The Power of Persuasion cover

Comment

Comment by Shelagh Watkins on October 8, 2007 at 5:19pm

Hi Charlotte,

Thanks for the feedback! The story is set in Scotland and, although not a romance novel, does end on a romantic note.

This is a brief outline of the story:

Synopsis

The Power of Persuasion

When Beth Durban is persuaded to write a letter to the editor's page of a national Sunday newspaper because of a film critic's prejudice against adaptations of Jane Austen's novels, she receives an unexpected visit from the newspaper's critic, F. William D'Arcy. At first, she is bemused, but after several sightings of the inquisitive journalist, she is less pleased, not least because she is undergoing laser treatment for the removal of an unsightly birthmark under her right eye.

Under the circumstances, she doesn't believe that his interest in her is based on physical attraction and therefore must be to exact some kind of revenge. She wonders if the sightings of D'Arcy are real or imaginary, especially when he appears in her local supermarket, golf club and even the University faculty club. She is less surprised to see him at the theatre: he is, after all, a film and theatre critic, but she thinks it odd to see him at academic conference venues.

She is so distracted by the unwelcome interest from such an arrogant man, she fails to see that a close work colleague is falling in love with her. As a scientific researcher, she has led a varied and independent life travelling the world, spending time in New Zealand, Canada, Australia, America, Singapore and Israel. With such a full and demanding life, she has had little time to form any serious, romantic attachments that might lead to a permanent relationship.

When she decides to take driving lessons, she opens up a whole new world for herself and realises that perhaps she isn't too old to find love after all.
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In the story, the golf club at the faculty club overlooks a Scottish loch. The photograph is one of Scotland's most famous lochs. On the shores of the loch, there is a championship golf course that has hosted the Scottish Open Golf Tournament for the past ten years.

The novel is full of sport, travel, conference venues, films, theatre, journalists and critics. It has something for everyone and as one publisher said, "Is genuinely funny in parts."

Comment by Charlotte McPherson on October 8, 2007 at 1:01pm

Hi Shelagh,
Know you must be pleased to be in this stage of the book. Near release!
Great title. Your blurb makes me want to read the book but the cover does not match the title and blurb. But I like the cover--it is peaceful and beautiful. I shared your cover and blurb with my British business partner and she made the same comment to me. We do have some experience in this since we run a smalll publishing company and large English bookstore. Hope it is helpful.
Best wishes,
Charlotte