Sanctuary: Volume One – Cat Andrews

September 25, 2020 • Reviews • 30 Comments

A New Pride and Prejudice Contemporary Romance Saga!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Modern Adaptation

NOTE: This is volume one in a three volume series. It will be necessary to read all three books to attain the story’s conclusion.

SETTING: Great Diamond Island, Maine Present-Day

SYNOPSIS: Will Darcy and his five-year-old son, Jack, are the newest residents of Great Diamond Island. An island off the coast of Maine that is picturesque, secluded, and allows only golf carts for residential transportation. It will be a new start and drastic change of pace for Will and Jack, who years ago experienced the trauma and sorrow of losing Jack’s mother. But Will is determined to embrace a better life with his son Jack. And this new chapter in their lives promises new possibilities with new sources of happiness and peace.

Similar to Will, Elizabeth chose to live in Great Diamond Island years ago after a couple harrowing and heartbreaking relationships. She is happily settled in her cozy cottage and has built a new life for herself with work and wonderful friends. Elizabeth has moved on from her past, but it has left scars and effects how she thinks of herself and relationships in general.

See what happens when these two acquaintances agree to become friends, and then, tentatively take a step towards something more…

WHAT I LOVED:

  • Modern P&Pish: I love that is story is a modern-day adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that takes its own slant – it creates its own plot lines and there are some alterations with characters. For example – Elizabeth and Darcy are both previously married (to characters readers will recognize), Will Darcy’s father is alive, and the Darcys don’t have any previous history with George Wickham. I am in love with this series already because of its uniqueness and unpredictability.
  • A Coastal Haven: This setting is amazing. I truly do feel like I escaped to this enchanting island every time I open this book! And as you might guess, I have a penchant fo coastal towns and love seeing them featured in stories I read. Cat Andrews did such a marvelous job describing the scenery and community. She created a place that feels authentic and inviting. I now want to go to Maine even more than I did before!
  • Challenging Pasts: It is interesting to learn that both Elizabeth and Will have had some heartache and emotional turbulence in their lives. It is inspiring to know that they went through something so challenging and are coming out on the other side of it. I think it is interesting that both characters that have had difficult hardships and not just one.
  • Unhurried Pace, Unhurried Life: While I do love fast-paced action and exhilarating reads, I also love leisurely-paced relationships and observing the day-to-day minutiae of characters’ lives – especially when it is Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s! I loved witnessing their time together and reflective time apart, and living vicariously through them! What I would give to be in Lizzy’s shoes! Cat Andrew struck a perfect balance with her pacing so far in this series – she doesn’t give too much or too little of anything.
  • Will and Jack: Swoon! I adore these two and their incredibly endearing relationship with each other! Jack is so sweet and precocious,  and I have always loved seeing any version of a Darcy character interact with a child. Be warned…the sweet exchanges between these two could reduce you to a puddle. I think this may be one of the few times when I have seen Darcy as a single father  and that dynamic has been interesting to explore. I also love seeing Darcy be adorably awkward around Elizabeth!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

  • Not. A. Single. Thing.

CONCLUSION:

I have only read the first book of this series, but already I feel such a strong appreciation and emotional attachment to these characters and their world. With Sanctuary, Cat Andrews has crafted a unique, stirring, and compelling Pride and Prejudice contemporary romance that is sure to enthrall and enchant readers! I am so happy I get to spend 1000+ pages with these characters!

Add to Cart   I   Add to Shelf

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30 comments

  1. I read and loved the first two volumes of this series. I have to read the last, which was released recently. Great review, Meredith.

    Reply

  2. I ave read all three and fell in live from the begining I felt the smooth transition from book to book it was absolutly weel done. ALSO I highly didnt dislike I loved it all!!!!

    Reply

  8. I’ve just finished this book and definitely agree with the 5 stars! I loved it and am now quarter way through book 2 (I also have book 3 as I just have to keep going!)
    After his dodgy start Darcy finally manages to talk to Elizabeth! The Bingleys are interesting for different reasons.
    Great review as usual Meredith!

    Reply

    1. That is so wonderful to hear, Glynis!! I had a feeling that you and I would feel the same about this series and it looks like that is completely true!!

      I can’t wait to catch up to you and chat about it some more!

      Reply

  10. Well, it looks like you’ve twisted my arm. Do you often win at arms wrestling with your Mr. Bingley? Hello to your Mr. Bingley, by the way. Dang. I wasn’t going to read this and now… you’ve convinced me I should. I surrender and have added this to my list. I need an island retreat… and to simply enjoy a love story. Yep… I need that right now. Blessing, Meredith… great review, as always. Stay safe and healthy.

    Reply

    1. Yay!!! I am happy to have twisted your arm, and I feel no remorse! I know this will be a book you absolutely adore!!

      I so want to visit this island!! I hope it is just like it is in the story! 🙂

      I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you read this one, Jeanne!

      Reply

  15. Meredith, thank you for the amazing review. I cannot wait to eventually get my hands on it. Cat, congrats on getting this and the other two released 🙂

    Reply

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