I can highly recommend Shelagh Watkins’ debut novel, Power of Persuasion.

Not only is the premise intriguing, but the easy narrative style makes for an enjoyable and fascinating read.

When F William D’Arcy, columnist and film critic for the Sunday Guardian, writes a provocative critique of an adaption of one of Jane Austen’s novels, Beth Durban feels duty bound to respond. However, her letter sets in motion a chain of events that will change her life forever.

Fiercely independent, Beth leads an interesting, and busy life, travelling all over the world attending academic conferences and visiting friends. On her way home from work one evening, Beth calls into the local supermarket, and becomes aware of a fair-haired man following her. The man turns out to be none other than F William D’Arcy. Beth finds his attention unwelcome, especially as she is undergoing pulse dyed laser treatment for a prominent facial birthmark, and spends most of her time behind dark glasses regardless of whether she is indoors or out.

With the laser treatment successfully completed, Beth and D’Arcy’s paths continue to cross until she begins to see him almost weekly. Is it a coincidence, or has D’Arcy sent an army of his minions to spy on her?

When a work colleague offers to teach her to drive Beth fails to realise that he might have an ulterior motive for doing so. Shortly after passing her test Beth embarks on a shopping trip and encounters D’Arcy. This time the tables are turned and she follows him. To find out what happens next you’ll have to read the book!

Written completely from Beth’s point of view, the reader is quickly drawn into her world.

Power of Persuasion is spellbinding read! ( )