Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel by Alice McVeigh is the fifth book in this author’s “Austenesque” stories and highlights the beautiful, recently widowed, twenty-year-old Marianne. Widowed at such a young age from a man she truly loved, Marianne was determined that she would not wed again. But, in Georgian society, where marriages were often alliances between estates or to shore up some gentleman’s wasted finances, Marianne’s return to London society was always going to provoke extreme interest amongst the elite and nobility. Among her many suitors is Henry Crawford, the man who had so cruelly treated her three summers previously and had abandoned her for no apparent reason. Marianne, though, must not allow these “gentlemen” to distract her from her primary task in London, that of protecting her young and vulnerable sixteen-year-old sister Margaret from the temptations and dangers of Georgian society and London’s less scrupulous characters. What evolves is a fascinating adventure full of romance, deceit, and danger.

Marianne is like a breath of fresh air in a literary world full of dark horror, war, and unspeakable crimes. I have always been a closet fan of Georgian romances and their farce and foppishness, and this story did not disappoint in any way. Author Alice McVeigh has done an extraordinary job of seamlessly melding characters from Austen’s novels into a superb Georgian melodrama of her own. That said, I can assure readers of the standalone nature of this novel and its unique authenticity as a work of the author’s imagination. I love that the female characters are strong, determined, educated, and prepared to make their own decisions as independent women, despite a patriarchal society that effectively treated women as chattels. I appreciated the subtle corollary the author drew between the treatment of slaves in the West Indies and that of women in England. The absolute double standards of men in society, as well as their foppishness and idle, wastrel lifestyles, are perfectly portrayed and are a counterpoint to the heroines of this story. The romance is ardent, sweet, and beautifully written. As an enormous fan of Georgian romance, I will be seeking out more of this talented author’s work. This is a wonderful, relaxing, and deeply rewarding read that I highly recommend.

Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel by Alice McVeigh follows the widowed Marianne Brandon, living in London society while managing her family and personal feelings. She meets Henry Crawford, who courts her persistently despite a tarnished reputation, and is repeatedly confronted by her former love, John Willoughby, whose past betrayal and ongoing feelings affect her life. Marianne attends to her sisters’ experiences—particularly Margaret, whose youthful misadventures, like a lace-accusation incident, require attention and protection. Marianne goes to concerts, theatres, auctions, and social gatherings, where she balances propriety, risk, and romantic developments. Willoughby deals with debt, obligation, and lingering attachment, while Crawford attempts to reconcile charm, social ambition, and sincere interest. Through these events, various scenes and journal entries overlap with social interactions, past grievances, romantic entanglements, and the effort to safeguard family and reputation.

Alice McVeigh’s Marianne: A Sense and Sensibility Sequel offers an enjoyable glimpse into Marianne Brandon’s life, filled with lively social interactions, conversations, and unexpected complications. From her visit to the newly reopened Vauxhall Gardens with Mrs. Jennings and the Middleton children to her private discussions with John Willoughby, the story takes us back to a single Marianne, and as a character, she is portrayed in moments of honesty, warmth, and gentle emotion, but also with the fiery strength we know she has. Willoughby’s candid talk about debts, propriety, and lingering feelings adds meaning to their meeting, while Henry Crawford’s presence is an interesting change. Marianne’s attention to her sister Margaret during a troubling shop incident that goes in the most horrible direction is spectacular. With smooth pacing and writing in the classic format and style, McVeigh delivers a sequel that is sure to please.