Starler, Brina. Anne of Manhattan. William Morrow, 2021. ISBN 978-0063020740 336 pp. $15.99

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In this updated and modern twist on the romance of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe of the Anne of Green Gables series fame, Anne and Gilbert had a moment in high school that went nowhere, followed by a simmering awareness, and are now forced into proximity, assigned to work together at Redmond College on a project to complete their theses and degrees. The two find they do work well together, but as in the original novels, misunderstandings and assumptions thwart their friendship until, as in Anne of the Island, Gilbert falls ill and Anne is forced to face her feelings in the wake of pending loss.

Familiar characters appear; the old farm is now a winery; the characterizations feel spot on from my recollections. A subplot of inappropriate advances from their shared professor adds to the drama. Strong appeal for fans of the original series.

I received an advance reader’s review copy of #AnneOfManhattan via #NetGalley