Nov 5, 2009

Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe


Willoughby's Return by Jane Odiwe reunites readers with Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Marianne's sisters Margaret and Elinor from Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen. 

"But three years of married life had done little to really change her.  Marianne still had an impetuous nature, she still retained a desire for impulse and enterprises undertaken on the spur of the moment."  (Page 3)

Truer words were never spoken about Marianne.  She is the same impetuous girl from Austen's book, even though she is married to Colonel Brandon and has a son, James.  Her husband, however, has obligations to his ward, the daughter of his deceased first love, and her child--a child she had with Marianne's first love, Mr. Willoughby.  Drama, drama, drama fills these pages, just as they filled Marianne's life in Ausen's work, but Odiwe adds her own flare to these characters.

Marianne continues to hide things from her husband no matter how innocent the situations may be and her jealousies drive her to make nearly scandalous decisions and snap judgments.  However, while this book is titled Willoughby's Return, he is more of a minor character and his storyline with Marianne looms from the sidelines as her younger sister Margaret and her beau Henry Lawrence take center stage.

"She watched two raindrops slide down the glass, one chasing the other but never quite catching up."  (Page 39)

Margaret is very like Marianne in that she is passionate, romantic, and impetuous.  She's opposed to marriage and Marianne's matchmaking until Margaret sets eyes on Henry Lawrence.  She falls head-over-heels for him, but Odiwe throws a number obstacles in their way.

Readers may soon notice some similarities between Henry Lawrence and Frank Churchill from Emma by Jane Austen, but the romance unravels differently for Henry and Margaret than it does from Frank and Emma.  Readers that enjoy Jane Austen's books and the recent spin-offs will enjoy Willoughby's Return -- a fast-paced, regency novel with a modern flair.


This is the 5th item I've completed for the Everything Austen Challenge 2009.  I'm one item away from meeting my goal, which will be coming up either later this month or in December.

Don't forget the Willoughby's Return giveaway, here.

Additionally, I would like to thank Jane Odiwe and Sourcebooks for sending me a free copy of Willoughby's Return for review.  Clicking on title links will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page, not purchase necessary.

12 comments:

Sandy Nawrot said...

From just looking at the cover, I am not sure I would have given this book a second look. But the plot sounds fascinating! I have yet to read S&S though. I think I would need to do that first!

Serena said...

Sandy: I'm not sure you really need to read Sense & Sensibility first, but it couldn't hurt!

Julie P. said...

This sounds like an interesting book! Way to go on almost completing the challenge.

Anna said...

You go girl! I'm behind in that challenge, but I'll be reading some Austen-ish stuff soon. ;)

It's been a while since I read S&S, but it seems as though I'll be able to follow this one.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

Julie: I thought it was 6 items. Ah well I have more items planned for that challenge.

Anna: You can do it. There is still time. You have my copy of Willoughby so get cracking.

bermudaonion said...

You're doing great with the challenge and it sounds like you're having fun with it too.

Laura Hartness said...

I'm surprised to read that Willoughby is more of a minor character than expected. Maybe it should have been titled "Marianne's Secrets" or something... I look forward to reading this one and seeing what you've talked about.

Shona said...

Sounds like the story is carried on well. Nice review. Hope u complete ur challenge soon

Jane Odiwe said...

Hi everyone! Thank you so much Serena for your gorgeous review and for the invite onto your blog!

I'll let you into a secret - my book was titled Mrs Brandon's Invitation originally, but I suppose it was felt that with Willoughby's name on the cover it might be more of a draw and everyone has heard of Willoughby, whereas not everyone would know of Marianne Brandon!

You don't have to have read S&S to read my book - I always make sure they are stand alone books. If you like Jane Austen or Regency stories, I hope you would enjoy Willoughby's Return!

Ladytink_534 said...

I just love this cover. Sounds like an interesting read!

DCMetroreader said...

This sounds like it would be great to read with a book group.

Anonymous said...

I have often wondered how Marianne might feel dealing with Willoughby's son. Add in the relation to her husband's first love, that is some interesting drama indeed.

Congrats on your challenge progress!