Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As of today (February 27, 2024), Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is available to buy and read! And having read it myself, I can tell you it’s an absolute delight.
Known for Jane & Edward (a previous book club pick of ours), Edwards is back with a new reimagining – this time of Persuasion. And it is fantastic!
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If you loved Persuasion, or even if you love an excellent contemporary romance novel or Taylor Swift (the book includes a Swift playlist), this one is worth checking out. It stays true to Austen while putting a modern, believable spin on the classic story.
Expect to put the unique setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake on your travel bucket list, too!
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So, in celebration of the book’s release, we’re here to spotlight this new women’s fiction novel with the official description and author bio below. We hope you give the book a chance! Just be aware that the book has some swearing and mild implied sensuality.
ONCE PERSUADED, TWICE SHY: A MODERN REIMAGINING OF PERSUASION – OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION
This modern reimagining of Persuasion is full of witty banter, romantic angst, and compelling characters as it captures the heart of the classic Jane Austen novel.
When Anne Elliott broke up with Ben Wentworth, it seemed like the right thing to do . . . but now, eight years later, she’s not so sure.
In her scenic hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Anne is comfortable focusing on her successful career: filling her late mother’s shoes as town councilor and executive director of her theater company. She certainly keeps busy as the all-around wrangler of eccentric locals, self-centered family members, elaborate festivals, and the occasional attacking goose. But the more she tries to convince herself that her life is fine as is, the more it all feels like a show—and not nearly as good as the ones put on by her theater company. She’s the always responsible Anne, always taken for granted and cleaning up after other people, and the memories of happier times with Ben Wentworth still haunt her.
So when the nearby Kellynch Winery is bought by Ben’s aunt and uncle, Anne’s world is set ablaze as her old flame crashes back into her life—and it’s clear he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart. A joint project between the winery and Anne’s theater forces both Ben and Anne to confront their complicated history, and as they spend more time together, Anne can’t help but wonder if there might be hope for their future after all.
AUTHOR BIO – ABOUT MELODIE EDWARDS
Melodie Edwards is the author of Jane & Edward (Mar. 21, 2023) and Once Persuaded, Twice Shy (Feb. 27, 2024). She has a BA in English literature from the University of Toronto, a Master’s degree in communications from McMaster University and Syracuse University and studied comedy writing at the Second City Training Centre.
Her writing has been featured in Writer’s Digest, G160 Theatre Festival, the Austin Film Festival Playwright Competition, and the Hart House Drama Festival.
Official Website: MelodieEdwards.com
Instagram: @melodiewritesedwards
X (Formerly Twitter): @melodie_edward
Well, we hope we’ve piqued your interest in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. If you’re a fan of contemporary retellings of classic literature done well and Jane Austen, this one’s for you.
To buy the book, head on over to the official Penguin Random House page dedicated to Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards.
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