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Preludes: A Modern Persuasion Improvisation
A heartfelt and absorbing modern interpretation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
Eight years of heartache…
Anne Elliot is a successful composer, a shining light in the world of music. But her heart still aches for the man who left her eight years ago when she was persuaded to put her career above her heart.
Eight years of anger...
Fred Valore has found fame and glory as a brilliant orchestra conductor. He has studied in Europe, travelled the world, but cannot forget how Anne rejected him eight years ago. And now he’s coming home.
Suddenly, Fred and Anne are living in the same city again, and forced to work with each other. Old feelings are hard to ignore, but now Fred is waltzing about town with an attractive musician, and Anne has caught the eye of a handsome businessman.
When a whirlwind of misunderstandings gets in the way of a tentative reconnection, is their long-lost love doomed to remain a thing of the past? Or can they somehow find a path back to each other to make beautiful music once again?
~ ~ ~
Set in the vibrant and arts-loving city of Toronto, Canada, Preludes is perfect for Austenites and Contemporary Romance lovers alike.
This is a full-length novel of about 100,000 words.
The steam level is low, but the emotions are high.
Language usage is Canadian, and the spelling is UK English.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2022
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 19, 2024
A Contemporary Romance Set to the Familiar Tune of Jane Austen’s Persuasion
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Persuasion Modern Adaptation
THE PREMISE: Anne wouldn’t move to Europe for him; she was persuaded by her professor to stay in Toronto and finish her doctorate. Eight years later she is the new composer-in-residence for the National Philharmonic of Toronto, and the man who broke her heart eight years ago and is a celebrated and sought-after European maestro- Frederico Valore – was just appointed as principal conductor. Not only will Anne and Fred be forced to see each again, they will have to work closely together throughout the year.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Contemporary Persuasion: I am a big fan of Riana Everly and of contemporary Persuasion stories – so this is a win-win. This is actually the 28th modern adaptation of Persuasion I’ve read to date – I can never get enough!
- Toronto: I absolutely loved the world Riana Everly created in this story – both physically and musically. Toronto was an inspired setting for this story – it felt so vibrant and cultured. I loved following Anne in her day-to-day life as she navigated work, social engagements, and fun with friends all around this artsy city. I am now eager to plan my first visit there – I want to see the CN tower, explore all the ethnic districts, and listen to music everywhere! I just might make sure I don’t go during any winter months!
- The Music World: I loved seeing a story set in the world of music and musicians. It is a world I have a passing familiarity with (though not on such a sophisticated and elevated scale), and I loved being surrounded by music and witnessing all the forms of working musicians. Composer, conductor, symphony board member, professor, orchestra member, private instructor – Riana Everly skillfully gave little glimpses into all of these important roles and professions.
- The Music Descriptions: I really appreciated how the music being played or composed was described in this story. Riana Everly did a marvelous job finding articulate vocabulary and analogies to describe what readers could not hear. Such vivid and tangible descriptions can be understood by all – no matter their musical knowledge or skill. I especially loved the descriptions where the tones and moods of various instruments were being described as colors and seeing how moments in Anne’s compositions were inspired by nature and poetry.
- Character Tweaks and Interpretations: I love when modernized Austenesque feels like its own story instead of an updated version of the same plot points.Some characters were minimized, revamped, or completely missing. This made the story feel fresh, original, and unpredictable. I loved Anne’s time with her dear friends Sophia Croft and Jasmine Smith, I was intrigued to see Anne casually date board member William Barnett, and I appreciated the clever overhaul of Sir Walter Elliot’s and Penelope Clay’s characters.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- More Emotion: Even though we have expressive music and scenery being described in nearly every chapter, I felt there was one area I wanted to feel more and that was with Anne. At times she seemed a little bit too passive and sedate. In Jane Austen Persuasion we see how Anne feels emotions so powerfully albeit privately. But the reader is aware of her despondency, her turmoil, and her cherished hopes. In Preludes, I just didn’t feel that same depth of emotion with Anne.
CONCLUSION: Like a great symphonic work – Preludes is a well-crafted composition comprised of adept instrumentation harmoniously balanced, compelling themes and drama that inspire emotional connection, and impressive innovation that displays mastery in the art. This beautiful, lyrical, and evocative tale is not one to be missed!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Persuasion Modern Adaptation
THE PREMISE: Anne wouldn’t move to Europe for him; she was persuaded by her professor to stay in Toronto and finish her doctorate. Eight years later she is the new composer-in-residence for the National Philharmonic of Toronto, and the man who broke her heart eight years ago and is a celebrated and sought-after European maestro- Frederico Valore – was just appointed as principal conductor. Not only will Anne and Fred be forced to see each again, they will have to work closely together throughout the year.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Contemporary Persuasion: I am a big fan of Riana Everly and of contemporary Persuasion stories – so this is a win-win. This is actually the 28th modern adaptation of Persuasion I’ve read to date – I can never get enough!
- Toronto: I absolutely loved the world Riana Everly created in this story – both physically and musically. Toronto was an inspired setting for this story – it felt so vibrant and cultured. I loved following Anne in her day-to-day life as she navigated work, social engagements, and fun with friends all around this artsy city. I am now eager to plan my first visit there – I want to see the CN tower, explore all the ethnic districts, and listen to music everywhere! I just might make sure I don’t go during any winter months!
- The Music World: I loved seeing a story set in the world of music and musicians. It is a world I have a passing familiarity with (though not on such a sophisticated and elevated scale), and I loved being surrounded by music and witnessing all the forms of working musicians. Composer, conductor, symphony board member, professor, orchestra member, private instructor – Riana Everly skillfully gave little glimpses into all of these important roles and professions.
- The Music Descriptions: I really appreciated how the music being played or composed was described in this story. Riana Everly did a marvelous job finding articulate vocabulary and analogies to describe what readers could not hear. Such vivid and tangible descriptions can be understood by all – no matter their musical knowledge or skill. I especially loved the descriptions where the tones and moods of various instruments were being described as colors and seeing how moments in Anne’s compositions were inspired by nature and poetry.
- Character Tweaks and Interpretations: I love when modernized Austenesque feels like its own story instead of an updated version of the same plot points.Some characters were minimized, revamped, or completely missing. This made the story feel fresh, original, and unpredictable. I loved Anne’s time with her dear friends Sophia Croft and Jasmine Smith, I was intrigued to see Anne casually date board member William Barnett, and I appreciated the clever overhaul of Sir Walter Elliot’s and Penelope Clay’s characters.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- More Emotion: Even though we have expressive music and scenery being described in nearly every chapter, I felt there was one area I wanted to feel more and that was with Anne. At times she seemed a little bit too passive and sedate. In Jane Austen Persuasion we see how Anne feels emotions so powerfully albeit privately. But the reader is aware of her despondency, her turmoil, and her cherished hopes. In Preludes, I just didn’t feel that same depth of emotion with Anne.
CONCLUSION: Like a great symphonic work – Preludes is a well-crafted composition comprised of adept instrumentation harmoniously balanced, compelling themes and drama that inspire emotional connection, and impressive innovation that displays mastery in the art. This beautiful, lyrical, and evocative tale is not one to be missed!
Austenesque Reviews
October 11, 2022
Let the music play on
This modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion is set in the passionate world of classical music. Like the original Anne, the protagonist has never recovered from the loss of her love eight years before. After they separated, the former music students had achieved fame in their respective fields: she as a composer and he as a conductor. They are thrown together when he is hired to conduct the premiere performance of her first symphony.
As famous people, their private lives become fodder for internet gossip. They also face the interference of friends who aren't aware of their shared history. But like Anne's namesake in the Austen classic, she grows to become a confident woman who makes her own choices and forges a happy future.
Riana Everly is a professional musician who makes the acts of performance and composition accessible to the reader. Her vivid accounts of Toronto's diverse and vibrant cultural scene is an added plus. Even the minor characters are as carefully drawn as Austen's. This is a charming romantic novel with depth and insight. It's a worthy tribute to one of my favorite novels.
This modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion is set in the passionate world of classical music. Like the original Anne, the protagonist has never recovered from the loss of her love eight years before. After they separated, the former music students had achieved fame in their respective fields: she as a composer and he as a conductor. They are thrown together when he is hired to conduct the premiere performance of her first symphony.
As famous people, their private lives become fodder for internet gossip. They also face the interference of friends who aren't aware of their shared history. But like Anne's namesake in the Austen classic, she grows to become a confident woman who makes her own choices and forges a happy future.
Riana Everly is a professional musician who makes the acts of performance and composition accessible to the reader. Her vivid accounts of Toronto's diverse and vibrant cultural scene is an added plus. Even the minor characters are as carefully drawn as Austen's. This is a charming romantic novel with depth and insight. It's a worthy tribute to one of my favorite novels.
January 25, 2023
In Preludes, Riana Everly has masterfully brought Jane Austen's Persuasion into the modern world. She adeptly combined the romance with the world of orchestral music. Her vast knowledge of music and symphonies adds a beauty to the beloved story. For lovers of Jane Austen, who also love music, this read is a must. Poetry lovers will enjoy this as well, as Riana joins the two to create a beautiful romance.
Celia Martin
December 24, 2022
Modern take on Jane Austen classic
This was beautifully written and an interesting take on the Jane Austen classic. Set in the classical music world of modern day Toronto, our two main characters are successful musicians: Anne, a composer, and Fred, a conductor.
The retelling was faithful to the spirit of "Persuasion", but I wondered at times if the story suited a modern day setting. Anne came across as something of a doormat, which had me want to shout at her to get a backbone. Of course, she is that way in the Jane Austen original too, but the conventions and setting of the time makes it easier for us to accept it, while it's harder to do so with a modern day character.
One other thing that was missing for me was the sense of reversal of fortune which was in the original novel. In Austen's novel, Anne's position in society has fallen from the highly eligible daughter of a wealthy baronet to an impoverished spinster whose family have to move out of their ancestral home to make ends meet, while Frederick goes from being a nobody to a wealthy sea captain. In this modern retelling, that reversal of fortune isn't there as Anne is presented to us as a successful and famous composer.
But these are merely quibbles. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all Jane Austen fans.
This was beautifully written and an interesting take on the Jane Austen classic. Set in the classical music world of modern day Toronto, our two main characters are successful musicians: Anne, a composer, and Fred, a conductor.
The retelling was faithful to the spirit of "Persuasion", but I wondered at times if the story suited a modern day setting. Anne came across as something of a doormat, which had me want to shout at her to get a backbone. Of course, she is that way in the Jane Austen original too, but the conventions and setting of the time makes it easier for us to accept it, while it's harder to do so with a modern day character.
One other thing that was missing for me was the sense of reversal of fortune which was in the original novel. In Austen's novel, Anne's position in society has fallen from the highly eligible daughter of a wealthy baronet to an impoverished spinster whose family have to move out of their ancestral home to make ends meet, while Frederick goes from being a nobody to a wealthy sea captain. In this modern retelling, that reversal of fortune isn't there as Anne is presented to us as a successful and famous composer.
But these are merely quibbles. Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all Jane Austen fans.
June 10, 2023
Riana Everly brings Jane Austen's Persuasion bang up to date in this tale of retiring Dr Anne Elliot and international star Fred Valore who, after eight years of silence between them, must work together, she as composer in residence and he as the new principal conductor of the Toronto-based National Philharmonic Orchestra. Fred's return to their home-town coincides with the appearance on the scene of suave businessman, William Arnott and the return to Toronto of Ann's college friend, Jasmine. Soon Anne's diary is filled to capacity and she finds herself interacting with Fred not only musically but also socially. She enjoys working again with him, but cannot work out what, if anything, he feels for her. Meanwhile William is very assiduous in his attentions, but only up to a point.
Readers will share Anne's suspense as the plot unravels while lovers of Persuasion will gain added enjoyment for Everly's skillful retelling of the story, identifying characters and plot twists along the way. A perfect holiday read.
Readers will share Anne's suspense as the plot unravels while lovers of Persuasion will gain added enjoyment for Everly's skillful retelling of the story, identifying characters and plot twists along the way. A perfect holiday read.
October 24, 2022
This book made me realize I need a new shelf- will definitely read again.
I’ve only read one other book by this author because she doesn’t usually have her books in kindle unlimited. I wish she did.
This was one of the best, if not the best, modernizations of Persuasion that I’ve ever read.
There’s both humor and heartbreak. The names were cleverly updated- especially William Barnett.
The setting of Toronto came alive and made me want to go back.
A lot of the music stuff went over my head but musicians would especially love this.
I’ve only read one other book by this author because she doesn’t usually have her books in kindle unlimited. I wish she did.
This was one of the best, if not the best, modernizations of Persuasion that I’ve ever read.
There’s both humor and heartbreak. The names were cleverly updated- especially William Barnett.
The setting of Toronto came alive and made me want to go back.
A lot of the music stuff went over my head but musicians would especially love this.
December 12, 2022
This was a lovely book. It did seem a little slow going at first but it picked up toward the end and the ending was superb. It was fun to pick out the characters and situations from the original. The author's knowledge of music really shone through. Her musical descriptions were just beautiful. And speaking of beautiful the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I very much enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2022
Persuasion is nicely updated to modern times. I did wish to kick Fred pretty hard about a third of the way through, but this made the resolution that much sweeter. If you love Persuasion, Jane Austen, music, Toronto, or even just a good romance, I highly recommend this novel.
January 29, 2023
A lovely book. I think it has potential to be a more refined than usual holiday movie, romance, mixed messages and a lovely soundtrack.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews