They are all addressed to her, letters he wrote on board his ship, but never mailed to her. He gives her permission to read them, allowing her to learn of the terrible loneliness he endured for years after her rejection.
This is the author's first published novel. It's very well-written. Anne is a bit of a bore, but the letters from Wentworth are wonderful and enliven the book.
This is the author's first published novel. It's very well-written. Anne is a bit of a bore, but the letters from Wentworth are wonderful and enliven the book.
September 14, 2022
What could I say? Frederick Wentworth can write a letter!
It is not an epistolary novel per se, but most of it are Capt. Wentworth's letters to Anne Elliot during their eight years separation. Anne and the Captain are now married, and she finds letters he has written to her but never sent.
I am not spoiling anything by saying he is touching and endearing. One wants to take him into their arms and cuddle him until he feels better... And Anne is as always a sweetheart.
The other characters are well rounded for the new ones, and as portrayed by Jane Austen when she created them for the existing ones.
Just an aside, I never cared for Lady Russell in Persuasion. I dislike her in this book (you will understand once you've read the book), although for some reason, I am not surprised at this depiction of her.
Anyway, please read this book. It was recommended to me by J. W. Garrett, and I thank her for it!
It is not an epistolary novel per se, but most of it are Capt. Wentworth's letters to Anne Elliot during their eight years separation. Anne and the Captain are now married, and she finds letters he has written to her but never sent.
I am not spoiling anything by saying he is touching and endearing. One wants to take him into their arms and cuddle him until he feels better... And Anne is as always a sweetheart.
The other characters are well rounded for the new ones, and as portrayed by Jane Austen when she created them for the existing ones.
Just an aside, I never cared for Lady Russell in Persuasion. I dislike her in this book (you will understand once you've read the book), although for some reason, I am not surprised at this depiction of her.
Anyway, please read this book. It was recommended to me by J. W. Garrett, and I thank her for it!
September 22, 2022
Persuasion is in my top three favorite Jane Austen novels. This sequel takes us into the married life of Anne and Frederick Wentworth. In the midst of looking for a child's toy, Anne discovers that Frederick had written her a series of letters in the eight years they were apart. While in the attic, she reads two of them. These letters demonstrate his love for her as well as his heartbreak over their broken engagement.
Through these letters, we get a glimpse of the Persuasion novel from Frederick's point of view. The letters are as moving as his original. They also get Anne through some issues because Napoleon has not been completely defeated yet.
I would recommend this sequel to others who have a love for Persuasion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Through these letters, we get a glimpse of the Persuasion novel from Frederick's point of view. The letters are as moving as his original. They also get Anne through some issues because Napoleon has not been completely defeated yet.
I would recommend this sequel to others who have a love for Persuasion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2023
A love of Persuasion, and of Ciaran Hinds' Captain Wentworth in particular, I looked forward to reading Lyndsay's book before she had it half written! I put it in the latter half of Knightly's library of this year's JAFF TBR challenge because I knew I would let nothing stop me from being able to read it! A lovely tale, start to finish. A delicious story, a tale of love and longing that did the original works every justice, for it is my favorite canon works. It is a well written, it includes so many things of past and present that I can say that everything written made every sense and was in honor of the original novel, but it made my heart sad, glad, and contented in equal measures. I would suggest anyone who loves Jane Austen's Persuasion read Lyndsay Constable's Never Inconsistent.
January 12, 2023
Excellent Read for those who love Austen
The lilting rhythm of the writing in this tale makes you feel the rolling of the deck beneath your feet and the yearning pull of two hearts (Wentworth and Anne) who never stopped loving each other. I enjoyed the tale itself, the love story and the unique idea that Wentworth, ever expressive in writing, wrote letters he never sent during the lovers’ time of separation. But above all, I loved the flow of the writing itself. If you love Austen for her skillful turns of phrase, you will find great satisfaction in Ms. Constable’s tale, too—even if it does take a few minutes to regain your steady “land legs” after the story ends.
The lilting rhythm of the writing in this tale makes you feel the rolling of the deck beneath your feet and the yearning pull of two hearts (Wentworth and Anne) who never stopped loving each other. I enjoyed the tale itself, the love story and the unique idea that Wentworth, ever expressive in writing, wrote letters he never sent during the lovers’ time of separation. But above all, I loved the flow of the writing itself. If you love Austen for her skillful turns of phrase, you will find great satisfaction in Ms. Constable’s tale, too—even if it does take a few minutes to regain your steady “land legs” after the story ends.
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