Having read and loved Sanctuary, I was eager to get my hands on An Unexpected Harvest, and once real life finally allowed time, I spent a couple of happy days immersed in this second offering from Cat Andrews. I have to say, I hate the 5-star rating system, because I’ve been sitting here trying to decide how to make my sentiments clear, and that system just doesn’t work for me. If Sanctuary was a clear 5-star experience in my opinion, An Unexpected Harvest would probably have to be a 4.75 or 4.85 in comparison. I thoroughly enjoyed it, will definitely read it again, don’t want to give it a 4 by any means, but Sanctuary edges it out in my JAFF heart by just a smidge!
So, saying all that, here’s what I LOVED:
1) Being taken home to New England! Just as with Sanctuary, Ms Andrews has done such a marvelous job describing Pemberley Farm and its environs that I literally felt I was there with the characters. Her locations become characters in their own right, and just as most Austen fans have a place in their heart for Austen’s Pemberley, I now have a little spot in mine for Pemberley Farm and its inhabitants, and I already plan to return there this winter as the book starts out just before Christmas. It will be on my December reading list for a happy second reading for sure!
2) The impressive job she did with this role reversal. It took me a minute to really sort out all the characters, not because they were hard to figure out or not well done, but because I read a lot of JAFF and so expect certain characters to be or say or do certain things. But once I finally got there and really embraced the characters swapping personalities, I realized she’d done a really great job of it! It even made me examine my own gender biases. Apparently, I’m much more tolerant of Darcy being the one to insult and speak without thinking than I am of Elizabeth doing it, and I had to laugh at myself for being so unforgiving of Elizabeth in the first half!
3) I loved being able to see Darcy surrounded by family for once. He’s always the character that is so alone, with just his sister and cousin really in his corner. I loved meeting all the members of the Darcy family in Cat’s story, and especially loved reading the scenes where the brothers interact with one another. They were very well done. I enjoyed them so much I actually wish we had gotten a little more time with Richard!
4) Her dialogue-heavy writing style. I really enjoy it. It keeps things moving even when she is taking her time examining a certain day or event.
5) This particular Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. It will stick with me for quite a while.
What I think you should know before reading:
1) If you haven’t read Sanctuary, but are a JAFF lover or just found this title because you love Austen and it is Austen-inspired, then you need to know that Ms Andrew’s books are not quick, light reads. She really takes her time developing the characters and gives you a deep dive into their day to day lives. It is Austen-inspired, not a retelling or variation on cannon, and could definitely stand on its own.
2) This is more a slice of life story than a heavily plot driven story. The first half is very similar to P&P as you watch how ODC struggles to overcome their first impressions of one another, but the second half of the book is very modern and deals with the very real consequences of two people from different worlds coming together to try and make a life together. It’s not the book to pick up when you are looking for something fluffy and light, or something with lots of twists and turns. This is the book you pick up when you want to fall in love with the characters and go spend some time in their world.
3) And finally, this is a mature story with plenty of steam to it. The inspiration it takes from P&P is the coming together of ODC, but puts them in a modern setting and shows them having a healthy, adult relationship. If that’s not your thing, if you love P&P strictly for Austen’s wit and social commentary, or you look for Austen-inspired reading that ends with a closed door, then this is not the story for you. Could some of the steamy scenes be skipped over? Probably. But the second half of the story is really all about watching their growing intimacy, and their passion for one another is a big part of that. It’s a look at the beauty of really finding the right person for you, and in my opinion, her take on their intimacy is very well done.
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
- KindlereaderReviewed in France on June 6, 2021
Unexpected? The twist, yes. The fact that is an wonderful book? Not so much....
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- CraftyhjReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2022
A long and satisfying journey
