Steering Through the Waves and Seizing the Promising Sunshine Ahead!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Modern Adaptation

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

SETTING: Great Diamond Island, Maine Present-Day

SYNOPSIS: Not more than three months ago Will Darcy,with his son Jack, moved to Great Diamond Island, Maine in need of a fresh start and he found a future he didn’t even know was possible. Deeply in love and blissfully happy, Elizabeth, Will, and Jack are busy enmeshing their lives together and becoming a family. However, there are some people in their lives and from  their pasts that emerge onto the scene to threaten that happiness. How do Will and Elizabeth handle the danger, disruption, and drama? And how does their relationship fare when they steer into some less smooth and treacherous waters?

WHAT I LOVED:

• The World Created: Throughout this series, I have become deeply attached to these characters, their lives, and the enchanting community that surrounds them. Cat Andrews portrayed Great Diamond Island with such warmth and vibrancy. It feels like it is such a dynamic, beautiful, and inviting place, I don’t question Lizzy and Will for wanting to live here! I love how throughout this series the reader becomes intimate with all the places and people around the island – like we are additional members of this tight-knit and friendly community.

• A Focus on Fathers: It has been extremely heartwarming and endearing to see Will Darcy as a single father. His interactions with his son will constantly melt your heart into a puddle. But in this volume especially, there were some other father-child relationships stepping into the spotlight, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these relationships develop and evolve. It isn’t every Austenesque book where you see Fitzwilliam Darcy in the active role of both son and father.

• Roles Reversals: As I mentioned in my previous review, there are some interesting character deviations in this series – and it truly is like some characters have swapped sides a little bit. It was quite interesting to see two characters who are typically such supportive allies to our protagonists in the roles of antagonists! And vice-versa. I loved observing the creative liberties Cat Andrews explored with these characters.

• Will and Elizabeth: They are the heart of this story and their relationship is one that will live in my heart for quite some time. I loved everything about this relationship and all the relationship phases Ms. Andrews strived to illustrate in her story – moving on from the past, overcoming insecurities, being fully open another person, giving/receiving unconditional acceptance, and best of all, fervently embracing and appreciating the happiness and joy another person can bring you. This is one of the most beautifully-rendered and moving incarnations of a Darcy and Elizabeth relationship I have experienced.

• Descriptive, Detailed, Daily Affairs: I love how visual and accessible this story felt. It was so easy to picture all the scenes, places, and characters and to understand all that went on in their lives. Cat Andrew’s writing is filled with illustrative language and articulate expression. I loved learning so much about what the characters were doing, seeing, feeling, and thinking.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

Part of me would have liked to have seen the antagonists receive just a smidgen more page time and create a little more tension, but I also loved it as is.

SECOND NOTE: In this story there are several romantic interludes and intimates scenes. Recommended for mature audiences.

CONCLUSION:

Sanctuary: Volume Three  brings a supremely satisfying and perfect close to Cat Andrews incredibly romantic and exquisitely-crafted contemporary Pride and Prejudice romance. For readers who crave stories with heartfelt connections, inspiring growth, charming small-town vibes, and a deeply ardent romance, I cannot recommend this trilogy enough!

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