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Review: Not So Very Sensible - The Silver Teapot #3

Not So Very Sensible book cover on blue background

If you've been awaiting a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility, then Not So Very Sensible, the third book in The Silver Teapot series by Carolyn Miller will have you excited to see how Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon appear on the page.

Obviously, the real stars are Elinor and Katie Bennett and in seeing how they handle their hearts in this sweet romance that explores sisterly relationships and discernment. This book releases on October 1, 2026, and it's one that I have already pre-ordered!

Many thanks to the author, Barbour Books, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Two Sisters Navigate the Minefield of Modern Dating

Elinor and Katie Bennett are as opposite as sisters can be: Elinor loves structure, planning and design, while Katie’s head is in the clouds as she chases fanciful, romantic dreams. A college graduation trip to the Blue Mountains sees them staying at the Hydro Grand hotel for a murder mystery weekend. There, they end up meeting two men who just might hold the keys to their hearts―taking the sensible Elinor Bennett by surprise while crushing the romantic Katie’s hopes. . .and proving that the path of love doesn’t always follow one's plans or dreams.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Talk about a visceral experience of heartbreak on the page! Reading this book is like stepping into the middle of Elinor Dashwood's mind when she must swallow her feelings about Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility, except that we can also catch just how trapped Edward feels in his romantic entanglements. With Ellie Bennett and Ethan Ferris representing these famed characters, Carolyn Miller breathes life into the complex circumstances these two face in their lives, ministry work, family dynamics, and stirrings of the heart. It's ultimately a case of where good intentions can still lead us astray when we take matters into our own hands instead of fully entrusting them to God, especially in Ethan's case.

Filled with plausible modern-day scenarios leading to ghosting and misunderstandings, it's completely believable that Ellie and Katie both face Willoughby-esque experiences. Getting to read about two sisters in this story and just how they contrast with each other, we can appreciate the differences in personality that God grants us with. Whereas many can relate to Ellie and her sensible manners, Katie's big emotions and transparency reveals how there is room for love to be visibly demonstrated as well, notably among trusted family members. Readers who are fans of Jane Austen will love uncovering all of the gems tucked into Not So Very Sensible, where God's heart for His children is on palpable display.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

"God, I need You." He closed his eyes, drew in a frustrated breath, and slowly exhaled. His dad might be controlling and manipulative, but his heavenly Father always had Ethan's best in mind. Which meant Ethan could give his situation to Him and trust Him to give Ethan wisdom for what lay ahead. Lord, I don't want to end up doing something if it's not what You want. Give me wisdom and peace and strength for all that lies ahead. And Lord, if there's some way You can change Lucinda's mind and get her to stop fixating on me, that would be awesome....

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