Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility gets another makeover in this soapy romp. McDonald (Getting Over Garrett Delaney) sticks closely to the original plot, while bringing the story into the present. Teenage sisters Grace and Hallie get kicked out of their house, along with their artist mother, after the girls’ father dies intestate, and their father’s new wife, Portia, takes all of his money. Luckily, their mother has a wealthy TV producer cousin, who invites them to live in his Beverly Hills guesthouse. Shy, practical Grace says goodbye to her crush (Portia’s younger brother) and silently aches for him all summer; fiery aspiring actress Hallie snubs the young Iraq War veteran next door in favor of a sexy rising rock star, who rescues her from drowning. McDonald creates a jaunty melodrama filled with fun, if familiar, characters; third-person narration shifts focus between the sisters, who both feel the push and pull between reason and passion. Fans of the original will enjoy exploring the reimagined characters, relationships, and dramas, while readers uninitiated in Austen can still appreciate the spirited romantic ride. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)