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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
3.5 stars. I’m a sucker for the second chance romance trope. I loved the quirky characters and town. Melodie Edwards does a great job taking a classic and modernizing it. I like that historical elements were so important in the book, it felt like a Jane Austen world if Jane was alive and writing today.
For me while a fun read, it was a little long. And I think some flashbacks of Ben and Anne’s relationship before would have helped paint the chemistry between them more. We get brief descriptions but that was telling us not showing us. I liked both characters and I liked Anne’s growth from beginning to end with her standing up for herself. I wish she would have put Ben in his place a little bit more and then that could have led to a more emotional convo about what happened to them. There was no convo of them expressing to each other what they need to be different this time around. For how long this book was and my want for it to be shorter, I also needed it to be a little more complete for me to rate it higher. Still a good read that I’d recommend.
For me while a fun read, it was a little long. And I think some flashbacks of Ben and Anne’s relationship before would have helped paint the chemistry between them more. We get brief descriptions but that was telling us not showing us. I liked both characters and I liked Anne’s growth from beginning to end with her standing up for herself. I wish she would have put Ben in his place a little bit more and then that could have led to a more emotional convo about what happened to them. There was no convo of them expressing to each other what they need to be different this time around. For how long this book was and my want for it to be shorter, I also needed it to be a little more complete for me to rate it higher. Still a good read that I’d recommend.
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't love it as much as the original but I'm fairly happy that I read this modern retelling of Persuasion. I really liked Anne here - there was enough of her original self molded into a modern woman. Ben was acceptable as well.
My main issue was that the conflict was sure wrapped up quickly. And there was really no tension present in Ben and Anne's conversation about their breakup. I think this led to the pacing feeling a bit off as well.
All in all a fun vacation read. I'm interested in reading Edwards' retelling of Jane Eyre now, it's tough to take a beloved classic and translate it, which Edwards did well for the most part and I can tell she loves the original!
My main issue was that the conflict was sure wrapped up quickly. And there was really no tension present in Ben and Anne's conversation about their breakup. I think this led to the pacing feeling a bit off as well.
All in all a fun vacation read. I'm interested in reading Edwards' retelling of Jane Eyre now, it's tough to take a beloved classic and translate it, which Edwards did well for the most part and I can tell she loves the original!
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't know, it seems good overall, but I was rather bored
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Once Persuaded Twice Shy is the excellent modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. This time Anne is the executive director of the local theater and Wentworth is the nephew of the new owners of Kellynch Winery. Wentworth returns to the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake after finding success in the finance world and plans to help his aunt and uncle. Anne is unprepared to see her old flame and discovers she never truly got over him.
Melodie Edwards’ debut was one of my 2023 favorites and this one is just as perfect. I absolutely fell in love with Anne and Wentworth all over again. Yes, they are as frustrating as ever with their inability to communicate their feelings, but you cannot help but root for the two crazy kids. Edwards also gives us many Taylor Swift references, all the Fall vibes, an adorable town I want to live in, and just an overall cozy atmosphere. I remain obsessed.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
Once Persuaded Twice Shy is the excellent modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. This time Anne is the executive director of the local theater and Wentworth is the nephew of the new owners of Kellynch Winery. Wentworth returns to the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake after finding success in the finance world and plans to help his aunt and uncle. Anne is unprepared to see her old flame and discovers she never truly got over him.
Melodie Edwards’ debut was one of my 2023 favorites and this one is just as perfect. I absolutely fell in love with Anne and Wentworth all over again. Yes, they are as frustrating as ever with their inability to communicate their feelings, but you cannot help but root for the two crazy kids. Edwards also gives us many Taylor Swift references, all the Fall vibes, an adorable town I want to live in, and just an overall cozy atmosphere. I remain obsessed.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.