Sanditon

So there I was, utterly crushed after Season 1 (and no, Season 2 & 3 did not provide me with any solace), and trying to find a happy ending for Sidney & Charlotte. I scoured the internet, purchased and read every version of Sandition, and also read every fanfiction that followed the show's storyline of these two characters. I'm happy to say after SO MUCH reading, I've finally found the perfect combination of the TWO books that will help my fellow brokenhearted Sidlotte devotees begin to heal a bit. You have to start with this one first, though honestly, it's pretty much just "fine" in terms of writing. It isn't amazing and the writer doesn't go much in depth into the characters. It's pretty much an exact screenplay of the show and ends the same way. What this book DOES provide are additional details here and there that weren't portrayed on the show, INCLUDING one additional detail at the end during Sidney and Charlotte's last moment together--a small gesture, that had it been included in the show, would've made their goodbye *slightly* less painful and slightly less "that's it?!", as it offered an additional tiny but emotional moment between the two... Afterward and more importantly, pick up or download "Sanditon: What Might Be" by Kristin Livingston! This version, I think, by far does the best job of continuing the story in a believable way, smoothly picks up right after Season 1 ends, and stays true to the timeline and storyline. It's heartfelt, great writing, with several meaningful moments between Sidney and Charlotte. Many of the other versions I've read have them upended in bizarre adventures, behaving somewhat erratically, or have turned Eliza Campion into a sociopath. This one is just LOVELY. It's what I imagined Season 2 could've realistically been: Sidney trying his best to honor his agreement as a gentleman/our misguided hero, Charlotte being sensible and full of resolve as our heroine, both completely still in love with the other. Eliza is terrible yes, but slightly more reasonable. Even young Stringer gets a happily ever after! Most importantly, Sidney & Charlotte get their happy ending and it's beautiful. If you're trying to put yourself back together after Season 1, I recommend following these steps. Your heart will still hurt but less than before and hopefully find solace in this happier conclusion. On an additional note, this is my recommendation for those that are strictly wanting to follow the show's storyline. If you just want to read a lovely (and probably a bit truer to Jane Austen's original intention for these characters) version of Sanditon, with a genial Sidney and even more logical Charlotte, I absolutely recommend "Sanditon Completed by Another Lady". Their moments together are joy-inducing and they still get their happily ever after. :)