Launch of Captain Wentworth: Home from the Sea – A Novella
I’m back! Today I am celebrating the release of my second Persuasion re-imagining: Captain Wentworth: Home From the Sea. What’s it about, you ask? Please allow me to share with you the text from the back jacket:
In 1806, Frederick Wentworth returned to the sea in hopes of leaving behind memories of his lost love, Anne Elliot of Kellynch Hall. After eight years serving as the captain of the Laconia, he had failed to jettison recollections of the only woman he could ever love, that is, until a shipboard accident robbed him of his memory. When he is once again thrown into Anne’s company, he knows nothing of their previous engagement. With the slate wiped clean, will Anne Elliot be able to secure the love of Captain Frederick Wentworth or will all opportunities to reclaim a lost love be denied her?
I love Persuasion. It wasn’t always so. It came on so gradually that I was in the middle of it before I knew it had begun. Sorry! That’s Pride and Prejudice. Seriously, Persuasion is now tied with P&P for my favorite Austen novel, and it did come on gradually because at first I wanted to shake Anne and tell her “to get a life,” which is why I wrote Anne Elliot: A New Beginning. I wanted to empower her so that she could stand up to her selfish relations and the conniving Mr. Elliot, and so I made her a long-distance runner. But then her quiet courage and dignity disarmed me just as it did Frederick Wentworth.
As part of the celebration, I am giving away two copies of the novella. All you have to do is (1) tell me what you love about Persuasion. You have my permission to go on and on. (2) Leave your e-mail address. No e-mail; no can win. This is really important! Giveaway ends November 8. Winner will be announced November 9. It is open world wide.
I hope you like the cover. It was designed by my daughter, Meg. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jakki for reading my story and providing lots and lots of comments that helped me immensely as well as tracking down all the questions marks I put in that don’t belong there. Now, let’s celebrate.
48 Responses to Launch of Captain Wentworth: Home from the Sea – A Novella
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Persuasion is a close second to P&P f0r me. Can’t wait to see what you’ve done with it!
Here is why I love Persuasion:
In the other big five Austen novels, there is always a moment when things look as if they won’t work out for the main couple– but then there is a sort of deus ex machine– and it does. In Persuasion, it is as if we had a pre novel with no deus ex machina, and we see the unhappy result. The novel begins with the unhappy result of previous actions, the way things happen in real life. Instead of a deus ex machina ending, Anne whose voice has “no weight” in the beginning of the novel wins her happiness by finding and asserting her voice.
Mary Ellen, Very well put. I love that Anne finally finds her voice.
Anne is a creeper. I wrote Persuasion fictions for many years, avoiding the heroine. I put her here and there when necessary, but never was able to get a fix on her with any certainty. Now, Anne tends to be more assertive in some ways than Frederick is. Or maybe it’s just because I listen more closely to her.
Good luck with the novella, Mary.
I love Persuasion because it reminds us that a first, true love will always remain with us. It is also my second favorite JA novel. My email address is …. oh wait, I can’t win, can I. Shucks! Congrats, Mary!
Persuasion has always been my second favorite Austen novel. Why? I have been sitting here trying to figure that out, and find it is not an easy task! If I have to put my finger on it, I guess it would have to be that they are truly in love – neither has moved on to another relationship no matter what happened in their lives while they were apart.
I’m looking forward to reading the novella.
Wendi, I think we like Persuasion b/c we can’t help but root for Anne.
So true! You can take me out of the contest – I couldn’t wait, lol.
Best of luck with this Fabulous book!
I hope anyone who enjoys Persuasion will pick up this book! And Meg did another fantastic job with the cover!! 
Thanks again, Jakki. You were great!
Congratulations on another book release. Fantastic cover as well.
Thanks, Kaydee.
Whoo Hoo!! Really, I Persuasion didn’t do much for me till I read Anne Elliot. I have a hard time separating my thoughts on h
For most of Persuasion, Anne Elliot is a door mat, but a nice, accomplished door mat. I think it’s hard not to wish her well, so we do.
I congratulate Meg on another beautiful cover!
Like you Mary, I gradually came to love Persuasion. I have spend a great deal of time wanting to kick sense into both Anne and Wentworth. But I just love Captain Wentworth. Although P&P will always be #1, on occassion Persuasion gives it a run for its money! I look forward to your novella.
Thanks, Becky. Wentworth could use a kick in the butt as well.
I will happily volunteer!!
cherringtonmb(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Ann lets the man she loves go so that he can succeed in his career. I admire the depth of her unselfishness. Persuasion and P&P vie for my favorite Austen novels. All the best in your success with your new work.
Anne is very unselfish. It’s hard to imagine waiting 8 years for anyone. We’re in tears if someone doesn’t respond to a text.
Congratulations Mary! You amaze me at what you are able to accomplish. Well done! Sell a million!
Sharon
To my fellow Austen Authors, Thank you for stopping by. Much appreciated.
Persuasion is in a three way tie with Pride and Prejudice and Emma.
I love each novel for many different reasons….
Anne, I love for her maturity, constancy, loyalty….sees more than Fredrick does of the obstacles they would face with an early marriage…mature enough to love him but let him go….And 8 years later she still loves him…once her heart is given it stays true….Loyalty to her family and Lady Russell is a trait I do admire, but wonder how she could stand by them for so long when she is the more intelligant of the family…again a true and loyal lady….
Frederick…is a true Austen hero…has his faults but overcomes them to win the love of his lady…
“Once her heart is given, it stays true.” I love it!
I jumped the gun and ordered the book last Friday. From looking (a bit obsessively) at the package tracker, I think it’s currently sitting in my mailbox, waiting for my return home from work. Yay!
There are far too little Persuasion stories out there, which is unfortunate, because I believe it’s Austen’s greatest love story.
Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel because it hinges so finely on complete despair and eternal bliss. There are so many moments that take my breath away (the gig, “no one is as capable as Anne”, meeting at Mollands… that LETTER). Anne’s quiet strength of character is what makes readers fall in love with her, and eventually makes Captain Wentworth realize he never stopped. She regrets her decision and is saddened by it, but she moves forward with her life as best she could. She never whines and cherishes being needed, even if it’s not acknowledged.
And Captain Wentworth is so dashing and emotional. He’s not the rich, handsome, Mr. Perfect. He’s flawed, sometimes cruel, and a bit moody. But he loves deeply, even when he doesn’t know it. He’s honerable, and when he pours his heart out, he’s all or nothing. And I’m a sucker for sea captains.
Amy, Please see comment below. Thanks for stopping by.
Amy, Please feel free to jump the gun anytime.
I love your description. Wentworth is flawed, even cruel, but we love him, and that LETTER!
Congratulations Mary on this wonderful new book that I have been anticipating since I heard whisperings of its existence.
After reading other blogs, other comments, and other Persuasion austenesques knowing what many people think of this novel, I feel a bit odd confessing my own thoughts. Generally speaking ‘Persuasion’ is not someone’s absolute fave and many times it is touted as being a more ‘mature’ novel and for a more ‘mature’ audience.
Unfortunately, I, at the age of twelve, did not get the memo. It is my favorite of her six novels with ‘Mansfield Park’ as my second (I know- touch in the head).
What I love about it is that it is based on the premise that love deepens as lovers grow.
I have always thought that their story had to happen this way that Austen wrote it. People are not static even if they live quiet, isolated lives. I truly believe that the lovers who could declare such words as ‘hoping longer when all hope is lost’ or ‘you pierce my soul’ were not the same lovers who met when they were younger and untried. Anne had to develop her own certainties and reliance on self as a naval wife has to possess especial in time of war and Wentworth really did need to go and achieve a level of pay that would sustain a gently bred wife at least comfortably.
And yes, I love the background of this novel including such excellently written secondary characters and the Naval influence.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I did take advantage of your offer to wax eloquent. (-;
“People are not static even if they live quiet, isolated lives. I truly believe that the lovers who could declare such words as ‘hoping longer when all hope is lost’ or ‘you pierce my soul’ were not the same lovers who met when they were younger and untried. Anne had to develop her own certainties and reliance on self as a naval wife has to possess especial in time of war and Wentworth really did need to go and achieve a level of pay that would sustain a gently bred wife at least comfortably.”
Sundee, This was beautifully stated. Although I’m pretty good at writing a story, I’m not terribly effective in analyzing why I care so much about a novel such as Persuasion. You hit the nail on the head. Thanks.
It’s Frederick’s letter to Anne that does it for me. It is simply the most beautiful love letter ever written.
Gayle
scmema@yahoo.com
Hi Gayle. Yes, the letter! I think we all imagine receiving a letter like that at some point in our lives. Thanks for stopping by.
I love the premise of the novella, with FW not remembering Anne. I’m thinking, poor Anne! Would it be worse to have him return and not remember you at all, or to have him return and you are unsure if he’s now just indifferent to you? (Does that even make sense? It’s been a long day.) Either way, I’m guessing she makes the most of her opportunity to pierce his soul again.
I guess what I take away from Persuasion is that it’s never too late for true love; that it’s worth waiting for (checking my watch…I’m still waiting…lol) And that things happen for a reason, the way they’re meant to, even if it takes 8 years to figure out the plan. Things had to happen the way they did and thankfully they didn’t move on and settle for less than the best.
And I love The Letter.
monicaperry00@gmail.com
The older I’ve grown, the more I appreciate this novel because it does show that “it’s never too late.” Thanks, Monica.
Congratulations, Mary!!!
I have already read Anne Elliot, A New Beginning. I know this is a different type of story but I can’t wait to read it. The cover is great as well!
Persuasion is such a wonderful book. There are lots of emotions involved in the novel. The man Anne loves comes back and she doesn’t know whether he loves her or not, she bears the pain. They both love each other deeply and they have been loyal. There is a feeling of regret for past actions but in the end there is a sense of joy and freedom that makes Anne a different woman. The best part of the novel is, undoubtedly, Captain Wentworth’s letter. Who could resist this love letter?
Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
My e-mail is: patperezmiguel@yahoo.com
HI Patricia. I agree that Anne evolves b/c of Wentworth’s love. That’s what makes this novel so special. Thanks for your comments.
i feel like Anne, as i’m still hoping & waiting for my love………
thank you for this giveaway…..
congrats to Mary & to her daughter on the lovely cover!!!!
cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com
When I first ‘met’ Jane Austen, I loved her for her novels. Her novels are wonderful, however, it is the author herself that holds my highest admiration. Same with Persuasion. When I first read P, I liked it well enough. Over time, the brilliance of the novel became clear. JA knew what this novel would do to us! I have to sit down when I think of her genius. I thank you for continuing this love story.
Congrats on the launch! I can’t wait to read this.
Persuasion is one of my favorite stories because of the romance. Both Anne and Frederick have been together and apart, through good times and bad, and their feelings for each other never change, no matter how much Wentworth wished they would. It is a story of hope and faithfulness. In some ways it is even more romantic than Pride and Prejudice.
liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi Mary,
Wow! I like this storyline, Captain Wentworth loses his memory. I look forward to reading it!
What I love about Persuasion is the letter. What can I say, it gets me every time I read it.
canapple7@cox.net
I was a late comer to Persuasion, but I definitely enjoyed it. Anne and Captain Wentworth were so worth rooting for!
It’s a lovely cover!
Persuasion is my favorite of Austen’s novels. I love P&P but the emotional depth in Persuasion really is something else. Darcy is fantasy; Wentworth is attainable. I’ve always wondered just how much of Austen there was in the story as it just feels very “honest”. Congrats on your release and thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
inddee@gmail.com
Thank you to all for your comments. I LOVED reading them. I really enjoy finding out what other people think about Austen’s masterpieces. Your responses were so heartfelt. This was so beneficial for me as an author AND reader.
Congratulations, Mary! You know I’m dying to read this one!
I love Persuasion for so many reasons, but mostly because Austen makes it so easy to fall in love with Wentworth…and that swoon-worthy letter!
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
Mary, Persuasion has always been my second Austen love, mostly due to Anne’s perseverance and steadfastness, and Wentworth’s quiet, though often reluctant, devotion to her. Anne hurt him greatly, so he wants to hurt her, too; except she loves him too well to resent him for it when they reunite. She’s so much stronger than many people give her credit for, and one of my favorite Austen heroines.
Congratulations, Mary – I hope you sell lots!
Best,
Susan
I love the letter, and I love that even when she believed him lost to her, she continued to love him, to follow his career and when he returned, just quietly snuck back into the forefront of Wentworth’s heart just by being herself. Don’t have to always be flash and glam to be noticed by the man that matters.
thx4praying@aol.com
Congratulations on your book! It sounds lovely and I’d love to have the chance to read it. What I like about Persuasion? I would say that I love its tone: quiet and subdued (like Anne herself who is one of my favourite characters) but not without hope and eventually romance.
faridamestek@yahoo.com
I too am a latecomer to Persuasion – I seem to relate to it better now that I have known true love and lost it. I love the faithfulness of thier love (something I wish for being the victim of an unfaithful husband) and I love that Wentworth’s love is so strong that he is able to forgive her and move forward following his heart ( ie put the hurt pride from being rejected aside and admit he needs her in his life).
Jaspurrkat at gmail dot com
Like you, Mary, Persuasion is tied with P&P as my favourite Jane Austen novel. I love it because it is unique as Anne is given a second chance at love. Not many people are given an opportunity to correct their mistakes especially if it involves a very important decision in life. And not forgetting Wentworth’s love letter which remains as the most romantic letter that I ever read.
evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
Congratulations Mary! I was excited when I saw you had a new one out when I was on here this week and instantly bought it for my Kindle. Loved the story! I won’t say anything specific for those who haven’t read it but I loved the it – read it straight through in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down! I always enjoy your stories as you have a great sense of tongue in cheek humor added to each of the stories. Keep up the great work!