Book Review: The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Patillo

Book Description:

Following Jane Austen Ruined My Life and Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart, Beth Pattillo returns with her new novel. Inspired by Sense and Sensibility, The Dashwood Sisters Tell All follows two modern-day sisters as they set out on a walking tour of Jane Austen's England and uncover what might actually be Jane's long-lost diary.


Ellen and Mimi Dodge have never been close, but their mother's dying wish sends them on a walking tour of Hampshire, England, that follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Their mother also left them something else: a diary that belonged to Jane's sister Cassandra. These pages shed light on the secrets that nearly tore the Austen sisters apart and inspired one of the greatest love stories of all time. They also bring Jane to life in a way that no one has ever seen before: through the eyes of her sister. As the Dodge sisters embark on their walking tour, they too are drawn together in ways they never expected. They also discover that Cassandra's diary holds secrets, and someone doesn't want Ellen and Mimi to discover the truth. As they stumble on their way toward love, the women learn how Jane and Cassandra Austen inspired the original Marianne and Elinor Dashwood and come to realize that despite their very different personalities, they are a vital part of each other's happy endings.

My thoughts:
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Patillo is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility.  I think what makes The Dashwood Sisters Tell All so much fun is the mystery of Cassandra's diary and what it ultimately reveals to Mimi and Ellen. While I found their love stories a little shallow, I did enjoy watching Mimi and Ellen discover that their differences didn't have to hinder their relationship, but rather enhance each other in ways they don't expect. If you love Jane Austen, The Dashwood Sisters Tell All will be a delightful read and don't be surprised if you pick up Sense and Sensibility when you are finished!