by Debra White Smith
Paperback - 312 pages
Harvest House Publishers; (August 2006)
ISBN: 0736908765
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As is usual, Ms. White maps the characters of her stories to those of Jane Austen although, I think that they would be easy to identify without her hints. The Eltons own a peach plantation in Atlanta and are a part of the Georgia landed aristocracy. But, because of the spendthrift ways of the family patriach, Richard, and his eldest daughter, Evelyn, they are facing bankruptcy. Landon Russ, the sister of Richard's late wife, happens upon Darren and Sophia Cosby who are wealthy and successful peach processors. The Cosbys would love to lease the plantation and save money by cutting out the middle man.
The action starts 10 years after the breakup of the second Elton daughter, Allison (Allie), and Sophia Cosby's brother, Frederick Wently. Allie has a master's degree in horticulture and would love to teach at the community college, but her father will not hear of it. Frederick, since the breakup has become an injured war hero and a successful private pilot. He comes to Atlanta to stay with his sister and brother-in-law. Macy, the youngest daughter, has married beneath her to Charlie Grove, Jr., the son of a wealthy septic business owner in Macon. They have twin boys. After the Eltons leave the plantation, Richard, Evelyn and her friend, Penny Clayton, engage a luxury condominium in Atlantic Beach and Allie goes to live in her sister Macy's guest house.Well, you know the rest of the story. All the Persuasion characters are present with easily recognizable personalities. Most of the incidents have been well updated. I think that it is fun to see how she has translated them to modern times. I really enjoyed this novel. I am sorry that all the novels have now been updated. Maybe the author will tackle Lady Susan.
I found this book to be a very pleasant read. I recommend that you give it a try.