Is a Duet Also An Emblem of Marriage?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Modern Pride and Prejudice Adaptation

SERIES: Austen Echoes #1 (each book is stand alone)

THE PREMISE: A speed dating event brought them together, and for Elise and Will it was definitely not a match… But for their closest friends…it was. And so, Elise and Will are thrown together often and it isn’t long before Elise discovers Will isn’t all bad. But can she disregard the horrible rumors she has heard about him…?

WHAT I  LOVED:

• Toronto: New city, new vibes. I loved getting a taste of a place I haven’t been yet. And it feels unique because not as many Austenesque novels take place in Canada. I loved learning about the neighborhoods, how people get around, the cultural diversity, and the strong arts and music scene. It’s definitely on my bucket list!

• Arts Center: Elise built a community arts center geared towards the under-privileged children. Supporting the arts and serving others are her two main passions. As someone who also started a music business on her own, I felt connected to her in a special way. I loved seeing all the different scenes at the Arts Center – the afterschool classes, the choir rehearsals, the board meetings, the behind-the-scenes projects and ideas.

• Music & Musicians: Another way this book speaks to me. Of course I love seeing characters who are musicians and stories that take place in a musical environment, but what I especially love is seeing characters connect together through music. And that happens in a very beautiful way in this novel. Someone’s hidden talent is revealed. I loved seeing this side of them, and how they use their talent.

• Wickham: The Wickham storyline is a little unique. Even though he seems altruistic and sincere, we know he will show his true colors eventually. And when he does, it is awful and devastating! So underhanded, so brutal. And yet so different, since there is no Lydia character in this tale.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• More Time to Feel: With a shorter read everything moves at a brisk pace, and that sometimes includes conflicts and emotions. When Wickham strikes, it is tumultuous for Elise. I wish we  spent more time learning her mindset and feeling all her emotions. Likewise, Will seems to carry some emotional baggage and insecurities from a past relationship. I wouldn’t have minded seeing that fleshed out some more and to connect more with his feelings as he works through it.

NOTE: Because of one use of strong language and some suggestive dialogue, I’d recommend this book for readers over 14.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🎶  Toronto, music, a modern Austenesque series where characters from several Jane Austen novels are in the same world – seems like Riana Everly is hitting all the right notes!

🎻  While their relationship was discordant at first, Elise and Will find their way to a most pleasing and harmonious understanding of each other.

🎹  This book is sure to strike a chord with readers who love modern-day adaptations, Darcy and Lizzy centric stories, and music!

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