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Eighteen years ago, Felicity Sutton made the biggest mistake of her life when she broke off her engagement to Jaylon Briggs. Her father had pointed out that a year after graduating high school Jay still didn’t have a steady job, a sure indication that he’d likely never amount to anything. So despite her love for the boy, she ended their relationship and headed to college—to a life that would finally make her father proud. Biggest. Mistake. Of. Her. Life.
After years of hard work, Jaylon Briggs now operates a multi-million dollar shipping enterprise. He’s poured everything into his business, and for what? It all means nothing without the woman he loves by his side, sharing a life together. Some days, he longs to be that teenage boy again. The one with only his beat-up old surf board headed to the beach in a borrowed car, his girl beside him.
Persuaded is a Southern romance loosely based on a Jane Austen classic that shows what can happen when we choose pleasing man over pleasing God.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2018

33 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Andrea Boyd

25 books265 followers
I wrote a short story for newsletter subscribers called John’s Fortune. Be sure to grab your free copy! https://dl.bookfunnel.com/68umkcxpkc

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Boyd.
Author 25 books265 followers
Read
April 26, 2018
When I began writing Persuaded, the main characters were set as they had already made an appearance in Irresistibly Yours. As their story began to unfold in my mind, I realized there were many similarities to Jane Austen's Persuasion- my favorite of her works. So I decided to use her story as an outline for my own. But this is Jaylon and Felicity's tale, not Captain Wentworth and Anne's. The setting is very Southern. Something else you will find is a continuation of Bo and Vivian's story. I hope you enjoy it!
Profile Image for Bhriv.
604 reviews27 followers
April 26, 2018
I've always enjoyed books by Boyd and Persuaded was not any different! Although I did struggle at the begining of it to figure out where I was in the series characters...if you have a challenge with that, don't give up because this is a worth the read...PLUS you may jump in and remember right where you are! It could have just been me! A great second chances book! You won't want to miss it! Loved it wasn't immature characters...Boyd knows how to give characters some age without making the mature reader feel old. :) Adored the ending, too!
I was given a ARC by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books159 followers
April 18, 2020
Modern variation of Persuasion

I was captivated by this well-adapted contemporary variation of Persuasion, it held my attention from start to finish.
The framework of Jane Austen's Persuasion was easily recognized in this different setting. I particularly liked the deliciously emotional parts with Jay wooing Starla in front of Felicity although he was oblivious to the fact himself.
Felicity was under the thumb of her father and selfish sisters. Her integrity eventually came forward and she showed her mettle.

Recommend

Rated: Chaste
10 reviews
April 26, 2018
Thus book has it all. Beautiful romance, great hero and heroine,villains you love to hate and a introspective look at life. A great read.
Profile Image for Pam Graber.
1,130 reviews42 followers
May 20, 2018
18 years ago, Felicity Sutton allowed her father to persuade her to dump her boyfriend, Jaylon Briggs, and "make something of herself". After all, it's obvious to anyone looking that Jay doesn't have any ambition, or he'd already have a job. Devastated, she makes the choice to please her father, and regrets the decision every. day. after. She gets that degree, works for that high powered firm, lives in the big city - but the only place she's ever been happy, or felt she belonged, was in Walden Beach, her hometown. When she gives up the job, to care for her father and take care of the family store, can she find the happiness she's been missing?

Jaylon Briggs grew up without a father, so he has no idea how fathers can influence their children - for both good and bad - until the love of his life, Felicity, dumps him, solely on her father's recommendation. Eighteen years later, he's the owner and operator of a multi-million dollar shipping enterprise. All his wealth has gotten him has been more work, and the attention of more women than he cares to think about, all who look straight past him to all the dollar signs in his bank account. The only woman he has ever wanted was Felicity, but she's moved on. Or, has she?

This is the first book I've read by Andrea Boyd - in spite of having several others on my Kindle - but it most assuredly won't be the last! By the end of this book, I was so invested in the characters, that I was fuming at her whole self-absorbed family, and cheering for Jay to sweep her away from all of them.

I read this in one afternoon, so it's a quick read, but oh. so. worth it! I kind of felt like I was watching one of those Saturday night Hallmark movies, as I read this. It was very romantic, with a lot of hilarity thrown in to keep things lively. There's even a villain or two! I definitely recommend!!

Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,360 reviews165 followers
May 18, 2018
"Caleigh tells me you are back to working in your dad's old shop again."

Eighteen years. It was a long time ago, when an hysterical Felicity Sutton broke off her engagement to the only man she ever loved. She possibly knew it then, but she definitely knows it now; it was the biggest mistake of her life. The boy, whom her father insisted would never amount to anything, is now a full-blooded millionaire, and Felicity is . . . . . . . . . barely making ends meet, even after successfully completing her college education. Contemplating the repercussions of their random conversation, Felicity senses that "the difficulty of seeing seeing each other again had been lessened even if her regrets had not".

Jaylon Briggs cannot believe what a beautiful woman Felicity Sutton turned out to be. Seeing her after so many years brought back a multitude of mixed emotions, for he cannot help but wonder what might have been, especially when a glimpse of sadness filled those gorgeous eyes. Just "what had he hoped to gain by seeing her again"?

"Persuaded" is a perfect example of misdirected love; two people allowing the push and pull of worldly expectations to over shadow the still small voice of truth within. It's a lovely addition to Andrea Boyd's "Walden Beach" series.

I received a digital copy of the book from the author. I also purchased a print copy. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Lila Diller.
Author 11 books47 followers
June 24, 2024
A very loose retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion. There were enough similarities to keep Austen in mind, but not so tight as to need to stick to every detail. Normally, I'm a stickler for the original, but this wouldn't have worked any closer.

In fact, there were already a couple of things that felt a little unbelievable, like Charity falling for a guy who had been ogling her sister. A few of the characters seemed one-dimensional, too, although there was a big enough cast that not all of them could be explored. I suppose several of Jane Austen's secondary characters weren't developed much more than that, either.

And I loved the light faith thread with Felicity trying to see Quinton as an unbeliever in need of grace and God's love.

Overall, it was cute with a sweet romance and a happy ending.

Favorite quotes:
“Jay had always been the type to fit right in with everyone he met, acting as if he had known them for years. He greeted people he hadn't seen in forever like no time had passed at all. Except for her.” (p. 119)

“'There is no time limit on love.'” (p. 153)

“...didn't he deserve to find love too? If it isn't going to be me, I at least hope he doesn't end up with someone I know.” (p. 262)

(I received a copy for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
128 reviews
May 1, 2018
This is book 2 in a series but could certainly be read as a stand alone.

Felicity and Jay were sweethearts in high school. She let her dad talk her into breaking up with Jay to go off to college. She's back home now having come home to help her dad run his store after a stroke. It's been 2 years but she continues to stay because her life after college wasn't as satisfying as she thought it would be. Her family takes advantage of her on a regular basis and she just lets them. Jay turned out to be much more successful than Felicity's dad ever dreamed but he is also discontent. When that happens, he comes home to visit his sister. He and Felicity awkwardly end up at several functions together and, as they spend time together, Jay begins to overcome his bitterness and Felicity longs to right the wrongs from the past. There is a huge development on Felicity's family front that is a major contributor to decisions that she makes. This novel is inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion. You will root for this couple for most of the book.

I did receive a copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Erica Eblin.
81 reviews
February 5, 2019
This series just keeps getting better!

The 2nd book in the Walden Beach series was even better than the 1st. Continuing with the theme of forgiveness and not being judgmental as well. The best part was the way the books both meshed together and the first just leads into the second. I loved getting to catch up with the characters from the first book. This one focused on Felicity and her relationship with Caleigh's brother Jaylon.

Interestingly enough when Jaylon is first introduced into the series you could feel the tension between the two. Yet there was no reason given up front for it. The author slowly let's the story unfold while allowing the reader to get to know the characters better.

I really love when a series plays out like this. Where the characters are the same, yet the focus is more on Felicity & Jay in the 2nd book. I look forward to reading the next book even though I know that it will have some sensitive subjects. I trust the way this author reveals this world from her imagination to approach everything in a positive way. Continuing with keeping God at the center of everything makes me happy to read this series.
Profile Image for Terry Silva.
414 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2021

WOW Andrea Boyd did it again. This book was so full of emotions. I loved every character well Quinton not so much. You can just feel all the love that Jaylon and Felicity have for each other. I don’t want to say too much but there were a couple of parts that had me bawling and a few parts that made me very angry and some that made me very happy. My husband always says when I get mad or cry or happy it must be a very good book and he is right this book was amazing. I keep thinking the book that I just finished is my favorite but then I read the next one and then it is my favorite. I have absolutely loved every book that I have read so far by Andrea Boyd she is one amazing author. I had the privilege of getting to talk to Andrea Boyd on messenger when I sent her a friend request and she is a very sweet and caring person. I just can’t say enough about her books, I just love her books so much, they make you want to be part of the community that she is writing about. I love the fact that you can just feel that God is apart of her writing. Great job Andrea.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,325 reviews74 followers
June 13, 2018
A stunning second book in the series following Irresistibly Yours. After I read the first book, I knew that the second book will be about Jaylon and Felicity. And, of course, I thought I knew how their story would play out. I was not expecting the depth and layers to their history nor the intensity of emotions involved in their seeing each other again. The book is well-written, the plot is cleverly crafted, their history is heart-breaking, and their romance is incredibly sweet. Jaylon and Felicity are so lovable and engaging that my heart bled when they suffered and danced when they made progress. And it was a bonus to see more of Bo and Vivian's story (Irresistibly Yours) through this book. Anyone who enjoys a well-written contemporary romance set in the South would love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
429 reviews17 followers
May 24, 2018
A good book and the second one in the series. We revisit some of the characters from Irresistibly Yours and I enjoyed learning a little more about them.
I really enjoyed reading Jaylon and Felicity’s story and that they are an older couple instead of just kids. I also liked that they had a past with each other because to me it made their story have more depth.
If you like a good romance with depth I think you will like this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Charlotte Dance.
206 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2019
After reading the first book in this series, I wanted to read this one. It was a worthy follow on. It is a modern take on the Jane Austen classic Persuasion. I enjoyed it. It isn't necessary to have read the other book first because the characters in this book are minor characters in the first book. However, it does make the setting so much richer. One decision can change the whole course of your life. What if you truly regret that decision and wish you could go back. This book will make you think and in many cases make you thankful for those supportive people in your life.
Profile Image for Marsha.
594 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2023
This was a fairly good story. I listened to the A.I.-narrated audiobook the author posted on YouTube. I think it would have been a better fit as "clean romance" as against "Christian romance." While the characters said they were Christian and there was no mention of sex, in my opinion, I expected a character arc that involves growth and development that is clearly Christ-centered. To be clear: there's nothing "unChristian" about the book, it just didn't have that spiritual maturing I would have wanted to see.
732 reviews
June 19, 2023
It's time to take a stand.

This story is filled with some quirky and selfish characters. It's sad when your own family fails to show love and respect even as you continue to love and serve them. The characters are interesting to watch as they don't seem to have a clue how selfish they really are. Then there's the couple who fell in love as teens but were torn apart and are now back in the same area and are struggling with the feelings that they haven't been able to get over. I enjoyed reading this book and think others will as well.
Profile Image for Velma.
206 reviews9 followers
June 27, 2018
Another great beach read in this series by Andrea Boyd! I enjoyed the story of Jay and Felicity and the journey they took back to finding each other after years of separation. The descriptions of Walden Beach left me longing for a trip there myself. I was also glad to get an "update" on the characters of Bo and Vivian from the first book in the series. I look forward to reading Izzy's story in book three of the series.
Profile Image for Abandoned   Asylum.
130 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2022
კარგი, საერთოდ *არაფერი* გასართობი სისულელე 🤭🌻

მმმ, ეს წიგნი გუასწაულის, რომ...

არა, არაფერს არ გვასწავლის.
ამერიკულია ალბათ, მაგრამ ასე მგონია, ქართველ ვითომ მორწმუნეებს გავაღიზიანებ ცუდი შეფასებით, ეს შეგრძნება არ მტოვებს 😅
შეგიძლიათ დამკლათ, იმიტომ რომ, აქ 3-4-ჯერ ღმერთის ხსენების გარდა ქრისტიანული და თბილი, ემოციური არაფერი არ არის. 🙅🏻‍♀️
ემოციის ნაპერწკლის ნატამალსაც ვერ გაგრძნობინებს. და ქრისტიანული და clean იმიტომ არის, რომ ს*ქსი არ ფიგურირებს ✨
628 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2024
Persuaded

My mom tried to convince me to stay behind after I married so my husband could go to our new home and job and get things settled before I came. I refused. I need to be there through the good and the bad. I know this person had just graduated high school and I'd graduated college. Difference in maturity levels. I was the oldest and she the middle. Enjoyed the story. As you see I could relate.
Profile Image for Paula Marie.
173 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2018
I truly enjoyed this novel, wonderful story of a couple in love who were separated for 18 years! Close knit families can truly cause havoc on a member who is always trying to please others and "do the right" thing!

Andrea Boyd brings everything together for a great story, even if you want to knock some sense into Felicity's sisters, lol!!
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,886 followers
July 5, 2019
Never have I fussed at characters in a book more than I did in Persuaded. Based loosely on Jane Austen's Persuasion, Andrea Boyd gives us characters you want to root for (hero and heroine) and others you cheerfully dislike (hello family drama).

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,944 reviews63 followers
August 16, 2019
Controlling father, manipulating and abusive family? Check. This book has them all.
Girl who keeps trying to get them to love her despite proving they don't treat her well?
Check.
Old boyfriend that hasn't lost the depth of character she loved? It has that too.
Good series. I felt it was a little light on some of the details of reality, but I did really enjoy it!
52 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2019
I plodded through this book for a book club; it was disappointing to say the least. It was loosely based on Persuasion by Jane Austen, but the characters were bland and the plot unrealistic. The abrupt ending was unfulfilling and felt like the author ran out of steam and just wrapped it up for a deadline.
Profile Image for Marilyn Cooley.
15 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2021
Such a good story

If only so much sadness wasn’t always present in these stories. Life is not that sad for most people. Thank God for the happy ending, i just had to skip about half the book to ignore all the negativism
505 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2019
Better than the first

I wasn’t terribly impressed by book one, but this was nice. A modern tale inspired by Persuasion. It was good but not great.
Profile Image for Dystopian Mayhem  .
683 reviews
March 2, 2023
The story is mainly about Felicity. I liked how her character developed, and the romance was nice too.
311 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2023
Fantastic.

I loved this work of a romantic Christian book. I'm off to read the next in this series.
I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Janet Martin.
569 reviews
Read
January 3, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. I had the book read in less than 2 days. Andrea Boyd draws the reader in and doesn't let him/her go.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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