Margaret Dashwood Finds Love and Unexpected Adventure

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Sense and Sensibility Sequel, Secondary Character

THE PREMISE: Margaret Dashwood is a devoted sister and aunt who longs for love and adventure of her very own. Alexander Mallard is the new village doctor who hopes to gain the trust and confidence of the inhabitants of Delaford. When crisis bring these two together, Margaret and Alexander immediately form an unfavorable opinion and dislike for each other…but will those opinions change in time?

NOTE: This book is a sequel to True Love Comes to Delaford – a Sense and Sensibility variation that explores what would happen if Colonel Brandon fell in love with the other Dashwood sister. While Adventure Awaits is a standalone story, I would still recommend reading True Love Comes to Delaford first before reading this book in order to learn more about the background and development of these characters.

WHAT I LOVED:

• More S&S and More Margaret: I am always happy to encounter stories about S&S characters! And how lovely to see the spotlight shined on dear Margaret, or as she is referred to in this story, Daisy. I love the woman Margaret grew into – I love her yearning to travel and experience adventure, her admiration and close bond with both her sister, Elinor and Colonel Brandon, and her playful and loving relationship with her niece. In addition, she is also a little reminiscent of Elizabeth Bennet because she can, at times, be outspoken and obstinate.

• Realities and Traumas: I appreciated seeing some of the major events of this story center around some recognizable hardships and tragedies. In addition, there were some medical/illness-related concerns that were interesting to observe through the Regency Era lens. Seeing these characters face dark times and come through them with resilience is comforting and inspiring.

• Children and Dogs: I love the endearing children and canine friends we see in this tale. The interactions and love that is fostered between them all is so heartwarming! I especially enjoyed how the children were so taken with “Doctor Ducky” and the unexpected addition to the family that occurred towards the end. That was precious.

• More Subtlety: One of my quibbles for True Love Comes to Delaford was that the antagonist felt a little too extreme. In addition, the religious themes that were woven in sometimes felt a little forced or too overt. However, in this author’s second book, both of those aspects are toned down some. There is more balance and gentleness which was lovely to see.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Telling, Not Showing: Our two principal characters go through quite a reversal of feelings for each other. I enjoyed the period of tension where they were at odds and infuriating each other, but then that seemed to quickly and easily diffuse. Their progression from animosity to affection seemed to be missing some understanding and dimension. It felt like readers were told more of the characters’ feelings rather than shown them.
• Some Swiftness: This is a 127 page novella and it traverses through quite a few seasons. While fast-paced stories can be exciting and eventful (as this one was!), sometimes they can also feel like they are missing some depth. With some of the serious events that occurred and the significant life changes, I wouldn’t have minded some more time spent exploring the emotional journeys these characters experienced.

CONCLUSION:

Adventure Awaits is a satisfying and uplifting tale where Margaret Dashwood finds love, faces hard trials, and experiences a small amount of unexpected adventure. A rewarding tale that reminds us all about the unforeseen yet wonderful twists and turns our lives can take.

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