Reason and Romance

Jane Austen #2

by Debra White Smith

First Impressions revealed the soul of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice . Now, echoing the themes in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, Debra White Smith crafts a delightful, contemporary story about passion and love. When Ted arrives, Elaina assumes he can’t be interested in her. But Ted surprises her. Attracted by his charming personality, Elaina dreams about love. But then comes shocking news. Has she made a mistake? The handsome Willis hints at engagement...and Elaina’s sister, Anna, is delighted. But when he is called away, he doesn’t leave a forwarding address. Brokenhearted, Anna falls into depression. Will she love again? Readers will be enraptured by this story about the joys and follies of infatuation and how faith in God reveals true love.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Retellings, Christian Romance

324 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Debra White Smith is a seasoned Christian author, speaker, and media personality who has been regularly publishing books for over a decade. In the last twelve years, she has accumulated more than 55 books sales to her credit with more than 1 million books in print. Her titles include such life-changing books as Romancing Your Husband, Romancing Your Wife, The Divine Romance: Developing Intimacy with God, the The Lonestar Intrigue fiction series, and The Jane Austen fiction series.

As a woman of God, Debra is committed to the highest standards of integrity and to spending hours a week being still before the Father, staying in tune with Him, and listening for His voice of direction in all she does. This commitment to romancing the Lord, coupled with her lifestyle of devouring, analyzing, and dissecting the Word of God has allowed God to bring about a miracle of deliverance and healing in Debra's spirit, mind, and soul. Debra holds a double Ph.D. from the toughest schools in the world. The first Ph.D. from the "School of Hard Knocks" and the second, from the "School of Very Hard Knocks." Aside from that, she holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas.

Along with Debra's being voted a fiction-reader favorite several times, her book Romancing Your Husband was a finalist in the 2003 Gold Medallion Awards. And her Austen Series novel First Impressions was a finalist in the 2005 Retailer's Choice Awards. Debra has been a popular media guest across the nation, including Fox TV, The 700 Club, ABC Radio, USA Radio Network, and Moody Broadcasting. Her favorite hobbies include fishing, bargain-hunting, and swimming with her family. Debra also vows she would walk 50 miles for a scoop of German chocolate ice cream.

Reviews

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a modern version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility with some Christian undertones. The characters have different names, such as Marianne Dashwood is now Anna Woods and Edward Ferrars is Ted Farris. Some characters are completely missing like the Palmers and Margaret Dashwood. But the theme of Sense and Sensibility and a lot of the plot are still there although slightl adapted to fit modern times.

Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is such a masterpiece and a wonderful story. It is great to see an author likeDebra White Smith, who admires Ms. Austen take her masterpiece and try something very original and unique with it. Where some sequel writers are including sex scenes and portraying the characters very differently then Jane Austen intended, it is nice to see an author write a modern adaption of S&S without profanity and wild behavior. Instead, she focused on the very central themes of love that Jane Austen did she just portrayed them in a contemporary style. For example some events in the plot of S&S would not have the same result or affect if they happened today. Like breaking engagements in Jane Austen's time would be a huge social blunder, but in our time period it would not. Furthermore, if you were disinherited in Jane Austen's time there is little you could except marry someone for their money, in our time period you would have to get a job.

The scenario: Elaina (Elinor) and Anna's (Marianne) father passed away, and their mother needs to move out of their family home because of their prenuptual agreement. Elaina's half brother Jake (John Dashwood) and his wife Faye (Fanny) obtain the estate and the bulk of his father's worth. Elaina is an English professor at a Christian University where one of her students is her sister-in-laws brother! They flirt with each other and definitely have some chemistry, but then Ted breaks things off with no explanation. Anna on the other hand falls in love hard with a model named Willis Kenney (Willoughby) who is romantic and a dream come true to her. But then he breaks things off with her with no explanation. These poor sister battle their grief over disappointed love, placing others before God, and learn life lessons about trust and integrity.

I enjoyed reading a modern adaption of Sense and Sensibility. I loved the portrayal of the characters in contemporary times (e.g. Elinor as a professor, Colonel Brandon as a doctor, Edward Ferrars as a pianist). In addition, I loved how Debra White Smith tied God into S&S without it becoming to heavy and preachy. Could the story have been stronger? Yes it could have, there are some typos and perhaps a little weakness in the development of events. However, there is no one else attempting to adapt Jane Austen's books in to Modern Christian stories so this to me is worth 5 stars!

The good news is this is a series of books called the Jane Austen Series. Here's all 6:
1. First Impressions (The Austen Series, Book 1)
2. Reason and Romance (The Austen Series, Book 2)
3. Central Park (The Austen Series, Book 3)
4. Northpointe Chalet (The Austen Series, Book 4)
5. Amanda (The Austen Series, Book 5)
6. Possibilities (The Austen Series, Book 6)

If you liked any of Debra White Smith's books and are interested in keeping a good and loving relationship yourself you may like: What Jane Austen Taught Me About Love and Romance

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep reading these books because they cure insomnia.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Kinda cute. Kinda corny.

I actually wondered how she would handle Edward & Lucy's secret engagement, in spite of his being in love with Elinor, in a (modern) time when people break engagements and marriages with hardly a second thought. I guess it worked.

At the beginning of the book, where she provides the character list and the Jane Austen characters they are based on, she's got "Robert Farris: based on Charles Ferrars," Edward's brother. Um, in Sense & Sensibility, Edward's brother was Robert. Who in the world is Charles Ferrars?

Strange.

[Deon]

I read this on #KindleUnlimited

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 Stars - I blame Goodreads for my reading this book. On my phone I went to look at my review of the first book in this series, and I didn't seem to have written one. I knew that there was a Jane Austen adaptation that I had not liked and chose not to continue reading the series, but I also knew that I had written a review of that book. Since I didn't seem to have a review, I figured this must not have been the series that I was thinking of. It turned out that there was just some weird glitch where my review of the first book in the series didn't show up on my phone, but I could see it on the computer.

I couldn't bear Ted's betrayal in this modern adaptation. We can more easily forgive Edward in Sense and Sensibility because of the restraint of the times he had never gone beyond growing close to Elenor, never having made her any promises or engaged in anything physical. But, ugh, Ted trying to kiss her and even talking about it and only being foiled for being interrupted just spoke of his being both willing to cheat on his secret fiance and to put Elenor in the position of thinking that he was open to a relationship.

[Saralyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on Sense and Sensibility. A fairly creative way to update the old story. Not the world's greatest literature, but a fun read.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Butchered the characters! :/

[Brooke796 ☼ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst written book I have ever read. I've read fanfiction written by teenagers that was better than this.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don’t waste your time, Austen fans.
Word of advice to the author: show, don’t tell.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect with a modern day re-telling of the classic Jane Austen novel Sense and Sensibility - would it be true to the book? Happily, it was! I appreciated the modern language in the book, because I didn't have to really concentrate like I do when I read Jane Austen. I could relax my brain.
What I wasn't a fan of was the caricature-y way in which some of the characters were portrayed. The character that bugged me the most was the sister-in-law. She was flat - she had absolutely no other characteristics than being derogatory and snooty. That bugged me. Also, it was a bit heavy-handed in the religiousness. I appreciate a good, clean romance where the main characters are God-fearing, but I don't like preachiness.

[Andie Freeman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I tried really really hard. But I just couldn’t do it. The writing was stilted. The characters were flat. I have actually had these sitting on my shelf for a long time because I bought really pretty special editions. I thought I would give them a go. I probably shouldn’t have started with my fave Austen but what can I say, I did. There was just no way this book would be anywhere near what Sense and Sensibility was. And I didn’t realize how many Christian undertone there would be. I should have known when the Mr Dashwood character woke up and said he had seen the kingdom of heaven 🙄. I thought I could handle a few but I got to the purity rings part and almost puked. Made it 50 pages and was done. I don’t know if I am going to try the other ones. Probably not.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

More enjoyable than expected. There was never any doubt that this was more fun than insightful, but Smith’s prose is extraordinarily colorful. She did veer on the side of caricature in some places, as her versions of Elinor and Marianne were a little too extreme in demeanor; however, her take on them is better than other variations I’ve seen.

Having not known Smith’s Nazarene background going into this, I wasn’t pleased with the preachiness in this novel. Austen herself was a very faithful woman, but even she didn’t go out of her way to mention that Elinor and Marianne probably went to service every Sunday (nor did she take several unsubtle opportunities to chastise pre-marital sex in the dialogue). It happens frequently enough that the book almost has an agenda, and as a open non-Christian, it’s the only off-putting part of an otherwise good read. If I decide to move forward with her take on Northanger Abbey, I’ll proceed with caution.

A solid 3 or 3.5 if you’re looking for something casual and don’t mind the absence of Margaret. I personally missed her and her atlas.

[Rose Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building sense and sensibility

Jane Austen ranks among my favorite authors. Although we all know the end of the story, the retelling is captivating. Smith's weaving of Anna and Elaina's parallel tale keeps the reader wondering how these women's fate will be realized. The vivid descriptions of the secondary characters at times bring a chuckle and others a tear.

[Julynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ms. Smith's retelling of Sense and Sensibility. She has creativity with her characters of modern day while holding true to the spirit of the original. I enjoy her journeys of faith and overcoming as well as the love stories.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accurate and well-done retelling. I'll definitely try and get my hands on the rest of the series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressively close to Sense and Sensibility in plot and cleverly updated. This has been the second most enjoyable to read in the series.

[the_bookish_took · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of fun and I'm glad I read it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility. It’s pretty good but a little preachy at times which I honestly think Jane Austen would have found hilarious.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason and Romance by Debra White Smith – It’s got all the squishy, brokenhearted handwringing that you expect from Sense and Sensibility in a modern setting! Happy Reading!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful retelling of Sense and Sensibility! Perfect for any Jane Austen fan!

[Jen]

DNF. The writing seemed pretty bad. Awkward.

[Mel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, easy read.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this take on Sense and Sensibility! Such a cute version, I had a hard time putting it down!

[Adriann Folts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story!!! Loved watching all of the character development. 10/10!!!

[Kelley Dees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book, but absolutely hated Ted Ferrars character. His “excuse” for remaining with Lorna was pitiful and his lack of apology made me lose respect for Elaina pining after him. Anna was much more likeable in this story.

[Aerykah]

Tried and tried to read this & just never could get into it..... :/

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I have read some of Jane Austen's books, I have not read Sense & Sensibility. So, I read this book without any preconception of the story line. It revolves around Elaina (a new professor at Southern Christian Univ)and her sister Anna. Elaina wants to succeed in her career and be her own person and love has not played a role in her life thus far. Anna, on the other hand, dreams of finding her Prince Charming and getting married.

Following these two women through the ups and downs of their romantic relationships was a bit unreal. I found it hard to relate because of all the twists & turns. It just never engaged me.

I did like the underlying Christian themes and, because of that, the absence of offensive elements.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for me on this book. I like this author, and I liked the first book in this "series" (the contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice), but this second book to me didn't get the characters right. I didn't like the Marianne character or the Colonel Brandon character especially, but several of the characters weren't true to how their original Jane Austen characters would act - including the "Elinor" and "Edward".

I don't want to discourage friends from trying this author, but if you love Sense and Sensibility - this book may not be for you as it deviates too much from the original. Whereas the first book gets the balance between the original Jane Austen work and the contemporary twist just right.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself is very enjoyable. I started this series out with Central Park, which sticks to the heart of the Jane Austen story a bit more closely than Reason and Romance does. However, the only changes that kind of miffed me were that the hero, Ted, was a little less honorable that Austen's Edward and that she switches lines from one character to another in one of the famous scenes. Otherwise, this story stays very close to the heart of the Jane Austen characters and storyline and preserves their interactions closely despite the modern setting. Overall, a very good book and clearly based on Sense and Sensibility.

[Valerie McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book worth a read. . .heck, it's even worth a few re-reads. I enjoyed a new spin on a great author, Jane Austen. Debra White Smith took to this book and the rest in her series with a goal and in my opinion, succeeded. Reason and Romance is based upon Sense and Sensibility, which has never been my favorite Austen novel. But, I read this book and had to re-read Sense and Sensibility. I had a new found appreciation for the characters and the plot line. I would recommend these books to anyone who has a want for a good religious Austen re-take.