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Cat Andrews
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Sanctuary: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation: Volume 1 Kindle Edition

by Cat Andrews (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 211 ratings
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“Do you ever wish you had a second chance to meet someone again for the first time?”

When Elizabeth Bennet left her Massachusetts hometown two years ago and settled on Great Diamond Island, off the rocky coast of Maine, all she wanted was a fresh start, somewhere to forget a past full of heartbreak and trauma—a place that would allow her to rediscover herself and what it felt like to be happy.

Will Darcy is ready to leave the family drama and noise of New York City behind. He moves to Great Diamond Island in an effort to build a better life for himself and his young son Jack, hoping it will provide a quiet place for them to heal from their grief after a tremendous loss.

Elizabeth meets Will within moments of his setting foot on the island, but the handsome newcomer’s offhanded dismissal of her is anything but a “meet cute.” But as the days pass, Will’s chance encounters with the bright-eyed, pretty young woman—and Jack’s insistence on befriending her—cause Will to see Elizabeth, and himself, in a different light.

But as they draw closer and take tentative steps toward something more than friendship, will they be able to step outside the shadows of their pasts?

◆◆◆

Sanctuary is a contemporary love story inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but uses Austen’s characters only as a launching point; it is not a meticulous and faithful retelling of the original. It contains mature content and is intended for adult readers.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Sanctuary: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation
  2. Print length
    370 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    August 24, 2020
  6. File size
    3354 KB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I have only read the first book of this series, but already I feel such a strong appreciation and emotional attachment to these characters and their world. With Sanctuary, Cat Andrews has crafted a unique, stirring, and compelling Pride and Prejudice contemporary romance that is sure to enthrall and enchant readers!" 5 stars - Austenesque Reviews

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08GL2W7CM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nine Beaches Press (August 24, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 24, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3354 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1735240435
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 211 ratings

About the author

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Cat Andrews

Cat Andrews

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Cat Andrews has always been an avid reader, but didn’t discover Jane Austen until her love of a certain British actor led her to the BBC’s 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice, because she just had to know—why all the fuss over this Darcy guy? What followed her viewing of that glorious miniseries was an inhalation of and immediate fixation on all of Austen’s novels, though Pride and Prejudice remains her favorite (and that certain British actor will always be, to her, the quintessential Darcy).

Her discovery of Jane Austen Fan Fiction opened up a whole new world, and thus began her addiction, and months and months of sleep deprivation, as she immersed herself in JAFF. After reading a modern Pride and Prejudice variation that she fell in love with, she was inspired to begin a cautious but earnest foray into the world of writing.

In real life, Cat has spent thirty-plus years working in healthcare. She is a confirmed thalassophile and enjoys life on the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she grew up, fell in love with her own Mr. Darcy, and raised a family. More often than not, you can find her at the beach with a book in her hand and her toes in the sand.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
211 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

maj3776
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful and Engaging Modern Pride and Prejudice Inspired Love Story
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.

I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on a copy of Sanctuary just ahead of its release date, and this first volume of the story was delightful and engaging. I love all things Austen-inspired, but I tend to go through periods where I want a specific type of story. Sometimes I’m reading exclusively Regency titles, and then at other times I feel like changing things up and will stick with mostly moderns. I’m currently on a modern kick, so this story hit at just the right time. Add to that fact that Darcy is looking to spend the summer with his son on a beautiful island in Maine at the outset of the story, and the timing couldn’t be better for a charming late-summer read!

What I just LOVED about this story:
1) Of course, I have to start with the relationship between the protagonists. The care and the time that the author takes developing both their back stories and then their coming together made me extremely invested in their story, and I couldn’t wait to get to the next volume. The slow and tentative exploration of their feelings feels realistic in light of all Lizzy has gone through before the story begins, and you can’t help but fall in love with Will as he supports Lizzy and loves her through her fears.
2) How the island and the city of Portland almost become characters in the story. Andrews describes these places and develops each scene in such a way that you feel as if you are there in the moment with your favorite couple. Clearly the author has either spent time there and has a deep love for the area, or she did extensive research into the places she describes. I found myself looking them up just to see them for myself!
3) Will as a father. With all the Austen-inspired books I have read, I don’t think I’ve ever seen another author do such justice to that parental relationship. If the way he cares for Lizzy isn’t enough to get you to fall in love with him, the way he treats Jack definitely will be.
4) And finally, just the overall quality and excellence of the writing. Clearly the author has put her heart and soul into this story, and the result is beautifully emotional and compelling.

What I think you should know before reading:
1) First, this is not the story to pick up if you want a quick or light read. Sanctuary is the title you choose when you are looking to make strong connections with the characters, really spend time with them investing in their day-to-day moments, and feel like you’re saying goodbye to a dear friend when you reach the end.
2) Second, while the story is definitely Austen-inspired, it could definitely stand on its own, so if you are someone who likes an author to stick closely to cannon, this isn’t the story for you. The romance between the main characters is all you want it to be and more, but the author does take some liberties with the supporting cast.
3) This is an adult story set in modern times, and Lizzy has survived a traumatic first marriage. The beauty of this story is watching these two characters learn to love and trust one another, and that includes a healthy dose of physical intimacy. It is extremely tender and loving intimacy, rather beautifully depicted in my opinion, but there are those who read Austen and Austen-inspired work looking for something completely untouched by those types of scenes, and it should be made clear that this isn’t what this story is.
4) While the author does end the first volume on a bit of a cliff hanger, volume 2 should be out very shortly after volume 1, so don't let that deter you. I have actually enjoyed reading Sanctuary so much that I have gone ahead and ordered the paperback version today to add to my JAFF hard-copy collection, because I know I will revisit these characters again many times in the future like old friends.
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Huffer
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
Kudos to a new author for creative and wonderful writing! This is a modern day version, and to say it's a variation is a stretch, rather the author discloses up front that the original P&P is merely a reference. Our beloved Elizabeth here is an emotionally damaged woman, looking for healing and a new start after a couple of abusive relationships. Darcy is also healing from a personal tragedy, and is working on getting past a contentious relationship with his father and cousin. Both Elizabeth and Darcy leave their familiar surroundings and relocate to an island community in Maine, and this is where they meet.

I deducted a star because I'm not a fan of these books of more than one volume, particularly ones that don't stand alone. This book ends in the midst of a troubling situation, with nothing resolved, so if you like the story you absolutely must purchase the next installment. I prefer to have some closure on at least something, so that you can move on to the sequel at your leisure. Fortunately I liked the book enough to continue, otherwise the abrupt ending would have been even more annoying. I also thought that the book could have been shortened considerably by abbreviating the conversational interactions when they're nothing more than "Hi", "How are you?" , "I'm fine", etc. The long, drawn out interactions like these, particularly those of Darcy's son, Jack, just lengthened the book without adding anything of value.

The author is cleverly using an element of suspense, slowly peeling away the layers of backstory for both Elizabeth and Darcy, and it's clear that there are many very serious obstacles still to come. Elizabeth is divorced, Darcy is a widower with a young son, and they both carry a lot of baggage from their pasts. Many familiar names from P&P are introduced, and Wickham, Caroline Bingley, and Lydia are familiar problems.

The storyline is interesting and engaging, and the romance is lovely. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly, and look forward to the next installment.
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TheWanderer
5.0 out of 5 stars A modern JAFF favourite
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
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This is one of my favourite JAFF authors, and I re-read this series every year or so. I love that while characters are loosely inspired by Austen, there is a genuinely novel storyline to follow.
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Rhonda Stark
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly great love story!
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024
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Sanctuary is one of the most magnificent love stories in the world of Jane Austen fan fiction.
Elizabeth and Darcy meet after separately moving from a big city to a beautiful residential island off the coast of Maine.
Both need healing after a previous heartbreak. (Their backstory is both fascinating and dramatic.) They fall in love fast, but their love develops slowly in the most moving way possible.
All other P&P characters are equally well drawn. I adored all three volumes and found myself missing the characters when the books ended. This Darcy is one of my favorites ever written in JAFF. I highly recommend all three volumes and recently found myself rereading all three.
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Kelly Zed
5.0 out of 5 stars A Sanctuary for the Reader
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
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I. Love. This. Book. It is a fresh take on an old classic. The setting of Portland, Maine--and especially Great Diamond Island--are like a third central character to the story. As the reader, one feels transported to the local and can feel the magic of the area working on you.

That is not to say it's only an island getaway. There are plenty of backstories to delve into, each character more complex and nuanced than the next--even the villians contain more than two dimensions.

Highly recommend to any romance lover, Jane Austen fan, or someone who needs a vacation (in the time of Corona or otherwise).
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Top reviews from other countries

Carole in Canada
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Engaging!
Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2021
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Sanctuary: a place of refuge or safety

I tend to shy away from modern day stories of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. I like to escape the modern world not stay in it. However, in the past, I have read several modern stories that I have loved, so I took the plunge after seeing some wonderful reviews from trusted readers I know. I am so glad I did. I just finished the first volume of three and was blown away by it.

Elizabeth Bennet's life has spiraled out of control. When the unthinkable happens, she must find herself again. But to do so, she must gather her inner courage and start over, somewhere new.

"What do I do now?" (quote from the book)

Fitzwilliam Darcy's life has been struck by tragedy. He, too, must find a place that will help him heal and provide a level of normalcy for his young son, Jack. Somewhere outside the confines of his father's controlling ways.

"At the ripe old age of thirty, he was starting over." (quote from the book)

It is on Great Diamond Island off the coast of Portland, Maine, where their journeys converge. Where two 'wash-ashores' make first impressions, and one has to dig himself out of the hole he dug. I loved every minute of it!

"There was just something there, something in her eyes...something that drew him in." (quote from the book)

We have many familiar characters and some may be out of character or playing a different role. This added a unique spin to the story. One character had me thinking some choice words! But most of all, I loved being able to see the realistic growth and chemistry between Elizabeth and Will. And young Jack was just adorable.

"It feels like coming home." (quote from the book)

My emotions were engaged from the beginning...tears, laughter, anger. The story is poignant, hopeful and funny. The writing and dialogue came across so effortlessly to me. Maybe I am over simplifying, but it just flowed beautifully.

"That was more than a kiss. It had felt as though she was being consumed in a slow-burning fire, one that began as a small ember but steadily fanned to a bright blaze." (quote from the book)

I highly recommend the start of this three volume story. I even checked out Great Diamond Island and would love to stay there some day. I had been to Portland decades ago, so when life returns to some sort of normalcy again, I have a new place to visit!
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Kindlereader
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! (Goes for all three books)
Reviewed in France on May 1, 2021
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(comment for all three books)

I almost didn't read this... Started it twice and couldn't get over the first pages. I braced myself and... Third time, as always, was the charm.

I had to talk myself into continuing despite the two major taboos present in the beginning: Darcy is married (and married for love!) and not to Elizabeth! And Elizabeth is divorced (having been married to Collins)...
I don't consider this to be a spoiler as we learn very quickly that Darcy married - and has a son - with Anne De Bourgh and became a widower from the get go.

But this is it!
From this moment on, the story is only about Darcy and Elizabeth!

They have a rocky start - don't they always ? - and struggle against various hurdles (including themselves, of course) but their story is wonderfully told by the author who has a way with words!
I absolutely loved the almost continuous interaction between D&E - there is hardly a moment when they were not together!

I loved this Darcy and especially this Elizabeth (previous experience made her less prone to 'wilfully misunderstandings) and the new characters - among them Jack (Darcy's son) and Mr Darcy Dr, but not only.

The story lacks the usual vilains - Lady Catherine or Wickham (their names are used, but obviously not as one would expect) and has very different "col Fitzwilliam" - which is not a Colonel and has a very Wickham-ish behaviour! Actually he is the only really bad character in the story.

Personally I enjoyed the slow rythm of narration - thus 3 books! - as I never have enough of D & E, especially when they are exactly as I envision them and their love and passion for each other. Because, this is a very passioned and ardent love they share!

I could have gone on and on... Book 4 and 7 and 8....
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Debra Perrin
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous modern variation of Pride & Prejudice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
“Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.”

I first read this when it was on a FF site and adored it. Modern adaptations of Pride and Prejudice interests me so much. They don't need to be a re-telling of the original but set in the 21st century, instead, the author can take the characters and their personalities and develop their own story.

In this re-telling, Darcy is a widower with a young son and Elizabeth has just escaped an abusive marriage. They both live on Great Diamond Island on the East Coast of the USA. We learn about how they got there in the first chapters. In typical Darcy fashion, he offends Elizabeth on their first few meetings but the angst isn't high, it's realistic. They are both ready to start a new relationship but having being hurt and damaged previously, they take it extremely slow and cautiously. This means that the pace of their budding romance is slow but it's a slow burn rather than boring and I loved it. They take their time to enjoy the thrill of a new partner, holding hands and feeling the romance is done so beautifully without being corny or unrealistic. With Will Darcy having a young son, Lizzy has to get know him and therefore another side of Will which adds another dimension to the story.

This volume is all about Will and Lizzy getting together and it flows wonderfully. Towards the end, we meet Jane Bennet and Richard Fitzwilliam and the trouble begins...
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Diana
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2020
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Could not put it down. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Just the escape needed during these times. Thanks
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Marie
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly Captivating!
Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2020
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From the moment I began to read this modern, non-canon Pride and Prejudice variation, I knew in my gut that I was going to be completely occupied reading this book until I finished it. Cat Andrews is an outstanding writer, bringing the pages alive with a brilliant story, great dialogue, excellent character portrayals, and descriptive surroundings—in this case, Portland, Maine and Great Diamond Island.

In the opening pages of the Prologue, we get a glimpse into the lives of Will and Elizabeth who are being confronted with two difficult and different trials in life—one facing grief and the challenge of raising a five-year old son, the other divorce and deceit, and overcoming the effects of abuse. The story continues, as my favourite literary couple of all time meet and fall in love, despite the continuing trials they face together, and working out their individual struggles.

I was completely drawn in by these characters, so well portrayed. Darcy is a great Dad. His son, Jack, precocious and sweet. He’s especially adorable when correcting his father. Elizabeth is sensitive due to her past, and not the shrew she is often portrayed to be in many variations. Can she learn to trust again while some family members and so-called friends throw obstacles in the path of her relationship with Will (who is absolutely swoon worthy in this story, by the way)? Darcy is everything patient and kind towards Elizabeth while she works through tentative feelings towards intimacy. We are eventually introduced to the usual characters of P&P, as well as new ones. Two favourites may surprise you.

I simply cannot wait to read the second volume and highly recommend this one. I have no doubt I will read this again.

**I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
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