For Austen adaptions there is a necessary balance between retelling and originality, and Belllezza and Harding have nailed that balance beautifully! Emma of 83rd Street was such a joy to read, and now Elizabeth of East Hampton has arrived and I am smitten! There is a reason why Elizabeth Bennett, and Fitzwilliam Darcy have such a hold over so many romance readers, their story is truly timeless. 
 
Retellings of Austen's works can so easily fall flat if that's all they are, retellings. What I love so much about this book is that it didn't just feel like Elizabeth and Darcy's story was plopped into the Hamptons, but rather their story was molded to fit the new setting and the new century (I adored the answering machine scene!). The characters - even with their modern day jobs and worries - still retained their personalities and and quirks that make them who they are. Mrs. Bennett is still as gossip hungry as ever, Charlie still as charming and love struck, and Lizzy and Darcy still as electric and messy (wink wink). 
 
Minor changes to events helped the story flow naturally through without seeming lazy or stilted, and also allowed for a fun tie in with Emma and George. There was even one change that I truly did not see coming (no spoilers, but I think you'll know it when you read it), yet after it happened I couldn't imagine this working as well any other way. So bravi to the authors, it's not often I'm so delightfully surprised by an adaption! 
 
Perfect for romance and Austen fans alike, Elizabeth of East Hampton is out August 6th!
 
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.