As a HUGE lover of the Anne of Green Gables series, I was a little hesitant to try this book. I am so glad I did. It has enough to make you nostalgic for the original, yet is such a departure that it stands safely on its own. It was a really lovely and heart happy book.

It may be counterproductive to have read a modern retelling of a book I never read, but I knew enough about the original characters to give it a go. This was really cute. Nice romcom to add to a collection. The narrator was really good.

There were times I felt maybe this book didn't quite capture the energy and wit that is Anne, but that might have also just been the way the narrator of the audiobook I was listening to. Realistically I was going to love this book whether or not it was well written, I love anything Anne of Green Gables, and I love romances no matter how predictable they are. However I do feel this one did a good job of incorporating the keep elements of the original book but modernizing it. Overall a fun read, great for when you need a break from something more serious.

For such a big Anne of green gable fan, this book fell flat. I felt this was a re-write, not a different journey with like characters.

Trigger warning: sexual harassment

Let me first admit that I've never read Anne of Green Gables or seen any television or movie adaptation. Therefore, I cannot give you a fangirl's reaction, or even an informed one, to this updated version of Anne's story.

Anne was adopted by a family in Green Gables as a teenager and currently lives in Manhattan while studying for her Master's in Education. Her childhood friend Diana studies fashion at a nearby university.

The story flips back and forth between Anne's graduate studies in Manhattan and her years on the farm at Green Gables. Through the flashbacks, the reader sees the beginning of her friendship with Diana and the onset of her animosity towards Gilbert, who has returned to New York and haunts her. The narrator occasionally switches to Gilbert.

The romance between Anne and Gilbert is definitely adult, although the sex is not explicit. This update is definitely not for young readers.

Carly Robins is a good narrator who perfectly captures adolescent Anne's attitude and injects the story with emotion.

Recommended for fans of contemporary women's fiction and happily ever after romances, regardless of whether or not they're familiar with the original story.

Anne Shirley is one of my most favorite literary characters, & as such, I shouldn’t have picked up this retelling set in present day Manhattan. I will forgo scoring this novel, since it doesn’t seem fair to assign a number to a book I should have skipped. Somethings just can’t be improved upon, IMO. That said, Starler has skill and I’m sure “Anne of Manhattan” will find many fans of this modern retelling.
#Netgalley
#AnneofManhattan

This is the Anne of Green Gables modern day retelling I have been editing for! It was excellent. I really enjoyed the modern day twists especially Rachel and Marilla. What a delightful book! Now do Rilla!! The narrator was really terrific and I enjoyed her reading of this book.

A modern retelling of Anne of Green Gables. I haven’t read the original story in a long time, but from what I remember it’s the same story… with a few modern twists.

Anne has been moved from home to home, growing up in the foster care system; until one day, in her early teen years, she finds herself at Green Gables and is welcomed (even though the brother and sister wanted a boy). The book transitions from Anne’s past to present. Offering both Anne and Gilbert’s points of view.

In some books, having a MPOV helps the story. I don’t feel like that was the case with this story. You know how each character feels, so when conflicts arise, it just frustrates you off because you know they care about each other – there is never a question because it’s going through both of their heads! They just fail at communication, which I guess is one of the romance conundrums. Some of the arguments were petty and at times, they seemed way to mature for 24-year olds. I started teaching at 24 in a middle school, I found the students and their interactions somewhat unbelievable - especially for an after school program. The whole thing with the professor was rather irritating too. Why didn’t she speak up from the beginning? Anne seems to have a lot of issues and might need to sit down with a psychologist to work them out.

In regards to the audio, it was okay. The narrators voice was pleasant, but some of the voice changes were inconsistent. I would consider listening to another audiobook by this narrator.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio for this ARC. This book just wasn’t for me – story-wise. But I would consider suggesting to my book club for a discussion. It would be interesting to hear others points of view.