Possibilities: The Austen Series

Debra White Smith
Harvest House Publishers (2006)
ISBN 0736908765
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (1/07)

I can’t remember if I’ve ever read “Persuasion,” the novel by Jane Austin that this contemporary version is based on. But I know I’ve seen various movies by the same title and most readers will be familiar with the storyline of two lovers pulled apart by demanding family members who think they know what’s best.

Allie is set to accept Frederick’s proposal until her meddling aunt convinces her that family, social class and the amount of money in one’s bank account are more important and that Frederick, the yardman, will never amount to anything. It seems that plantation families in Georgia still think they are all that! As the reader, I wanted to shake Allie by the shoulders and say “Wake up! Do what makes you happy.”

The story continues ten years into the future where, of course, Frederick and his family members have improved their standing in the community and Allies’ family is sinking fast. Both lovers continue to pine for each other relentlessly, but don’t realize how much until they meet again under interesting circumstances. The plot thickens as they say, and it seems that the two will never actually hook up despite their best efforts.

Each character introduced adds another layer to the story. Landon, Allie’s aunt, comes on strong with a thick Southern accent. I had to reread the first few pages to figure out what “fathah” was. Once I got it, the device blurred into the background as the story took over. Speaking of Allie’s father, Richard Elton, I could have kicked him for being so unaware of everything about his family, including his mounting debt. Allie’s sisters couldn’t have been more different than their practical, selflessly-devoted sister. Sarah serves the role of the cheerleading best friend to Allie’s suffering soul, when no one in her own family performs up to par. Several characters get in the way of Allie’s happiness and a few even try to swindle what’s left of the family fortune. You’ll enjoy meeting each of them.

I can’t imagine giving up someone I loved, but I suppose women do it all the time. Or they put up with other things, like bad marriages, for the good of others. Then there is the selfishness that some of the other characters display. I don’t want to give away the conclusion, but there is a scene on an airplane that twists the plot so tightly you can’t envision how Allie will come out on top.

I appreciate that although “Possibilities” is categorized in the Christian genre, it isn’t overly obvious when reading it. Values are discussed, but no one should feel uncomfortable if they don’t happen to be of any religious persuasion. Also listed in the romance category, it is not a Harlequin-type read with ripping bodices, but a contemporary, adult love story that is enjoyable. I stayed up late a few nights because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Evidently the author, Debra White Smith, has written a series of books based on Austen’s novels. I can’t wait to try another one. Maybe I’ll even take a look at the original novels instead of renting the DVDs.

Make comment on weblog