⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Book Review: Persuading the Captain by Rachel John; An Austen Inspired Romantic Comedy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Persuading the Captain is a a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion that’s equal parts heartwarming, charming, and refreshingly real. It’s part of Rachel John’s “An Austen Inspired Romantic Comedy” series, alongside titles like Engaging Mr. Darcy, Emma the Matchmaker, and Dashing into Disaster.
If you’re a Jane Austen fan—or simply love a good second-chance romance—then Rachel John’s Persuading the Captain belongs at the top of your TBR list.
This delightful novel offers a smart, contemporary take on Persuasion, one of Austen’s most tender and emotionally layered novels. But instead of Regency gowns and drawing rooms, we find ourselves in a lakeside cabin reunion with a relatable, grounded heroine and a swoon-worthy pilot who just won’t stay in the past.
Anne Elliot, once the quiet girl who always did what she was told, is now carving out a steady, if modest, life for herself in San Francisco. She babysits her sister’s kids, works in a dinosaur museum (yes, really!), and tries not to think about the biggest regret of her life: breaking off her engagement with Eric Wentworth. Eric, now a successful pilot, is suddenly back—and the awkward family vacation in neighboring cabins they’re both stuck in has never felt smaller.
🧑🤝🧑 Persuading the Captain Characters
to take a steady job at a dinosaur museum in San Francisco and babysit for her younger sister in exchange for room and board.
At a family reunion at a lakeside cabin, she unexpectedly reunites with Eric Wentworth, her ex‑fiancé who is now a pilot moving to the city she’s settled in. Both regret how things ended and have moved on, but circumstances bring them back together—and complications abound.
Supporting characters include Eric’s charismatic best friend Benneck and Anne’s quirky sisters, adding humor and light drama to the mix.
❤️ What I Love ❤️
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly Rachel John translates Austen’s classic themes of regret, resilience, and rekindled love into a modern setting without losing the emotional depth. Anne is thoughtful, witty, and learning how to stand on her own. Eric is guarded and emotionally sincere in a way that made me root for him from the moment he stepped onto the page.
The chemistry between them is palpable without ever being overdone, and their moments of reflection, frustration, and hope felt completely authentic. This is a clean romance that still delivers all the emotional payoff.
Rachel John’s writing is light, fast-paced, and laced with humor. The supporting cast, especially Anne’s dramatic sisters and Eric’s loyal best friend, adds just the right amount of comedy and chaos to balance the slow-burning heartache.
It’s an average-length read (perfect for a weekend escape!), but it never feels rushed. Every scene matters. Every moment counts. And by the final chapter, I was grinning with that satisfied warmth only the best second-chance romances can bring.
If you’re craving a story about forgiveness, rediscovery, and the kind of love that only gets stronger with time, Persuading the Captain is a must-read. Rachel John has done something truly lovely here, she’s given us a fresh Austen retelling that feels both timeless and totally her own.
Final Verdict: 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Perfect for fans of sweet romance, Austen-inspired fiction, and happily-ever-afters that feel earned and heartfelt.
Running into an old friend is less fun when he’s your ex-fiancé.
Anne Elliot knows a lot about making the best of a bad situation. Babysit her sister’s rowdy boys during their family vacation? Sure. While camping? Sounds great.
She’s a little less prepared when the hunky cabin neighbor everyone’s talking about turns out to be Eric Wentworth.
Eight years ago, Anne broke off their engagement, afraid they were too young. It was a decision she’s regretted ever since. But Eric seems fine, and even suggests they stop avoiding each other for the week and enjoy having mutual friends. That’s easy for him to say when Anne’s flirty sisters-in-law are so eager for his attention.
Eric Wentworth is not okay.
He’s sort of accidentally dating one of Anne’s relatives. He’s introduced his lovelorn best friend to Anne, and they’ve hit it off. Worst of all, they won’t be parting at the end of week like he thought.
Anne lives in the city he’s moving to, and cutting her out of his life is impossible when she’s everywhere he is. Especially in his thoughts. Always in his thoughts.
They swore they’d never give each other a second chance, but sometimes life has other plans…
Don’t miss this modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion with all the characters you know and love.
USA Today Bestselling Author Rachel John loves to read anything with romance or humor, and thinks the best books should combine the two. She’s found that writing is the best way to burn dinner. When not writing, she’s reading, drawing, driving kids to various locations, or attempting to revive her exercise habit. Come visit Rachel on her Facebook page or Instagram. She’d love to hear from you!
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See all of Rachel John’s books that I have reviewed.
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