Margaret Dashwood gets her day in the sun in this tropical contemporary spin on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.Five years ago, trauma shook the Dashwood sisters when the death of their father was compounded by one sister's heartbreak-fueled car crash. In the time since, eldest sister Elinor and middle sister Marianne have each seemingly achieved their own versions of happily-ever-after, leaving Margaret, who's now 18, to carve a niche for herself from the disparate examples they've set. Still deeply affected by the frightening events of their family history, the youngest Dashwood has hewed closely to Elinor's sensible example, repressing the giddier, more romantic impulses she associates with "tornado of chaos and energy" Marianne. Joining Elinor and her husband on a Caribbean cruise over the summer before college, Margaret has plans for a drama-free, romance-free vacation-until Marianne's unexpected arrival throws a wrench in the works. Add to that Gabe Monteiro, a frustratingly handsome young crew member, and Margaret's careful boundaries blow away with the salty breeze. Quain moves the story along with ease and charm, spinning a tale that's as much about the love between sisters as the intrigues of unexpected romance. Characters and key themes maintain the Austen connection, but Margaret's journey of healing from trauma and accepting herself is a Quain original. The Dashwoods are cued white; Gabe is Brazilian American.Warm and witty. (Fiction. 13-18)

Gr 9 Up —A fun, light retelling of Sense and Sensibility . Margaret Dashwood doesn't do love after it wreaked havoc on her family years ago. It's especially hard to separate love from her life with her hopeless romantic sister Marianne going on and on about it. Fortunately, Margaret's older sister Elinor invites her on a summer cruise to separate herself from the drama that is Marianne. Soon, heartbroken again, Marianne crashes the cruise trip much to the sisters' chagrin. Soon, Elinor's husband and a cute crew member are enlisted to help distract Marianne. As the cruise is underway, Margaret will have to wrestle with the idea of changing her life's images about love, or staying the course. And, maybe she will find love after all. Even those who aren't Austen fans will appreciate this fun retelling set on a cruise ship. The characters are relatable, fun, and quirky. Readers are able to see the relationship growth between the sisters, which is endearing. The writing is accessible and easy to jump back into, and great for readers seeking a lighthearted rom-com. VERDICT Perfect as a summer read and for fans of Jane Austen.—Maeve Dodds