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Captive Hearts: A Persuasion Variation Kindle Edition
Will Captain Wentworth realize too late that he has a second chance at love?
With a successful naval career and a fortune to his name, Frederick Wentworth receives a hero’s welcome from his sister’s neighbours.
One person, though, presents a source of vexation. Years earlier, Miss Anne Elliot had reneged on her promise to marry Wentworth, revealing a significant character flaw. Yet Anne’s unmarried state at the age of seven and twenty, her altered demeanour, and her resolute avoidance of Wentworth raise questions that gnaw at his composure.
In this Regency variation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, the captain follows the advice of a respected new friend and re-examines the agonizing circumstances of his bitter break from Anne, reaching a novel conclusion. But before he can act upon his new resolve, a dire twist of fate threatens Anne’s life.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 24, 2022
- File size1.7 MB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Top Pick, 2023 Author Shout Reader Ready Book Awards
‘A skilfully plotted retelling of Jane Austen´s novel. A RED RIBBON WINNER AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
*
"This is the most perfect romantic, old-fashioned historical novel I have read for a very long time."-Readers' Favorite
*
"The timeless story of Captain Frederick Wentworth and the unpretentious Miss Anne Elliot is resurrected in Kelly Miller's brilliant and surprising retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion."-Indies Today
*
"I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Persuasion. Many good alterations and sweet scenes enough to please any romantic."-Sophia, Interests of a Jane Austen Girl Blog
*
"In my humble opinion, this is an absolute must-read!"-Melissa, The Literary Assistant Blog
*
"An absolute treat for any Jane Austen fan!"-Amanda Kai, Author, "Marriage and Ministry"
*
"With each page, each character, each conversation - Miller pieces together a wonderfully designed, comforting story intricately woven together by one who loves words."-Rebecca, All My Best Blog
Product details
- ASIN : B09QK7T6XH
- Publisher : Meryton Press
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : January 24, 2022
- Language : English
- File size : 1.7 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 344 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #354,471 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #894 in Adaptations & Pastiche Fiction
- #7,351 in Clean & Wholesome Romance (Kindle Store)
- #7,670 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Award-winning author Kelly Miller writes Austenesque Regency romances. She lives in Silicon Valley with her husband and their dogs.
Her ten published books are:
"Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship," a "Pride & Prejudice romance
"The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy," a "Pride & Prejudice mystery/romance
"The Trouble With Friends," a variation of "Pride & Prejudice," winner Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
"The Darcy Secret," a variation of "Pride & Prejudice," a B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree.
"A Dutiful Son," a Regency variation of "Pride & Prejudice," winner, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Top Pick, Reader Ready Book Awards
"Captive Hearts," a variation of Persuasion, winner, Chanticleer International Book Awards, Winner, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, Top Pick, Reader Ready Book Awards, and Red Ribbon award, Wishing Shelf Book Awards
"A Consuming Love" a "Pride & Prejudice" novella, winner, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Recommended Read, Reader Ready Awards
"Accusing Mr. Darcy," a "Pride & Prejudice" mystery/romance, winner, Firebird book awards, winner, Queer Indie Awards-Ally Division, finalist, Wishing Shelf Awards and finalist, Chanticleer International Book Awards
"Mr. Darcy's Perfect Match," a "Pride & Prejudice" variation, Recommended Read, Reader Ready Book Awards
"Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley," a "Pride & Prejudice" romantic fantasy, winner, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, winner, Indies Today Book Awards, finalist, Book Excellence Awards, and finalist, International Book Awards
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book's story satisfying and enjoyable, with one review noting how it seamlessly incorporates situations into the classic tale. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with customers praising the author's excellent job with Austen adaptations. Additionally, customers appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting how the characters find love much earlier in the story. The language adaptation is also well-received, with one customer noting how it hints at the period.
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Customers find the book's story enjoyable and satisfying, with one customer noting its many layers and another mentioning its suspenseful thrills.
"...This was such an amazing story and I loved every single page...." Read more
"...I liked their courtship and the dynamics of the other characters. What felt unnecessary to me was the inclusion of Elizabeth and Darcy...." Read more
"...Hearts” is not only a great Austen adaptation, but it also contains suspenseful thrills and joyful surprises. This book was truly a pleasure to read!" Read more
"...Miller accelerates the original Persuasion timeline with a fun crossover twist, which frees up the rest of the novel for some fun What If speculation..." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, particularly noting its excellent adaptation of Austen's style, with one customer highlighting the author's ability to meld their words with Austen's style.
"Kelly Miller has done it again in this amazing P&P Variation. I love her writing and her books on all of our P & P characters..." Read more
"...Good story overall, good twists, good writing" Read more
"...Captive Hearts” is not only a great Austen adaptation, but it also contains suspenseful thrills and joyful surprises...." Read more
"...Considering it was a period-piece, I was impressed with its readability. The prose flowed, was not dry, and painted a lovely picture of the time...." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them more compelling, with one customer noting that the main characters find love much earlier in the story.
"...I liked their courtship and the dynamics of the other characters. What felt unnecessary to me was the inclusion of Elizabeth and Darcy...." Read more
"...Captive Hearts” does a great job portraying the main characters of the Austen work and throwing them into new circumstances...." Read more
"...It always makes the characters more compelling, and sometimes even gives the reader some compassion for them...." Read more
"...In the end, the characters were well-described, and the “will they/won’t they” handled with a light touch when needed. I enjoyed it!" Read more
Customers appreciate the language adaptation in the book, with one noting how it hints at the period.
"...The language hinted at the period, but didn’t get bogged down with it by overusing overly-flowery terms...." Read more
"...The storyline was strong and the author did a wonderful job of adapting the language to that era...." Read more
"Great Persuasion Adaptation!!..." Read more
Reviews with images

Another amazing book from Kelly Miller!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2022Kelly Miller has done it again in this amazing P&P Variation. I love her writing and her books on all of our P & P characters
OMG Swoon on Captain Wentworth, can he get any better.
I loved the second courting between him and Anne. As they made amends with the past and their quick engagement to not want to waste anymore time that they had already wasted with their years apart.
When you look at Annne's character in this book, it makes you wonder how she became some a thoughtful and considerate woman especially growing up with her two sisters. They couldn't be any different if they tried.
Mary who thought everyone should bow down to her needs and wait on her or be at her beck and call and used poor Anne for whatever she needed or her sister Elizabeth who appeared to never have anything nice to say.
I do love though how Anne and her father hashed out their relationship towards the end. Anne truly understood then her father's indifference towards her not that it was indifference but painful memories. Not that it made it better but that now she could understand and now move past to a better relationship in their future.
Then Anne having to go to Mr. Elliot's evil plan. He could have been successful if it wasn't for Captain Wentworth. I loved his devotion and his quick work of smashing the plan to pieces that could of destroyed Anne.
This was such an amazing story and I loved every single page. I can't wait for new stories to come so I can once again read the P & P characters told from Kelly's perspective. I love her story lines!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022In this book, Frederick apologises to Anne in Lyme and it is she who is injured in the fall. I liked their courtship and the dynamics of the other characters. What felt unnecessary to me was the inclusion of Elizabeth and Darcy. The problem was that they added very little to the story and how did they even know the Musgroves? Good story overall, good twists, good writing
- Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022Wow! Kelly Miller’s variation on Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” does not disappoint!
As a fan of Austen—and in particular the heroine Anne Elliot, I was excited to read this new take on the love story. “Captive Hearts” does a great job portraying the main characters of the Austen work and throwing them into new circumstances.
I loved that this book offered the perspective of Captain Wentworth. In “Captive Hearts,” the reader can see his heartache and struggles from the very beginning, which makes his behavior around Anne more understandable. This point of view shows Wentworth’s flawed beliefs about Anne and allows the reader to hope that he will realize—and correct—his mistake.
This book delivers on the premise of a redeemed Wentworth and a rekindled love between the Captain and Anne, but the story doesn’t end there. A twist occurs that threatens the couple, and it left this reader desperately turning each page.
“Captive Hearts” is not only a great Austen adaptation, but it also contains suspenseful thrills and joyful surprises. This book was truly a pleasure to read!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2022Quote from the book: Why had Anne never married? Her father and Lady Russell must have introduced Anne to men of wealth and good lineage over the years. Had she never received another proposal?
“Captive Heart” is a variation on canon “Persuasion” with events seen through the eyes and emotions of Frederick Wentworth. The story closely follows the original until the visit to Lyme where Louisa’s foolishness takes a much different turn.
Familiar characters visit the Musgroves: the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire.
Wentworth receives advice from a man who once made a similar mistake.
Quote from the book: “I wonder whether you have attempted to contemplate your past with this lady from her point of view.”
Go to your bosom;
Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know...
~ William Shakespeare
Quote from the book: She possessed every attribute that would make her an exceptional wife and mother — except for her damnable lack of constancy.
Anne Elliot’s injury causes Wentworth to re-evaluate his negative opinions. Happy ending music starts to play. Interference comes from an unlikely source in Bath. Is Anne in danger?
I loved this new look at “Persuasion”. The author earns another 5 Stars!
Be the master of your fate, be the captain of your soul, but do not hesitate, should the chance befall you, to be the slave of your heart. ~ Robert Brault
I received a free copy of this book with no promise of a review.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2022Kelly Miller’s Captive Hearts is another of her nuanced explorations of the untapped possibilities hidden in the Jane Austen world. Miller has a knack for delving into the meaner characters looking for the psychological scaffolding holding up their abhorrent behavior. It always makes the characters more compelling, and sometimes even gives the reader some compassion for them.
Miller accelerates the original Persuasion timeline with a fun crossover twist, which frees up the rest of the novel for some fun What If speculation. Well worth the read!
Top reviews from other countries
- NashomegaReviewed in Australia on February 6, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Miller does it again!
I just loved this one! As a fan of Jane Austen I have read all of Kelly Miller's books. She is one talented author with a gift to write P&P Variations.
Persuasion has always been one of my fav Jane Austin books, and this one does it justice. I love the fact that in the beginning all of the lovely and favourite characters from the Jane Austin's world come together. It made the book unique and it was fun to watch these characters interact.
It was fun to read a romance that was full of surprises, with unseen twist and turns, and great insight into lives of most of the characters. Although I would like to know more what happened to Elizabeth (Anne's sister). Even the villains roles had been improved which keeps the book exciting. And the animals. The dogs and horses who are part of the story just are so cute.
Millers sets the scene which is realistic for the time, and we all know the story of Anne. But the author not only infuses new life into the character and the story, she leaves the readers wanting more!
Romance readers or not, everyone should read this one!
- EmdfReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Full of fun and frolics
Captive Hearts: A Persuasion Variation is a very fun, light-hearted book.
I found it to be very well written, with interesting character dynamics, well rounded characters and fully fleshed our descriptions. The plot was fast paced with a very well balanced ratio of romance to action. There were some twists at the climax which I did not see coming, and the end of the novel was particularly sweet.
I thought the passing reference to the Darcys at Pemberley was a nice touch - - Jane Austen's own books don't often interlink so it was nice to imagine they all happened in the same world.
One thing I will note, is that there didn't seem to be very many similarities between Austen's original characters and Miller's interpretation of them. I enjoyed this book very much, but I wonder if it would be better just to change the names within the book and set it up as an entirely new novel, rather than a variation of Persuasion.
All in all though, I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to lovers of regency romances.
- Mirien SilowendëReviewed in Germany on August 20, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar.
I am a big fan of Jane Austen and Persuasion is one of my all-time favourite books. So you can expect that I approached this book with curiosity and a little trepidation.
Would it pass muster?
The narrative and dialogue are similar to Austen but a little updated, perhaps more evocative of Allott or Montgomery (Little Women and Anne of Green Gables). The story does not suffer for that, in fact it makes it more readable.
I like that we see Wentworth's point of view in this story. Miller has painted a believable and vivid Wentworth, and has expanded Anne Elliot nicely.
The drama, oh the drama. How very thrilling! I enjoyed it immensely. I like the tying up loose ends with the various marriages and softenings of Mr Elliot into something less dandyish and I enjoyed seeing a glimpse of Anne's married life. I really enjoyed the Darcy cameo too!
So now I have produced an Austen length review when I could, should have said, I enjoyed this immensely. It's absolutely brilliant. Brava, Kelly Miller. You did it.
- Harmony KentReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2023
3.0 out of 5 stars An easy, regency romance read with some suspense
Having read and enjoyed a few books by this author, I grabbed a copy of Captive Hearts as soon as I saw it.
As in this writer's previous books, wonderful humour and banter permeate the verbal interactions between the characters. Despite this, however, the characters felt flat for me and I struggled to connect or care. After a slow build on mild love-foiled-frought-emotions tension, the pacing fizzled out massively between roughly the 50% and 80% parts of the story, and then the tension really ramped up and turned this regency romance into somewhat of a thriller. At that point, I raced through the rest of the book. Added to this, overuse of exclamation marks distracted me time and again, as did the at-times confusing use of vague pronouns, which I've come across in Miller's previous works. This made for some interesting sentences, such as: 'Croft embraced Anne and greeted him with a hearty handshake.' For clarity, this could at least do with a comma between 'Anne' and 'and greeted'. Even better would be to replace 'him' with 'Wentworth' so the reader can take in the intended characters without having to stop and reread it to make sense of it--especially when a number of people occupy the scene at once.
This time around, I struggled to find pull quotes for the review as no lines struck me enough to stay with me or resonate in particular. All in all, I found this to be an easy read with some suspense toward the end. Captive Hearts gets a strong 3 stars from me. For fans of Jane Austen, regency romance, and historical romance in general, I would say go and read this book!
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
- Jay GoldenReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 12, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Hearts will definitely be captured with this one
This was yet another enchanting read from Miller. Once again her passion for Austen's work, along with her own incredible understanding of character relationships, has allowed her to create a page turning read both for Jane Austen fans, and those with a passing interest in period-style narratives or reimaginings alike.