Sense and Sensibility: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen's Classic

The Amish Classics #4

by Sarah Price

Henry Detweiler dies unexpectedly, leaving his second wife and three daughters, Eleanor, Mary Ann, and Maggie, in the care of John, his oldest son from a previous marriage. John and his wife, Fanny, inherit the farm and, despite a deathbed promise to take care of their stepmother and half-sisters, John and Fanny make it obvious that Mrs. Detweiler and her daughters are not welcomed at the farm. When Edwin Fischer, Fanny’s older brother, takes notice of Eleanor and begins to court her, much to the disapproval of his sister, Fanny makes life even more difficult for the Detweiler women.    In their new home, Eleanor wonders if Edwin will come calling while Mary Ann catches the attention of Christian Bechtler, an older bachelor in the church district, and John Willis, a younger man set to inherit a nearby farm. While Eleanor quietly pines for Edwin, Mary Ann does not hide her infatuation with John Willis. When the marriage proposal from John Willis does not materialize, Mary Ann is left grief-stricken and humiliated as the Amish community begins to gossip about their relationship. In the meantime, a broken-hearted Eleanor learns that Edwin is engaged to another woman. Will admitting her affections for him result in the marriage proposal Eleanor has always desired?

Genres: Amish, Christian, Romance, Christian Fiction, Amish Fiction, Fiction

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

ECPA Christian Fiction Bestseller (June 2014, July 2014)

Amazon Top 100 Author for Books & eBooks (January 2016, September 2013, August 2013, May 2013, April 2013, February 2013, January 2013, December 2012)
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The author of over 30 novels, Sarah Price publishes with Realms, an imprint of Charisma House and Waterfall, an imprint of Brilliance Audio.

Her book, An Empty Cup, was #3 on Amazon Top 100 eBooks in January 2016.

Follow her on social media:
Blog:http://www.sarahpriceauthor.com.
Facebook: http://facebook.com/fansofsarahprice.
Instagram: @SarahPriceAuthor
Twitter: @SarahPriceAuthr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahPrice

FAMILY HERITAGE

During the early 1700s, the Preiss family arrived in America aboard an old sailing vessel called the Patience. The family left Europe, escaping Catholic persecution for their Anabaptist beliefs. Sarah Price comes from a long line of devout Mennonites, including numerous church leaders and ministers throughout the years.

In 1969, Sarah Price was born in Pennsylvania and lived on the land of her ancestors, Johannes Preiss and "King Tammany", otherwise known as Tamanend, a chief of the Lenni Lenape nation in the Delaware Valley.

In the early 1970s, her family moved to Morristown, New Jersey where she still resides with her husband, two children, and assortment of animals.

Ms. Price has advanced degrees in Communication (MA), Marketing (MBA), and Educational Leadership (PhD).

Ms. Price was a former full-time college professor. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she now writes full-time.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this blend of Amish Romance and a Classical story retelling and I just had to read it as I love both. It was fascinating and a very strong story when all is said and done.

A mother and three sisters are forced out of their family home by the son, John of the first wife and his greedy wife, Fanny. Only a distant cousin's generosity allows them a chance to start fresh if a little on the precarious side financially. Oldest daughter, Eleanor, is calm, steady, thoughtful and practical. She carries a secret love for Fanny's brother, quiet Edward Fischer who is promised to another. And the opposite of her older sister is Mary Ann who is emotional, impulsive, and wears her heart on her sleeve while falling for a bold, dashing man living in the neighborhood and spurning the quiet, mature man who remains steadfast, but inobtrusive. Through heartache, difficulties, and starting a new life, Eleanor, Mary Ann and their family grow and learn in faith and character.

Alright, so this tale of two sisters and their love lives was pretty close to the original as far as description of characters and events. I loved how the Amish background meshed so well with the classical style and elements so that even though this is a modern retelling of Austen's Sense & Sensibility, it fit well into the Amish world where some of the cultural moors of Jane Austen's day were a lot like those of the Amish.

The story is told from Eleanor's observant and level-headed perspective. She was practically a saint as at first she tried to keep the peace between her mother and sisters and with her older half-brother and his wife while the family was still on the farm and then later she held it together when Mary Ann was pretty cruel as Eleanor tried to get her to be more circumspect and cautious. And then Eleanor had to endure the cruelty of Edward's fiancee taking particularly delight in making Eleanor her confidant.

Mary Ann, the secondary heroine, needed a thumping. First she ran wild and then she went all dramatic. She was mean to her sister when Eleanor was trying to save her from the sorrow that did eventually come. Now, Mary Ann takes a hard knock or two and it finally sets her on a good path so she redeemed herself and became a loving sister and gets her own chance of happiness.

I really adored Christian who was quietly in love with Mary Ann even when she wouldn't give him the time of day and was running around with the rakish John who had a reputation. This man was selfless and showed true heroism. Eleanor's love interest, Edward, well, I respect him a little for keeping his word, but he didn't get much page time until the end. When the truth came out, I felt badly for him and then happy for how it ended for him and Eleanor.

The setting of the Amish community was well drawn. It felt authentic. I had a good time with how even without all the modern conveniences and a devout faith, the gossip vine and the tight-knit community of folks all up in each other's business was still present.

To summarize, this was a delightful story. I will definitely go back for more of the author's Amish Classics series and her other books. There is a strong inspirational theme without preachiness. I would recommend this to those who enjoy Amish romance, but also those who enjoy classic retellings.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wunderbar Homage to Jane Austen!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Sarah Price, best-selling and popular author of over 30 novels, has just released her latest novel in The Amish Classics Series – a series that comprises of Amish retellings of Jane Austen’s novels (and possibly others). The previous books in this series include:

- First Impressions: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (2014)
- Matchmaker: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma (2015)
- Second Chances: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion (2015)

In her fourth book of The Amish Classics Series, Sarah Price retells the story of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility in a present-day Amish community. With sons inheriting farms, strict courtships practices, and an emphasis on a rural and simple lifestyle, it is easy to see how much is in common between the Amish culture and Jane Austen’s time. In this retelling, readers meetthe Detweiler sisters who must leave their home farm after their father’s death and adjust to life in a smaller cottage in a new community. While making some new acquaintances, both Eleanor and Mary Anne fall in love, but one does so quietly and privately while the other does it openly and unreservedly…

This is my first book by Sarah Price and my first Amish romance period. That’s right, I’m totally new to Amish fiction and I couldn’t be happier that my first experience in this sub-genre is a Jane Austen retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Sarah Price! I was greatly impressed with how faithful the story was to Jane Austen’s classic. The parallels were clearly drawn and the characters and events of the story seemed true, not only to Jane Austen, but to the Amish way of life. These representations of Jane Austen’s characters and stories felt very authentic in such a setting. I think Sarah Price is very skilled at illustrating how well Jane Austen’s world can translate to Amish culture in her stories.

One thing I appreciated most about this retelling was the emotional development depicted for both Eleanor and Mary Anne. Reading of Eleanor’s heartache and torture made me feel her pain anew right alongside her. But I mostly enjoyed witnessing how Mary Anne came to fall in love (SPOILER ALERT!!) after having her heart broken. I have often seen readers express discontent about Jane Austen’s Marianne and Colonel Brandon – that their closure and HEA felt rushed, unlikely, and just plain unsatisfying. This most definitely wasn’t the case with this story! I loved seeing Mary Anne become aware of what the reader and all her family already knew – that there was this compassionate and honorable man watching her and loving her in silence all along. And I greatly enjoyed seeing how that awareness changes her before our very eyes. Well done, Ms. Price!

As someone who is brand-new to Amish fiction I was fascinated by all I learned about the lifestyle and practices of the Amish community. And I am definitely interested in learning more as some aspects of Amish life are still a little unclear for me, such as kneeling vows, rumschpringe, and shunning. However, I think readers who have some prior understanding of Amish customs will pick up on these practices much quicker than I did. I look forward to reading more novels in this series – and I’m glad to see that Sarah Price will be adding another novel to it real soon! It looks like Mount Hope: An Amish Retelling of Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park is scheduled to release in August of this year!

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sense and Sensibility has always been my favorite Jane Austen story and I was so happy that this modern day adaptation did it justice! Set in a modern day Amish community - many things are still similar. Modesty, patriarchal societies, gossip, etc. Some minor differences include youth singings instead of balls, shunning instead indecency, and a spotlight on religion. A fantastic adaptation of my favorite and one that I will definitely read again!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I totally enjoyed this book. I loved the way she kept in line with the original Sense and Sensibility while writing it in the Amish tradition.
If possible, Mary Ann, (Marianne), was even more selfish than the original. I really did want to shake her. Eleanor was much the same, stoic and proper. And Margaret lightened the mood as usual.
I've read Amish novels before and I enjoy learning about their way of life. Though I suspect some of the miscreants were dealt with a bit more kindly than they normally would be.
All in all, anyone who is an Austen fan will really enjoy this book. I already have Second Chances and am looking forward to reading it.

[Lit Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Amish rendering of Sense & Sensibility is a great adaptation and a wonderful story on its own right. The overall feel is a little sad and forlorn for most of the story, with moments of great feeling, triggering the deepest empathy from the readers about the tribulations these two sisters go through. There is also some serious angst, which I only could go through since I knew what was to happen afterwards...!
It is a soulful, delicate romance, with such bitter moments that sadly ring so much like real life... followed not precisely by extreme happiness or joy, but by an unmoving faith in a superior being watching after those who live in godliness and who is following a much bigger plan... that might or might not be what readers believe for their (our) own lives, but it is certainly the Amish belief that guides the main characters here, giving them comfort with such strength & dignity that I cannot but feel humbled.
I recommend this new story 100%, give Sara Price's Amish-Austen variations a chance !

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enjoyable Amish fiction read. A different approach to what family means without non-Amish influence; which is so hard to find in these types of books. This was a delicious book and the subtle and interesting approach to love was much appreciated. This read demonstrates the many nuances in a Amish community. Wonderful!!!

[Katie O’Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but not what the author did with Colonel Brandon’s character!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling of the classic Jane Austen novel. I thought the way the author chose to weave in the thread of trusting in God's sovereign plan was the perfect way to add more depth to the story.
I do have to say that it was really interesting trying to figure out in advance how the author would choose to present certain scenes from the book in an Amish framing, and I was not at all disappointed.

[Morghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Leigh Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Jane? I'll allow it.

Not that I am the end-all be-all arbiter of taste. I just didn't expect to find this yesterday while I was shelving. Jane Austen has been retold, recast, and paid homage to in so many different ways, I thought I'd seen them all. But no, dear readers, I had not!

The cover made me wince, because ow ow ow. But Price can take that up with her publishers: the writing itself is perfectly lovely for its target audience. I know this because I took it home last night and read it in one sitting. S&S is my favorite JA, so I had high expectations. I was not disappointed.

Austen's world, with its strict social codes and mores, transposes nicely to Pennsylvania's Amish territory, with its strict social codes and mores. The main difference is that Price's characters are bound by the dictates of their faith, not the secular social codes of their time. It is a difference so tiny that you honestly wouldn't notice it if the characters weren't constantly reading the Bible and quoting scripture.

That's not a complaint: readers who enjoy Christian fiction that's heavy on those elements will be pleased with Mary Ann and Eleanor's journey to find love within their faith community. In Price's world --as is standard in the bonnet romance genre -- marriage and babies are the goal, shunning is like death, and modesty is the watchword. Mary Ann, who longs for a grand romance in her life, has some problems with that last one, sparking community gossip over what looks like her desperate pursuit of john Willis, even as a far more suitable (though quieter) suitor watches from the sidelines.

(Colonel Brandon becomes a well-respected preacher named Christian in this retelling, which is the best of the transpositions: pride may be worldly, but pastors definitely have community status.)

Eleanor, for her part, is very fond of Edwin Fischer, but like a good Amish girl she keeps it to herself (even though Edwin seems to like her too). But when another young lady announces she's engaged to Edwin, Eleanor wonders if she's been a little TOO modest, if such a thing is possible.

On the way to the happily ever after -- which concludes not with weddings but with pregnancies -- readers are treated to a peek at Amish daily life and customs. Price is descended from a Mennonite family and has lived in Amish communities. This rings true, though I do wonder sometimes if any actual Amish folks have written romances -- or any fiction, really -- about their own experiences.

At any rate, this would make a nice pick for Christian homeschoolers, who could have their children read both versions and write a compare/contrast essay. On a less utilitarian point, it's a solid choice for anyone who already likes the genre, and would serve as a neat curiosity for Janeites who are determined to read every homage that comes down the pike. What I liked best about it is that it demonstrates the power of a really good story: you can put S&S anywhere, and it will still ring true.

If the bonnet craze hasn't swept your library yet (or ever) there's no need to go back in time and pick this up. If, however, your readers can't get enough of this particular subgenre, the entire series of Austen retellings might be worth picking up in one fell swoop. Recommended for Christian fiction fans, Amish Romance fans, and anyone in the Cult of Jane who doesn't object to religious content.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Price does an amazing job with this story and unfortunately for me I had it all read in less than a day, I wanted more, and there was with the epilogue, which I loved.
When Henry’s oldest son takes a vow on his deathbed to take car of his family, and John agrees, you could feel the sick man’s sigh of relief. Of course, things are not about to be running smooth, when John’s wife banishes the family to the dawdi house, and talks her husband out of giving them the money he was supposed to give them. I hated that she had Maggie’s favorite climbing tree cut down, could really dislike Fanny.
Wait until you see what God has planned for Eleanor and Mary Ann, and will choose correctly? What a read you are about to experience, and once you start you won’t be able to put it down.
We meet manipulators at their worse, and you want to shake them, but we can only hope that these girls will come the their senses and follow God’s plan for their lives. We find that sometimes, the evil some people display does come back to haunt them, and then I felt sorry for them also.
Don’t miss this great read you won’t be disappointed!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have truly enjoyed the Amish Classics Series by Sarah Price. Sense and Sensibility is another great addition to this collection. The story was so enjoyable and really flowed as I read it. It is written from Eleanor’s perspective and was quite a page turner for me.

I loved how the novel was true to the original book, yet the Amish twists really fit. I felt anger with Fanny, and the way she treated the Detweiler family. I felt frustration with Mary Ann as she plunged headlong into the relationship with John Willis. I felt despair for Eleanor as she had to listen to Lydia’s secret confessions. Even though I knew that these things had to happen to remain true to the book, it did not lesson my reaction to them one bit. I loved this story from start to finish and definitely recommend it to fans of Amish fiction, as well as Jane Austen enthusiasts.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Barb Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two nights. I have never read a bad book that Sarah Price has written. I think not reading the original Sense and Sensibility was an advantage because I would have been comparing them. I enjoyed reading about the Detweiler family after their father passed away & their half-brother inheriting the farm after agreeing to take care of his stepmother & half-sisters.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was easier and more enjoyable for me to read than an actual Austen novel. Yah, I know. I'm lame. But this was enjoyable, if not predictable, knowing how Austen stories go.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is my favorite book, and I love to read Amish romance, so I was thrilled to see this book at my local bookstore. That being said, this work seems to be based off of the 1995 S&S film, not Jane Austen's original novel. While most of the characterization was the same (i.e. prudent Eleanor, impulsive Mary Ann), and the names were cleverly similar (such as Edwin Fisher instead of Edward Ferrars), overall, I didn't enjoy this book because of its deviation from the original of the same name.

I will say I appreciated this author's focus on God and trusting His will. That aspect is severely lacking in a lot of Amish/Christian fiction, so I was glad to see it here!

This author chose to focus on some points (such as Maggie's treehouse and Mary Ann being caught in the rain) which are not in the original work, only the film. Along with that, I simply could not buy the idea that Eleanor could stand in the kitchen and listen to/watch Christian reading to Mary Ann from the Song of Solomon. Yes that is a beautiful book of the Bible, but for it to be read between an unmarried couple? A couple that is not even engaged? While the girl's sister is practically in the same room???? As the Amish would say, nee, danke! It would have been much more wholesome, believable, and meaningful had Christian read from almost any other book of the Bible, of which there are many.

This book could also use a good once over by an editor. There were several formatting errors as well as plot errors (such as Eleanor's father being called Henry, then later called John) that threw off my reading groove. The dialogue/narration flip flopped between being very similar to Austen's writing to being completely modern, which again was distracting and hard to follow.

I definitely think retellings can work, however, in my opinion, this one did not.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing re-telling

These Amish Classics Jane Austen re-tellings just keep getting better! This is the 4th in the series but each could be read as a standalone. This story of the long suffering Elinor and vivacious Mary Ann is so true to JA but at the same time has an Amish storyline that makes it feel original. I loved the male heroes Edwin and Christian. Then to see what Willis suffers due to his deceit was very satisfying in an Amish setting. These stories are also inspirational as God and His Plan is talked about often without being preachy. I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it!

[Kwoomac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Price has delivered clever retelling of Sense and Sensibility. By transferring the setting to an Amish community, with its strict code of conduct, Price was able to believably recreate the, otherwise dated, rules of courtship and marriage of Austen’s time.

Missing of course is Austen’s brilliant comedic commentary on society. Instead, Price delivers her message through a lot of Scripture. No so funny.

[Rrshively · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a tendency to like most modern retellings of Jane Austen novels as long as they aren't ridiculous and include vampires or nefarious motives. This was a very pleasant retelling which really did follow the plot as well as it could while still being true to the Amish way of life. The author lives in Lancaster county Pennsylvania and has worked with and befriended many Amish.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about these two women who seem to love the wrong men but God has a plan.
Their world seems to be turned upside down after their father dies unexpectedly and everything is left to a half brother John , from his first marriage. After not feeling welcome to live on “their” farm , they move to a new location with some extended family.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely Sense and Sensibility retelling. I love the Amish setting for the story and how well that worked. My only negative was that there were certain scenes that felt like they were practically cut and pasted out of the 1995 movie adaptation. Otherwise, this was a delightful read and I look forward to checking out the other books in this series.

[carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I really enjoyed this different take on SnS and as someone in the UK particularly loved learning more about the Amish way of life. I will definitely be reading more from this author, that is ‘for sure and certain’. Characters well done, I loved the detail in Mary Ann slowly falling in love the second time. Thoroughly enjoyable

[Chorlan Poniente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Price herself published on her blog my insights I've sent. Here are the links: (1) http://sarahpriceauthor.com/complimen...
(2) https://www.instagram.com/p/BXcD_LBgg...

[Marie Lutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely done retelling of the Austin novel. The author sticks very close to the original plot, which ultimately bored me. Maybe if Price had delved deeper into Amish culture I would have found the book more interesting. But there was really not much that was new.

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling, the author did a great job! Highly recommend!!

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I can't say that I'm in love with it. I felt that some parts lost my interest, while other parts kept me interested.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one that didn't disappoint! I REALLY liked this one!

[Teresa]

Curious how one gets by with this without being prosecuted for plagiarism?

[Linda Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great story! Loved it.

[Martha E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good take on the original story. Sarah Price is a very good author, and I plan to read other books by her. I enjoy Amish stories and she writes them well.

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 3 out of 5]

CW: Grief, references to statutory rape