Once Persuaded, Twice Shy: A Modern Reimagining of Persuasion

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

"Jane Austen's Persuasion is beloved for its capable, introspective heroine and the quiet romantic who's been carrying a torch for her all these years . . . and Melodie Edwards delivers the same in her pitch-perfect modern retelling. Once Persuaded, Twice Shy will have you rooting for Anne tolearn to live her own life, reading everything into the tiniest interaction with the one-who-got-away Ben Wentworth, and cackling at the antics of a certain theater-loving goose. I loved it!"
Alicia Thompson, bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers

Smart, swoony and hilarious, Once Persuaded, Twice Shy was the Persuasion retelling I didnt know I needed. I fell in love with the brilliant Anne on page one and never looked back. Utterly charming!
Lynn Painter, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Wager

"Reading Melodie Edwards is the closest you can come to reading a modern-day Jane Austen. Fans of Austen will find Once Persuaded, Twice Shy a gorgeously romantic homage to one of historys best second-chance romances and most relatable protagonists. Edwards narrative voice is exquisite, her Anne Elliot(t) perfectly rendered, her Wentworth swoonworthy, and her small-town setting (Kellynch Hall exchanged for Kellynch Winery) a place youll ache to visit. This gem of a story is the Persuasion update we deserve."
Ashley Winstead, author of The Boyfriend Candidate

Melodie Edwards charmed me from start to finish with this fresh and original take on a classic tale. Once Persuaded, Twice Shy delighted me with its quirky-small-town hijinks, and the tension filled, slow burn second chance romance made me swoon. Readers will root for smart and selfless Anne to find her way back to Ben, the one who got away, and will cheer as she learns to draw boundaries with her family and take back her life.
Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV and Someone Just Like You

"Jane Austen meets Parks and Rec in this delightful second-chance romance overflowing with heart and small-town charm. With its wonderfully quirky cast of supporting characters, Melodie Edwards enchanting reimagining will have readers rooting for Anne to find herself as much as find her way back to Benand likely wanting to plan a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake! The perfect read to cozy up and fall in love with."
Holly James, author of The Dj Glitch

"With hilarious supporting characters and satisfying depth... Edwards remains true to the classic while deftly modernizing it, and I loved falling into this fresh, fun story about what happens when you regret letting The One get away."
Sierra Godfrey, author of The Second Chance Hotel

Praise for Jane & Edward

I adored this book! Jane & Edward is instantly captivating and utterly charming. I found myself smiling (sometimes through tears) from start to finish. This sexy, funny, razor-sharp rom-com is one of the best books Ive read all year. Melodie Edwards delivers a first-rate, modern take on the classic Jane Eyre, so deliciously romantic that Charlotte Bront herself would be dazzled.
Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

Razor sharp, wickedly funny, and touchingly poignant...This is an absolute must read!
Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading

"Melodie Edwards witty reimagining of Jane Eyre gives us a pitch-perfect protagonist whos somehow even more endearing than the original. Edwards elegant, slyly funny prose makes it so you cant help but cheer on the pragmatic Jane as she moves through the high-stakes worlds of corporate law and academia, learning to assert her value. Like any classic worth its salt, this book is brimming with heart, characters that stick with you, and smart, timeless insights about life and love."
Ashley Winstead, author of The Boyfriend Candidate

[T]ruly a masterpiece that will set the bar impossibly high for other future retellings.[A] beautifully heart-warming and enchanting story destined to be a comfort read for countless bookworms.
The Nerd Daily

A jaunty homage to the beloved classic novel.
Danielle Jackson, author of The Accidental Pinup

"Melodie Edwards delivers the Jane that weve all been dying fora thoroughly modern, pragmatic and droll heroine we can all adore. Set in the savagely funny ecosystem of a storied Toronto law firm, Jane & Edward is a sophisticated, sexy and hilarious retelling thatnails the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of workplace relationships and forging your own path in the world."
Jessica Martin, author of For the Love of the Bard

Masterfully weaves a layered love story between an irresistibly irritable hero and a spirited young woman finding her place. Exquisitely written and full of big emotions, this fresh take on timeless themes is both swoon-worthy and empowering. Just like its resilient heroine, this modern reimagining can stand firmly on its own.
Holly James, author of Nothing But The Truth

"Fans of Jane Eyre will enjoy spotting the Easter eggsMore importantly, the love story stays faithful to the original, with the addition of some spice... Edwards's debut is a retelling that will please both diehardBront devotees and contemporary romance readers."
Library Journal

"[P]erfect for Bront readers or anyone looking for a romance with depth."
Shelf Awareness

Author Bio

Melodie Edwards is the author of Jane & Edward. She has a BA from the University of Toronto, a masters degree from McMaster University and Syracuse University (2023), studied comedy writing at the Second City Training Centre, and works in communications.