Synopsis

In this contemporary update of Sense and Sensibility, Margaret Dashwood is setting sail on an adventurous summer cruise—unless love sinks her first.

Margaret Dashwood lives her life according to plan, and it involves absolutely zero heartbreak, thank you very much. Five years ago, love tore her family apart, and since then, she’s kept her own heart as safe as possible. It hasn’t been easy, especially since her sister Marianne—the world’s biggest romantic—has conveniently forgotten that love burned her so badly she literally almost died. So when their oldest sister Elinor invites Margaret along for a Marianne-free summer cruise, she can’t wait to soak up every scheduled moment with sensible Elinor before heading off to college.

But just before they set sail, a newly-single Marianne announces that she’s crashing their vacation. Suddenly, Margaret’s itineraries are thrown overboard, and the ship’s cabin feels even tinier with her sister wailing about her breakup from the bottom bunk. The only solution? Find Marianne a dose of love to tide her over until they reach land.

With help from Elinor, her husband Edward, and Gabe—a distractingly handsome new friend on the crew—Margaret sets out to create a series of elaborate fake dates that will give Marianne the spontaneously curated summer romance of a lifetime. But between a chaotic sister, the growing storm of feelings between Margaret and Gabe, and an actual storm on the horizon, this summer is destined to go off course. Margaret will have to decide what’s more important—following the plan, or following her heart.

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Review

I am not a huge Jane Austen fan. Not that I don’t think she writes good books; I’ve just not read them. So, I cannot compare this retelling to the original to see how it compares. That being said, this was an interesting YA romance novel. Three sisters end up on a cruise ship for six weeks while Edward (Elinor’s husband) works as the ship’s chaplain. I have taken cruises before, but I wonder how it would be to stay longer on the ship.

I was not wild about Margaret’s character. However, she is 18 and has led a somewhat sheltered life. She doesn’t know who she is and is emulating her sisters. Her sisters are on opposite ends of the spectrum regarding behavior and personality. However, as we learn later in the book, the surface personality didn’t necessarily match how they felt deep down inside.

My favorite character was Gabe. He is a dark brooding type who is attracted to Margaret, and she to him, if she will allow herself to admit it. Edward was my second favorite character. He was a stable and calm force in their world. Perhaps it is the minister in him.

I enjoyed watching the characters grow and become better people. They still have a lot to learn and adapt to how they act and react when their mother or even their siblings are around. A major event near the end of the book brings the sisters together. There are lessons learned by all of the sisters, and perhaps this will help Margaret become a well adjusted adult.

If you like retellings, you might like this book. We give it 4 paws up.

About the Author

AMANDA QUAIN is a writer, indie bookseller, and general life enthusiast. When she’s not shouting about her favorite new books, she loves theatre, baking, rock climbing, marching band, and the overall pursuit of adventure. If forced to choose, Amanda’s favorite Austen hero is Edward Ferrars, though she’ll always have a soft spot for Mr. Bingley. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her husband and her cat. She is the author of ACCOMPLISHED and GHOSTED.

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