When I sat down to write this review, I was torn between what I loved and what frustrated me about Persuading Him. I did love the heroine, Anna. Everyone needs an Anna in their life, the woman who truly has a heart of gold, fiercely loyal, and would do anything for her friends and family. What made me cringe throughout the book was how Anna was treated by her family and how she took the abuse without fighting back. I wanted to scream into the pages for her to speak up, fight back, and not be in her head so much, which is another one of the complaints I had with this narrative. It made the book feel a lot more drawn out than I thought it should've been.

The plus of this book having so many details was the incredible character development, leaving the reader with no questions about any of the characters points of view or the motives behind their actions. Being a lover of the piano myself, I appreciated how the ivory keys brought Anna and her ex-boyfriend Rick together, and I loved the imagery of the scenery throughout the book.

As I read, I was craving to know Rick's side of the story, which is why I have already started reading Persuading Her, so I can finally hear his side of the story.

Despite my few complaints about Persuading Him, I enjoyed this re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion, and would recommend this book, and hope that in the continuation I will hear more of Anna's voice and fight for herself and her happiness. ( )

My absolute favorite Jane Austen book is Persuasion. There’s just something about a love that lasts through years of separation. So, of course, was thrilled to read this modern-day retelling.

Persuading Him follows the original well. Maybe a little too well because I was over Anne’s whiny younger sister Mary well before the book shifted out of that setting. Yes, Mary is the same way in Austen’s version—selfish and attention-seeking. But for some reason, it was more annoying in Keena Richins’ version.

Once Anne moved on from visiting her sister and carrying for her nephews, things got much better. Now Anne has more pressing issues to focus on and is beginning to stand up for herself. I would have loved to read more interaction between Rick and Anne (but again, Richins stays true to Austen in the interactions of the two main characters).

Not to worry, though, Richins has also written Persuading Her which is the same story from Rick’s perspective. Since I’ve always wondered what went on in Wentworth’s head, I will definitely be delving into this one soon.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )