3.5 rounded to 4

Good writing, but a difficult one to get into--it took me months to read. Persuasion is a tough book to translate to modern times, but I thought Edwards gave it her best shot. My problem was that both hero and heroine were stiff, their romance difficult to believe in. I sensed the authorial hands pushing them along from Austen's plot point to plot point, though how Edwards altered those for modern audience was intriguing. I also dont' really have much interest in the details of running a business. But other readers will find it charming, intelligent, and appealing, I'm sure.

Persuasion is one of my favorite books of all time and a beloved Austen work, so I was equal parts excited and terrified to read this modern retelling. It was pretty faithful and such a delight to read, so it gets my full stamp of approval as an Austen lover (books and adaptations).

This story would present a few hard moments to modernize, but somehow Melodie Edwards was able to do it with the help of a rogue Goose, a Taylor Swift playlist, an entire town’s codependency upon Anne and a deliciously modernized LETTER (iykyk).

I throughly enjoyed this take on Anne and Wentworth’s story and it brought me so many nostalgic feels while also absolutely standing on its own merits as a unique story of second chances at love and learning to set boundaries so you can thrive. It was swoon and inspiring and the cast of characters (as well as the setting) felt like something Austen would have absolutely approved of!

This was such a quiet gentle love, and I adore second chances and really really enjoyed reading this book. It took me some time to get used to the writing style because it felt a little Austen esque - but it was lovely all the same. I’m such a sucker for the feels that happen in second chance romance. The longing and pining and secret nods. This had it all. I feel so cozy and happy after reading it. And of course love a Jane Austen retelling.

I enjoyed this for the most part. I’m no Austen expert but I think it was a decent retelling. It was definitely clear to me that it was. The storyline was good and the characters were entertaining. Anne and Wentworth gave us pining and heartbreak but not quite to the level of the source material. Worth a read if you really love Persuasion but you aren’t really missing out if you skip it.

Read if you like:
🥈 Second Chance Romances
🥇First Loves
📚 Austen Retellings
🔥 Sloowwww burn
🚪 Closed Door Romances

I feel like in need to preface this in the fact that I have not read Persuasion and now that I’ve read a retelling of it, I am not sure it would be for me exactly with the super slow burn that was this second chance romance.

It kind of felt like all of a sudden we went from very little contact between the leads, to them being back in love after 8 years and clearly growing to be very different people than they were previously.

I feel like I wanted more current depth to their relationship and rekindling than we got, but I know to be true to the retelling the author kept with the plot device of the slow burn and keeping them apart, but unfortunately in a modern world I don’t think it worked as well for me as it would have in an Austen time period.

All that to say, I did enjoy the story, it just isn’t my new favorite and I truly loved this authors freshman debut so I think it was just that this particular retelling didn’t work for me because I don’t think Persuasion itself would be one I would enjoy as much as other Austen stories that I have loved.

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I thought this was okay but it didn’t wow me. I struggled at times to get through the inner monologues. Second chance is also a struggle for me so I wanted a little more development. I loved that it took place near where I am currently located.

Melodie Edwards puts a fresh spin on a Jane Austen classic in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. Edwards brings Anne and Wentworth to the modern era but keeps the original spirit alive in this story, and I was absolutely delighted.

Anne is all business all the time, having stepped into her late mother’s shoes seamlessly and taken on the role of town counselor and theater director. Between narcissistic family members, a sweet but loose cannon assistant, dramatic actors, demanding townspeople, and a chaotic neutral (possibly chaotic evil) goose, Anne’s time is constantly in demand. Then the new owners of her former home – Kellynch Winery – come to the theater and bring the past back to haunt her. The Fairchilds’ nephew is none other than Ben Wentworth, the man Anne dumped eight years ago after being persuaded he was a bad match.

If you’re familiar with Persuasion, you’ll see all of the high points of that novel reimagined in a new way. If you’ve never read Austen’s novel, don’t worry – you won’t be lost. Edwards makes this story and its characters stand on their own. I adored the romantic angst as Anne’s reunion with Ben makes her face the past and deal with the breakup she pushed out of mind for years. Anne has become someone she doesn’t entirely recognize and it was great to see her come into her own over the course of the story. Her hurt and loss over Ben are feelings she has to contend with as well, as is the jealousy at seeing him now successful, powerful, and seemingly indifferent to her. Though the story is told from Anne’s point of view, you can easily read Ben’s emotions like you can in the original. Edwards truly captures the heart of Persuasion in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy and her skill ensures I will definitely be on the lookout for more of her work.

I seem to be one of the few who have never read (or seen) Persuasion or if I did it was in high school, so long ago. So I went in a bit blind not having that reference.

I did enjoy Anne's friendships in the book. She also really handled her family which seemed to have been long overdue. I did enjoy her as a character and found her likeable.

I did not love her romance with Ben. I wished I had known more of their prior romance. They were influential in each other's lives and that something that was devastating was able to be turned into something amazing.

This book might have been more amazing to me if I had the Persuasion background.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.75/5
Low steam, angsty, second chance romance, slow burn contemporary romance with a significant amount of character growth arc which might push it into the "Women's Fiction" genre for some. This is a modern retelling of Persuasion (an Austen I haven't read, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment) set in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Anne Elliot is 32, a town councilor and director of the local theatre program and she is the type of person who takes care of everyone but herself. Supported by her assistant, Emmie, and her best friend, Vidya, she comes into her own and begins to set boundaries with her family. Ben Wentworth is her university boyfriend who she breaks up with because basically her mom thought he wasn't good enough for her but he comes back into her life as a finance guy who is serious and grown up. His aunt and uncle are main players who have moved into the town and they are lovely. The plot having to do with the winery and theatre company and developers coming into the town was a bit silly and solved pretty easily but I understand its purpose.

This is really cozy, character focused and sweet. If you love quirky small towns and characters and Austen, this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book.

Thank you @berkleypub for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.
#penguinrandomhousepartners

After reading this author’s previous retelling of JANE EYRE, I was eager to read this modern retelling of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION! Edwards does a brilliant job bringing Anne Elliot and Ben Wentworth into modern society.

Anne is charming, responsible, and professional as she takes over her late mother’s interests in a theater company in the small vacation town of Niagara on the Lake. Eight years after her breakup with Ben Wentworth, Anne has a circle of friends and acquaintances and appears to be doing quite well, in spite of managing her vain father and irresponsible sister.

Then, her family’s old estate and winery sells to Ben Wentworth’s aunt and uncle, and things start to change! Ben comes to town to protect their interests and it’s obvious that he still hasn’t forgiven Anne for their break up. Soon, he takes up with a young actress.

But somehow Anne and Ben keep running into each other and eventually discover they never stopped loving each other.

Edwards does a great job capturing the deep feelings and frustrations of Anne. The characters are well-developed and the modern storyline is quite enjoyable! I might like this one better than the original!

Read this if you enjoy:
*heartwarming stories
*small town romance
*second chance romance
*enemies to lovers

I am disappointed! It wasn't because it was bad it was actually pretty decent. I just love Melodie Edwards' first book and I wanted to love this as much as that. I do think that Edwards has a knack for faithful reimaginings of classics that still work well in the contemporary setting. I think her writing is phenomenal, this book is no exception to that.

We have Anne, a professional no-nonsense woman in charge of EVERYTHING. Her ex from years ago makes a reappearance in her small town forcing them back together to work on a project for her theater and his aunt and uncle's winery.

I loved the way Edwards preserves the integrity of Persuasion here with the character of Anne. She holds a lot of responsibility and because of her focus on her abundance of responsibility she is often ignored as a possible romantic prospect.

My main complaint is the pacing! I know that Edwards stays true to general arc of the original stories (most older romances like Bronte and Austen dotn have the couple together until the very end) but I think with the second chance romance here that doesn't work as well! Unfortunately, the lack of closeness between Anne and Ben for much of the story works against the quality. I am a particularly harsh critic of second chance romance so totally possible others will love this more despite my criticisms of the pacing!

Still looking out for everything Edwards does because I think she really is quite talented.

Oh, I just loved Once Persuaded, Twice Shy, a modern reimagining of Persuasion! It captured the essence of the original story, a classic second-chance romance, while bringing it into the present world and injecting some fun!

I immediately adored this version of Anne Elliot, smart, utterly capable, but also a little sad. Her father and sister treat her more like a servant, only acknowledging her when she’s useful to them. And her biggest mistake, breaking up with her first and only love, Ben Wentworth, is front and center in her mind as he’s back in town. Ben’s gorgeous, smart, and successful and seemingly unaffected by her presence. It hurts her heart every time she sees him.

It hurt my heart for Anne, especially when she has to witness him dating another woman, like the original. While I had the tendency to get upset with Ben over this, like I do every time I watch one of the many film adaptations of Persuasion, I have to remind myself that Anne broke it off with him, shattering his heart so of course he’s going to want her to think he’s happily moved on with his life. Also, he has no idea Anne regretted her decision, almost immediately after.

Anne and Ben are thrown together over and over, we see hints of Ben’s true feelings come out, indications that he may not be as indifferent to her as he’d like her to think. I enjoyed the situations Ms. Edwards came up with to bring them together, opportunities for Anne and Ben to see how much they still love each other. There were some fun hijinks brought on by a crazy resident goose, and an outspoken, no-filters kind of assistant and several quirky supporting characters. The setting, Niagara-on-the-Lake sounded magical, with its historic charm, it’s a place I now want to visit!

It filled my heart with joy to see Anne recapture her identity, set some boundaries, and get her HEA! A definite recommend!

PUB WEEK REVIEW: Modern Persuasion reimagining

Thank you #partners @kayepublicity @berkleyromance @berkleypub for my #gifted ebook widget and finished copy

For as many Austen retellings/reimaginings as I've read lately, one would assume I'm a massive Austen fan. But funnily enough, I still haven't read a single Jane Austen novel (please, don't throw stones). 🤪 Though I have really enjoyed all of these retellings, so maybe they've finally inspired me to read the originals.

I read Edwards' debut Jane & Edward around this time last year, and it ended up being one of my top romance novels of the whole year. So the second I caught wind of her sophomore novel, I knew I needed to read it ASAP!

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy
Melodie Edwards

📖 In the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the capable Anne Elliot reconnects with Ben Wentworth, the man whose heart she broke eight years ago.

💭 My favorite type of romance is the kind with a story seperate from - but coexisting with - the love story itself. I feel so much more invested when I really get to know the characters through their own struggles and triumphs. Edwards hits this nail right on the head! Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a dazzling combination of women's fiction and romance, with a loveable heroine who always puts herself last, and goes through tremendous growth on page. The romance is deliciously slow burn and wholesome. Add in the quirky side characters, small town charm, and the gentle exploration of heavier themes, this is a delightful follow up to Jane & Edward!

4.5 rounded to 5

📌 Available now

*Review posted to IG today*

Another retelling here for you! This time a retelling of Persuasion. With an absolutely gorgeous setting in Niagara-on-the-Lake the setting is as beautiful as the writing. While this was a retelling it stood out as its own story. I really enjoyed this one.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

In this modern reimagining of Persuasion, Anne Elliott lives in Niagra-on-the-Lake and is the executive director of a theater company. When a nearby winery is bought by her ex-boyfriend’s aunt and uncle, she realizes that she has not gotten over Ben Wentworth. A joint project between the winery and the theater company forces Anne and Ben to work together and face their complicated history and matters of the heart.

Second-chance romance and a forced working relationship are tropes that drive this story full of romantic angst, witty banter, pop culture references (Taylor Swift), complicated family, and colorful locals.

I appreciate a well-paced, multi-layered story with thoughtful themes. We meet Anne who is a competent professional, responsible community leader, and dutiful daughter but her personal life is lacking. Can she reconnect with her ex-boyfriend, help her dysfunctional father, be a competent leader in the community, strike a smart business deal, and continue to help the theater company flourish? Anne has a lot on her plate.

While I don’t gravitate toward retellings as a rule, Once Persuaded Twice Shy is engaging and well executed. It can also be enjoyed if you’ve never read Persuasion.

If you enjoy a reimagining of a classic and angsty second-chance romance, I can recommend Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. Book clubs might find interesting discussion topics (especially if members have read the classic). Content notes: scattered profanity and fade-to-black romance.

Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub @PenguinRandom #BerkleyBuddyReads for a complimentary e ARC of #OncePersuadedTwiceShy upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion, which happens to be my favorite Austen novel. It smartly retains the pillars of Austen’s material, wit, and themes while taking a different, modern slant on certain elements which serves to draw attention to different aspects of the characters. I particularly loved the autumnal, small-town Canadian setting that serves as a colorful character in itself, along with its resident menacing Goose.

One thing that comes across strongly is Anne’s growth and assertion of her independence in stages after Ben Wentworth comes back into her life. And, Wentworth’s pining and heartbreak is closely explored through moments and a few key scenes where he vocally shares his POV. While the story is completely from Anne’s POV, tiny details and moments of care serve to make Wentworth’s true affections *finally* known. I appreciate how the details of this story really make the deeper themes and dynamics shine, like Anne finding freedom and a new sense of self symbolized in her shopping for new shoes.

The romance is a slow burn as expected from Anne and Wentworth’s shared history which is revealed along the way. Wentworth 2.0, as I will call him, demonstrates his care of Anne with such wonderful, swoony gestures (like a heater! and quietly offering a car ride! and an oversized hoodie!). Like the classic novel, Anne’s family is atrocious, the Fairchilds (modern day Crofts) are endearing and charming, and the supporting cast (Anne’s friends) are –often hilariously– sources of wisdom.

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy retains all the pining and longing, with memories of an intimate rapport between Anne and Ben, that makes their finding a way back to each other sweeter. And like its inspiration material, Anne and Ben are better for each other thanks to the years between and the heartbreaks and growth both have experienced.

Content guide: the book does have closed door love scene, but it is handled in text as a tasteful lead up to the door closing (kissing and just a little more are hinted at before it fades to black). There is a medium amount of explicit language throughout, including some use of the f-word and a few instances of pairing God’s name with a swear word.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Here is my admission. Perhaps even a beige flag... I have never read Jane Austen. **gasp**

Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is a modern retelling of Persuasion by the much-esteemed Jane Austen. Melodie Edwards brings us a fabulous Anne Elliott that had me in her corner just cheering her on!

Anne Elliott is comfortable in her small Niagara-on-the-Lake hometown running the theater as the executive director and on the town council. Anne is headstrong and is there to take care of anyone and everyone even at the expense of her own time and happiness.

When Ben Wentworth, her old flame from eight years prior, is back in town helping is aunt and uncle get their newly purchased winery up and running; perhaps they both learn that the fire is still very much alive.

This story sits comfortably in the women's fiction category! There is definitely still a romance aspect to the story as well. Everyone loves a good second-chance, small-town, and enemies to lovers romance. And if nothing else, this retelling just forced me to purchase all the originals of Ms. Austen.

Jane Austen fans rejoice! Here is a modern retelling of Austen’s beloved novel, Persuasion. If you’ve never read Persuasion don’t fret! This is a second chance romance, small town setting full of great banter and some great angst.

🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦
🎭 𝙊𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙, 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙝𝙮 🎭
𝖬𝖾𝗅𝗈𝖽𝗂𝖾 𝖤𝖽𝗐𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗌
#BerkleyPartner

I love a good retelling, especially a Jane Austen one! This is a modern retelling of Persuasion. I really loved how the author modernized the conversation and banter, but it still felt true to Austen. I also felt like the characters resonated with the original in their clothes and mannerism that was a nod to the original.

A modern retelling of Austen’s Persuasion brings Anne and Ben back together after eight years. Anne, now a busy town councilor and theater director, faces old feelings when Ben re-enters her life through a joint project. As they confront their past, sparks fly, raising questions about second chances and a possible future together.

Read if you enjoy:

🔖 Jane Austen retellings
💕 Second Chance Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
🧲 Forced Proximity
🎶 Taylor Swift Playlist

Thank you to the follow for the eARC of this book!
@berkleyromance
@netgalley
@melodiewritersedwards

Included as a top pick in weekly February New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)