I have just recently re-discovered Jane Austen and have added her to my list of authors/titles that I carry with me
when visiting the used bookstore. It has been many a year since I have read Pride and Prejudice but I do remember I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with the book. When I had the chance to read A Match for Mary Bennet: Can a Serious Young Lady Ever Find Her Way to Love? by Eucharista Ward, O.S.F., I was excited and intrigued.
Mary is satisfied in watching her other sisters marry while she is left to pursue her love of books and music. Reserved and judgemental, Mary deems knowledge and piety as necessities, not a man. These ideas change as Mary observes her sisters marriages and suddenly finds herself in the company of two young men. One is wealthy and insistent of his love for Mary and his desire to marry but are his motives true? The other is a dedicated, kind clergyman who may only ever be a friend. Mary realizes God may actually include the union of herself and a man in holy matrimony for her master life plan. The turmoil then arises of which man to choose?
Author Eucharista Ward, O.S.F., is a Franciscan nun who has stayed true to the style and tone of Austen. She lovingly unfolds Mary’s tale for the reader, slowly developing and expanding the character. And for those Pride and Prejudice lovers, the Darcys, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh as well as other familiar names return and provides a sense of familiarity and “hominess”. The introduction of new characters is exciting and adds flavor to the story which allows this book and author to stand on their own. Both Austen lovers and those new to Austen’s works will thoroughly enjoy!!
Thank you to Danielle from Sourcebooks for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
I just recently read Austen and P&P for the frist time and loved it. It may be too soon for me to read a spin-off. Interesting that it was written by a nun.