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Retellings of Jane Austen novels could be their own section in the bookstore, adding a new shelf’s worth each year. Some are quite literal, others are barely recognizable and some are delicately perfect, capturing the spirit of Austen without sacrificing organic storytelling. Sonali Dev’s latest novel, Incense and Sensibility (William Morrow Paperbacks), continues her trademark fusion of sweeping drama, swoony romance and complicated families all while paying loving homage to the inspiration.

 Incense and Sensibility introduces us to Yash Raje, California gubernatorial candidate and member of the fiercely loyal and fabulously wealthy royal family (his father is teasingly called HRH behind his back by his children). When his bodyguard and friend is critically injured during a political rally, Yash is ridden with guilt and anxiety. To help, his family recruits the assistance of India Dashwood, yoga guru and close friend of Yash’s sister. What no one knows is this isn’t the first time Yash and India have met. 

 “I believe that to truly heal you have to treat the whole individual. Yoga is one part of that.”

“What’s the other part?”

“Understanding yourself as a human being.”

“You mean therapy.”

“I mean digging into your emotions. Understanding yourself, who you are, how you function. Taking yourself apart like a machine and finding the rusty parts and oiling them.”

A BELOVED CLASSIC TAKES SOME UNEXPECTED TURNS

A master of sweeping drama, Dev takes her time turning these characters inside out so the reader can feel every dip, twist and tender caress of Yash and India’s journey. Each past hurt and current trauma adds loving depth to each character, nudging them to their inevitable HEA. But don’t let that fool you, there are a lot of unexpected turns that draw out every drop of emotion. 

“He hadn’t said a word, but his presence was a hum in the air. Exactly like the breathing of a sleeping dragon in a fairy tale.”

Dev’s gorgeous writing weaves these complicated paths together with fresh imagery and sumptuous passion against modern politics, hate crimes and dark pasts that add real-world weight and stakes. 

If you enjoy your romances most when they contain as many tears as they do swoons, then grab a copy of Incense and Sensibility. The only pose you’ll need is the open book on your lap!


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Genre: Crime, Fiction, Romance
Amy Reichert

Amy E. Reichert, author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake; Luck, Love & Lemon Pie; The Simplicity of Cider; The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go and The Kindred Spirits Supper Club loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, volunteer baby snuggler, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library’s board of directors. She's a member of Tall Poppy Writers.

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