Description
Princess Nadalie Seymorr has always measured her life in music: the strict rhythms of being the perfect princess, the symphonies she escapes into, and the haunting tune of a love she left behind. As a teenager, Nadalie spent her winters on the sunlit Grecian island of Meren Rannalla where Andreas Jarvela, a spirited American boy with calloused hands and boundless confidence, taught her what music felt like beyond the page. For three years they shared letters, freedom, and a friendship crescendoing into dreams of a future together. Until she accepted his engagement ring, only to have duty convince her to return it the same day. A decade later, Nadalie has perfected the role of the ideal princess, but the girl she once was has faded.
When the island brings Nadalie and Andreas back together, memories resurface, stirring unfinished songs and unspoken truths. Now a world-renowned artist, Andreas guards his heart with practiced distance, unsure whether he can trust the woman who once shattered it, especially as a bright, confident newcomer vies for his attention and tempts him toward a safer future.
As past and present collide, Nadalie and Andreas must decide whether the music they began as teenagers still has a composition left to write or if some songs are meant to remain unfinished.
Margaret Nelson –
This is Leonard’s second Royally Austin book, and the flavor is quite different from the first one, Northargyle Abbie. This book gutted me emotionally from the very beginning. I had to keep taking breaks because I was wanting to cry over what was happening to the characters. It is beautifully written, with musical themes that really add to the story. I wish there was an original music score to listen to as I read. So just be prepared when you read this book – you can’t just rush through it, but need to savor every chapter and plot twist.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Katie S –
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:7, 12
Set against a beautiful island backdrop, Nadalie and Andreas’ love story ebbs and flows, not always easily, but masterfully orchestrated by the Chief Musician Himself. From the rousing overture to the satisfying encore, each character and situation creates notes that harmonize to bring all glory to God. A stunning work of art that would make Jane Austen smile. Grab a pop tart and settle in.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through Band of Booksters. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Talita –
I really enjoyed Royally Persuaded, and if I am honest, I actually like it more than Northargyle Abbie, the first book in the series.
I loved all the musical references, and it was great that both leads were creative individuals. Usually, I am not the biggest fan of dual-timeline stories, but this was done really well, and I loved following Nadalie and Andreas’s story in both timelines.
The characters are very well developed, and I enjoyed the side stories of the supporting characters too. You really felt like you got to know everyone in the story.
I highly recommend visiting Meren Rannalla between the pages of Royally Persuaded and getting drawn into the melody of Princess Nadalie, Andreas Jarvala and their friends.
This is a beautiful story of love, friendship, enduring faith and grace that is well suited to older teenagers and adults alike.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are my own.
Paula Shreckhise –
“If love was a melody” “ It’s a sonata in three movements: history, heartbreak and rebirth”
What a beautiful story that was fashioned after Persuasion by Jane Austen. But this one had a musical twist full of lyrical prose with the chapters following the movements of a symphony, with profound spiritual lessons. The author writes with such emotional depth and gives her characters faith that sustains and grows in the barren times. The quality of writing glows throughout this story.
The settings were fabulous and diverse, depicting Vienna in the snow and fictional Merren Rannalla in the more temperate months.
From the bloom of first love 13 summers ago, to the present, this story was atmospheric and unforgettable as Nadalie and Andreas reconnect and navigate the world they inhabit presently. The biblical principles are echoed in references such as Romans 8: 38 & 39- my favorite verses and are played out in the things of interest to the characters: Nadalie in music “Above all, trust God, the ultimate Composer of your story. He knows the perfect tempo, the right key, and when to bring in the crescendo.” And Andreas in woodworking “Trust His hands, the Master knows what he is building.”
Another stunning story from an up and coming author. Be sure and catch her debut novel Northargyle Abbie.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by White Crown Publishing. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
Megan Schaulis –
A deep and worthwhile journey
I thoroughly enjoyed Janelle Leonard’s Austen twist in Northargyle Abbie, so I’ve been looking forward to the release of Royally Persuaded, a contemporary retelling of Persuasion. While NA was fun and witty, this book was deep and rich and masterfully crafted.
Just like the original, Royally Persuaded is more serious, a story of loss and the journey to rediscover and redefine. The beginning was a little tough to read because the characters, particularly Nadalie, are dealt blow after blow. (CW: Loss of parents and loved ones.) But the sprinkled in flashback chapters add humor and charm and are entirely delightful.
The writing in this book had me in awe. The tone is so different from NA and just goes to show Leonard’s range as an author. It’s lyrical and lovely and immersive. Many times I stopped and thought, “Wow, that was beautiful.”
Read this for the redemption. Read it for the melody of the words themselves. Read it to remember God heals hearts.
This is a clean romance with no swearing, violence, lustful thoughts, or adult content (kisses only), however the themes of grief may not be suitable for young or sensitive readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.