First and foremost, I'm a reader. At
my twenty-year high school reunion, someone said, “When I heard you'd written a
book, I wasn't surprised.” With chagrin, I admitted that yes, my nose was
typically in a book. Not much has changed in twenty years, except that as
a writer, on occasion I get the first crack at new releases.
Recently, I had the opportunity to read indie author Misty Dawn Pulsipher's new Austen-inspired romance Persuaded. Romance? You betcha. Wit? Oh, yes. All of this and more set against the stunning backdrop of the east coast. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to this fantastic new read and the author behind it.
The cover, created by artist Cindy Canizales, not only establishes the setting but represent the soul of the novel: a sense of loneliness, seclusion, and a life apart. Based on Persuasion, my favorite Austen novel, Hanna is Pulsipher's version of Anne Elliot who meets and loses the love of her life as a teen. Derick, who literally sailed out of Hanna's life ten years before, reunites with her in the summer of her twenty-eighth year. Will they be able to overcome the pain and frustration of the past and rediscover a passion undimmed by time or will their hearts turn to others?
What's worse than never getting over your first love?
How about watching him fall for someone else...
Hanna Elliot had worn the ring faithfully at first. Some part of her still clung to the hope that all was not lost. As the days turned into weeks, she finally took it off and set it atop her dresser. When weeks gave way to months, the ring finally went back into its box. For the first few years, she had taken it out on the anniversary of the day she’d received it, allowing herself to wallow in what might have been.
She had been all but stamped out of Derick Wentworth’s mind.
How about watching him fall for someone else...
Hanna Elliot had worn the ring faithfully at first. Some part of her still clung to the hope that all was not lost. As the days turned into weeks, she finally took it off and set it atop her dresser. When weeks gave way to months, the ring finally went back into its box. For the first few years, she had taken it out on the anniversary of the day she’d received it, allowing herself to wallow in what might have been.
She had been all but stamped out of Derick Wentworth’s mind.
Sure, he thought about her occasionally, especially on cloudless nights when he lay on the bow of the Laconia looking up at the stars. But as time went on, Derick began to feel grateful that it hadn’t worked out, for one thing was certain: if he ever did settle down, it would be with someone who knew her own mind. Someone who went after the thing she wanted without hesitation. Someone who would never allow herself to be persuaded otherwise. (Source: Goodreads)
My review:
Capturing the essence of Austen's autumnal romance Persuasion, Pulsipher creates a cast of relatable characters who capture an audience's heart with their strength, humility, and charm. Weaving intrigue and modern humor into the tale keeps readers entertained while the will-they-won't-they of Hanna and Derick's romance ensures readers' attention will stay focused til the last page. The well-researched and beautiful backdrop of the east coast only adds to the charm of this tale.
And now, let's meet the author!
Misty Dawn Pulsipher, a native Utahn who has since relocated to Maryland, has self-published two Austen-inspired novels. To keep things interesting, here are Ten Random Facts About Misty. Let's see if we can embarrass her, eh?
- A incurable romantic, Misty realized her feelings for her would-be husband Sean while blubbering over copious amounts of ice cream and the movie Titanic.
- The mother of three children, Misty only occasionally calls them monsters and usually finds them delightful, talented, and quirky.
- Can you be too addicted to the BBC? She loves Merlin, Robin Hood, Downton, The Paradise, and almost any original or remake period drama. Especially those based on Austen novels. Or Little Women.
- If movie quoting were an Olympic sport, Misty would have the gold and no one would argue because we would all be so impressed.
- How many editions of Monopoly does she own? The world may never know, but we have been informed that her collection includes gems like The Office, Star Wars, and Harry Potter Monopoly games.
- With seventeen recipes for muddy buddies/puppy chow (a conservative guess), Misty is always looking for new treats and menu items to serve up to family and friends.
- In addition to sewing numerous Easter and Sunday dresses, Misty has created many costumes for herself and her family, including the casts of Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and Beauty & The Beast.
- Oh, and she's obsessed with Halloween. Sources say it's her favorite holiday and plans for the family's costumes the next year sometimes precede that year's Halloween. Lovable, right?
- Mostly self-taught, Misty plays the piano and memorizes complex pieces just for funsies.
- She speaks French. How cool is that?
There you have it! An adorable indie author with her second novel now available. To learn more about Misty Dawn Pulsipher, connect with her on Facebook, check out her blog, enter the giveaway (that's right, I said GIVEAWAY!) now running on Goodreads, and read her books! They're both available on Amazon:
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Awesome review of the Book and My wife. We miss you Sarah
ReplyDeleteI miss you guys too! And I had way too much fun doing this ;) Hopefully I can run away to the east next summer.
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