Barbara Cornthwaite

As I began reading Much Ado About Persuasion I found the story difficult to stay interested in at times. With a member of the gentry determined to live above his means, a house party, and a lot of deception, and a fixation on revenge, this book seemed to move very slowly at times. At other times, I found myself caught up in the story.

I loved Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. I also appreciated the valet of the villain in this story. A former member of the gentry, he winds up committing acts of evil under the threat of being revealed as a criminal. A young widow provides the perfect match for the valet.

I am glad I continued reading this story so I found out how it ends. So if you enjoy Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing or Jane Austen’s Persuasion, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Jane Austen’s Persuasion brought together in one clever mashup. I love classic retellings! In this one, the author combines the plot from Much Ado About Nothing with the characters of Persuasion. While I definitely remember Persuasion, it’s been a while since I’ve read Shakespeare’s famous comedy or seen the movie, so I went into the story not knowing what to expect. It’s definitely a creative spin on these classics with more emphasis on secondary characters like Elizabeth, Admiral Baldwin, Mrs. Cray, and Mr. Elliot. Anne and Captain Wentworth are definitely present, but not solely the focus.

In this story, Sir Walter Elliot is enamored with the navy and invites several officers to stay at his estate. With two marriageable daughters, what’s more natural than to have them fall in love? Unfortunately, Elizabeth remembers Admiral Baldwin from London where he dashed her hopes. She’s developed a prideful personality as well as an acerbic tongue which she uses frequently on Admiral Baldwin. He’s stubborn and conceited, so they’re well matched. Could these two be tricked into love? Anne and Captain Wentworth immediately develop a rapport, but what happens when a conniving cousin threatens to tear them apart?

The characters of Persuasion fit nicely into this Shakespearean comedy. The author was able to stay true to Jane Austen’s vision while incorporating a different plot. The misunderstandings, plotting, and mischief as well as the romance drew me into the story. While I missed Anne’s pining for Wentworth and his heartfelt letter in the original Persuasion, there was still plenty to endear me to this altered version. Elizabeth and Mrs. Cray really become more sympathetic and well rounded and I was invested in them finding happiness. The author also subtly includes an enjoyable redemption theme in the story.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and am excited to read more. There’s a teaser at the end involving another Jane Austen character and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her. Recommend to fans of classic retellings, historical romance, and historical Christian romance/fiction. Thanks to CelebrateLit for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.… (plus d'informations)

I may be one of the few readers who are not familiar with Jane Austen and her books. Oh I have heard of them but never taken the time to actually give one a try. I felt like I would be at a disadvantage reading this story but the author welcomes readers with an ease into the world where many are fascinated by everything related to this part of well known stories.

It was entertaining to see how an author meshed two stories together and accomplish a journey with characters that I came to like. I kept thinking how prim and proper everyone seemed yet they each shared struggles along the way. I laughed when one of the women declared she would never marry. She did enjoy bantering with one particular man who for me made the story a bit more enticing.

I loved the historical feel of the story with undertones of guilt, redemption and happiness all put together in a delightful story. After reading this book, I have given myself a challenge. I will be reading books that are based on this story and know that I will find an admiration for this time period and the characters which I want to follow.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (plus d'informations)