I actually let out a cheer while reading Once Persuaded, Twice Shy.
I mean, it was a quiet cheer. Because it was 4am and my husband was asleep next to me. But, at a crucial moment in the book, a fist pump and a hissed “yes!” went up in honor of Anne Elliot.
What’s Once Persuaded, Twice Shy about?
Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is Melodie Edwards’ modern rom-com reimagining of Jane Austen’s famous novel Persuasion.
I’ve only read Persuasion once (and seen the Netflix movie version with Dakota Johnson once), but I really enjoyed the story of quiet, capable Anne Elliot, who’s persuaded by her family against marrying Ben Wentworth, the man she loves, only to discover she’s not over him when their paths cross again years later.
But, the big question is – is her jilted ex still in love with her, too?
How much of Persuasion is in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy?
It’s been awhile since I read Persuasion, so I’m a little fuzzy on the particulars of the story. But, from what I remember, Once Persuaded, Twice Shy sticks pretty close to the major plot points of the classic Austen story. Author Edwards throws in lots of contemporary, Hallmark-esque, rom-com flair to modernize the tale, and I think everything works together perfectly.
Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is full of hilarious, witty exchanges between friends and colleagues; small town antics with melodramatic actresses, wayward family members, and seasonal town events; and teasingly bittersweet interactions between Anne and Ben that fan the slow-burning flames of their rekindled romance.
And, for those of you who loved all the internal angst and emotional exploration that Persuasion is so famous for, rest assured that you’ll find plenty of that in this story, too. Once Persuaded, Twice Shy walks the line between rom-com and women’s fiction, making this story as much about Anne’s personal transformation as about her second chance at gone-but-not-forgotten love.
My favorite part of Once Persuaded, Twice Shy
I loved so many things about Once Persuaded, Twice Shy, but what really sold me are the characters, both main and supporting. Edwards did a great job with ushering Anne Elliot into the modern world. Anne in Persuasion didn’t strike me as having a huge personality, but Anne in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is her own person with both the admirable and woeful traits of her predecessor. She’s intelligent, careful, capable, and thoughtful — but she also needs to learn to stick up for herself and live her goddamn life the way she wants to.
Anne’s best friend and costume designer Vidya is full of snark, sass, and endless Taylor Swift playlists for helping Anne understand her (still) broken heart, and Anne’s assistant Emmie is a fireball who made me bark with laughter more times than I can count.
Professor Davis, whose work with the historical society weaves Regency era flair into the novel, and “Paranoid Paul,” who constantly worries about legalities and financials, are both excellent additions to the story. They don’t enter the story too frequently, but it’s always a treat when they do.
A special shout-out goes to Double-Oh-Goose, who damn near steals the entire story. Every book should feature a rambunctious goose who’s “just an asshole.” Shakespeare added dogs to his plays for comic relief; Edwards added Double-Oh-Goose. Brava.
And, let’s not forget Anne’s love interest, Ben. Ben Wentworth is the swooniest book-boyfriend I’ve encountered in a long time. His quiet, steadfast love for Anne Elliott is palpable, simmering just below the surface in every interaction. While this is mainly a “closed door” romance, you feel the heat behind every meaningful, searching glance Ben sends Anne’s way. **swoon** See? Told ya.
Should you read Once Persuaded, Twice Shy?
If you’re a Janeite, you absolutely need to read Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. This is probably one of the best modern retellings of a Jane Austen novel that I’ve found, and you don’t want to miss it. Our Jane would be proud of what Edwards has done with her often overlooked but marvelous masterpiece about second-chance romance.
If you’re looking for other Austen-inspired reads, pick up a copy of The Other Bennet Sister and The Jane Austen Diet, two of my other favorite homages to Jane’s novels.
Even if you’re not a Jane Austen fan (no one’s perfect), Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is sure to satisfy your craving for a feel-good rom-com set in a cozy, small town, much like Jenny Colgan’s Sunrise by the Sea or Louise Miller’s The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living.
What’s the book-inspired recipe for Once Persuaded, Twice Shy?
The book-inspired recipe for Once Persuaded, Twice Shy is Apple Butternut Squash Soup.
Although I received a complimentary advance copy of Once Persuaded, Twice Shy from Kaye Publicity, all opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
