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Everyone deserves a second chance, right?
Three years ago, Anne Bennet broke it off with her summer love. At the time, her roommate’s advice to drop the dead weight and start boarding school without a boyfriend seemed like a good idea. But now, Christopher is attending Shelfbrooke Academy and Anne isn’t so sure she made the right choice.
The more time she spends around Christopher, the clearer it becomes that the two belong together. Too bad Christopher wants nothing to do with the girl who broke his heart with little explanation and no apology.
Can Anne convince Christopher to put the past behind him and give her another chance? Or is she destined to continue living with the consequences of letting others persuade her to go against her heart?
Sway is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion. It is the third book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, a collection of retellings that promise to be a lot more fun than the originals.
Three years ago, Anne Bennet broke it off with her summer love. At the time, her roommate’s advice to drop the dead weight and start boarding school without a boyfriend seemed like a good idea. But now, Christopher is attending Shelfbrooke Academy and Anne isn’t so sure she made the right choice.
The more time she spends around Christopher, the clearer it becomes that the two belong together. Too bad Christopher wants nothing to do with the girl who broke his heart with little explanation and no apology.
Can Anne convince Christopher to put the past behind him and give her another chance? Or is she destined to continue living with the consequences of letting others persuade her to go against her heart?
Sway is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion. It is the third book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, a collection of retellings that promise to be a lot more fun than the originals.
- GenresYoung Adult
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2019
20 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2020
“Sway” is a retelling of a classic Jane Austen novel, “Persuasion,” and the story holds true to that classic feeling. M. F. Lorson’s writing has a touch of that Austen magic in her words, yet manages to keep the book feeling modern as well. It is a perfect blend of both worlds!
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 28, 2020
As readers know during this quarantine period, I have been trying my hardest to clear my kindle of old books rather than reading 2020 releases all the time. I was in the mood for a YA last night and a high school romance. One of my favorite series is the Shelfbrooke Academy. Each book is based on a classic story/play. Book #3 Sway is based on the Jane Austen classic Persuasion with Anne Elliot and Wentworth. In the real story of Persuasion, Anne and Captain Wentworth get engaged only to be split and not see each other for seven years. After being reunited, Anne tries to win back Wentworth's heart and hand in marriage. As Shelfbrooke Academy is a YA and set more in the modern world of teens and dating. Our book starts one summer where Anne Elliot and her family have moved to Boston to live with her Aunt after her mother's death. During this time, she explores Boston and the islands surrounding it by catching the ferry daily. One day whilst running late for the ferry, she meets Christopher Wentworth. The pair end up having a whirlwind summer romance. It all ends in a Dear John letter as Anne has just started her schooling at Shelfbrooke Academy when her roommate encourages her strongly to break up with Chris as no Shelfbrooke Academy student should be dating a "public school" student. Anne does this and doesn't hear back from Chris and moves on with her life making a bad dating mistake with Will. Unlike the original copy of Persuasion, our reunion happens three years later when Chris and his sister Ashley arrive at Shelfbrooke Academy. Chris has become quite the Lacrosse player and even more handsome than he was three years ago. Anne is about to discover though that Chris is still angry at what she did to him years ago. Can Anne win back Chris's affections or will it be too late when another student Lydia shows an interest in Chris and him in her?
Find out in this YA read "Sway" by M.F Lorson today.
Find out in this YA read "Sway" by M.F Lorson today.
July 3, 2019
This book was so sweet and cute and had my heart wanting to cry along. The romance was so cute and the friendships were those people only wish they could have. I loved every minute of the read and wish I could keep following them through their lives.
I loved Anne. I found myself feeling everything she was and wishing so much I could help her not hurt so much. She was a wonderful character to follow.
Christopher was swoon worthy but I also wanted to strangle him for being so stubborn. But i have to say i commend him for staying strong even when we know his heart had other plans.
This series is so cute and i am enjoying each and every one of them. I love the fact they are all retelling on classic romances. I cant wait to see what the next one will be!
I loved Anne. I found myself feeling everything she was and wishing so much I could help her not hurt so much. She was a wonderful character to follow.
Christopher was swoon worthy but I also wanted to strangle him for being so stubborn. But i have to say i commend him for staying strong even when we know his heart had other plans.
This series is so cute and i am enjoying each and every one of them. I love the fact they are all retelling on classic romances. I cant wait to see what the next one will be!
June 25, 2019
This book was a little harder for me to rate because I really enjoy this author's humor in the other books I have read by her, but I felt that this book was a little lacking in that area, for me. Also, I know this is a retelling and I have not read the original, but I felt that the two main characters, Christoper and Anne, were not the most likable characters in the story. I wanted to like them both, but I felt Christopher was a little self-righteous and I felt Anne was too eager to change everything about herself to get a man. I am sure this was all due to the fact that it is a retelling, but it still made me long for the strong, confident woman as the main character.
That being said. I thought Ashley and Rachel were wonderful characters and really made the story. They were funny, observant, and really good friends to Anne, which helped me like Anne slightly better. I also thought the storyline itself wasn't bad and I think that the ending was redeeming.
Overall, I thought the writing was good and, although some of the characters were lacking in personality traits I would have wanted for them, there were some schemes and shenanigans to be had, that allowed the reader to enjoy the story.
That being said. I thought Ashley and Rachel were wonderful characters and really made the story. They were funny, observant, and really good friends to Anne, which helped me like Anne slightly better. I also thought the storyline itself wasn't bad and I think that the ending was redeeming.
Overall, I thought the writing was good and, although some of the characters were lacking in personality traits I would have wanted for them, there were some schemes and shenanigans to be had, that allowed the reader to enjoy the story.
April 18, 2020
Thank you to Joyce Oben for providing me with a free audiobook in return for an honest review.
Sway is the third book in Lorson's 'Shelfbrooke Academy' series. I had not read any of the previous books but it worked well as a stand alone. I likely missed a lot of 'Easter eggs' as various characters were mentioned at different points that I did feel were points to other books, however it didn't affect the story as the mains were brand new characters.
Anne attends Shelfbrooke Academy after a romantic summer with Christopher, who she met while visiting her aunt. On arrival and in attempt to for in, Anne is coaxed to end her new relationship with Christopher in order to maintain status in the new school. She is surprised to then find him and his sister as the new transfers a term following. Anne now sets out to regain Christopher's heart.
I found this story to be a bit of a slow burner, the opening prologue with Anne and Christopher's meeting was adorable. Then I did find it quite hard to get into. About halfway through however, it was a really good listen. The growing friendship between an unlikely bunch of teenagers is very 'breakfast club'esque. The author's humour was right up my street with funny banter between the two best friends and the mishaps that Anne encounters.
The character development was quite intentionally slow. Anne began as a very annoying and impressionable teenager, and throughout the book we, as the readers watch her grow and develop her own thoughts and morals.
Narrator Joyce Oben did a great job of carrying the story. She had a tone that made it obvious if she was reading narrative or dialogue and also managed to differentiate all characters so that it didn't get confusing. She had a good steady pace and I really enjoyed listening to her.
I think that this may be a great coming of age series for teenage reader and romance fans. I did find some characters a bit infuriating at times because of their immature nature, however, I think it's really fitting for a younger age group and will be very well enjoyed.
Sway is the third book in Lorson's 'Shelfbrooke Academy' series. I had not read any of the previous books but it worked well as a stand alone. I likely missed a lot of 'Easter eggs' as various characters were mentioned at different points that I did feel were points to other books, however it didn't affect the story as the mains were brand new characters.
Anne attends Shelfbrooke Academy after a romantic summer with Christopher, who she met while visiting her aunt. On arrival and in attempt to for in, Anne is coaxed to end her new relationship with Christopher in order to maintain status in the new school. She is surprised to then find him and his sister as the new transfers a term following. Anne now sets out to regain Christopher's heart.
I found this story to be a bit of a slow burner, the opening prologue with Anne and Christopher's meeting was adorable. Then I did find it quite hard to get into. About halfway through however, it was a really good listen. The growing friendship between an unlikely bunch of teenagers is very 'breakfast club'esque. The author's humour was right up my street with funny banter between the two best friends and the mishaps that Anne encounters.
The character development was quite intentionally slow. Anne began as a very annoying and impressionable teenager, and throughout the book we, as the readers watch her grow and develop her own thoughts and morals.
Narrator Joyce Oben did a great job of carrying the story. She had a tone that made it obvious if she was reading narrative or dialogue and also managed to differentiate all characters so that it didn't get confusing. She had a good steady pace and I really enjoyed listening to her.
I think that this may be a great coming of age series for teenage reader and romance fans. I did find some characters a bit infuriating at times because of their immature nature, however, I think it's really fitting for a younger age group and will be very well enjoyed.
August 18, 2019
It was good
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
*****SPOILERS; JUST A LITTLE BIT*****
I liked this book pretty good read. It had me interested once I went back to re-reading, where I left off. Because at first, I thought this book; it was boring by how it started off until I got back into it... since I wanted to read this whole story...
But I am thinking I know Will from one of those books it could be from Tessa, but I am not sure... because I know her (Tessa), and Angelo had a problem with a rich prick... but anyways I didn’t like how Christopher was playing games; when it came to Anne I think he only wanted to date Lydia to make Anne jealous when in reality he didn’t even care for her as he did with Anne.. he kept being mean to her and not saying things to her.. but always get mad when it came to something about Will or another guy. Like Anne couldn’t catch a break.... like everything she did didn’t work...
I think he was kind of stupid too when he said that Anne changed. I am like come on now a lot of people change in the three years you’ve haven’t known them.. he even changed himself... but I felt like if he were that butt hurt by her it wouldn’t have talked about her to everybody that he knew & not only that he would’ve written her back too., I mean clearly, Anne was stupid for listening to Rachel smh when it came to breaking up with her public school boyfriend. I was like really if you like someone you could always make it work.
But at least in the end “after they all got into trouble,” Christopher actually realize he shouldn’t run from his feelings for Anne and actually realiZe how she felt about him... I think he needed to hear what she told their Dean of the school because he was tripping throughout the book.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2019...
*****SPOILERS; JUST A LITTLE BIT*****
I liked this book pretty good read. It had me interested once I went back to re-reading, where I left off. Because at first, I thought this book; it was boring by how it started off until I got back into it... since I wanted to read this whole story...
But I am thinking I know Will from one of those books it could be from Tessa, but I am not sure... because I know her (Tessa), and Angelo had a problem with a rich prick... but anyways I didn’t like how Christopher was playing games; when it came to Anne I think he only wanted to date Lydia to make Anne jealous when in reality he didn’t even care for her as he did with Anne.. he kept being mean to her and not saying things to her.. but always get mad when it came to something about Will or another guy. Like Anne couldn’t catch a break.... like everything she did didn’t work...
I think he was kind of stupid too when he said that Anne changed. I am like come on now a lot of people change in the three years you’ve haven’t known them.. he even changed himself... but I felt like if he were that butt hurt by her it wouldn’t have talked about her to everybody that he knew & not only that he would’ve written her back too., I mean clearly, Anne was stupid for listening to Rachel smh when it came to breaking up with her public school boyfriend. I was like really if you like someone you could always make it work.
But at least in the end “after they all got into trouble,” Christopher actually realize he shouldn’t run from his feelings for Anne and actually realiZe how she felt about him... I think he needed to hear what she told their Dean of the school because he was tripping throughout the book.
July 9, 2019
Sway is the third book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series and is a modern retelling of Jane Autsten's novel Persuasion. I've never read that novel, but I can tell you that I didn't feel like I was missing anything. There are definitely some references, but those were still fun!
I loved that this book started off with the prologue and us reading a bit about Anne and Christopher meeting each other. They definitely seemed to have had a fun summer love that could've continued if Anne didn't end it when she started Shelfbrooke Academy.
Three years later, Christopher is attending Shelfbrooked Academy as well. This makes Anne start thinking, what if? Sending him that letter is something she still regrets, but she doesn't know she'll see him again. I did enjoy this twist seeing him come to the school. I loved his sister as well, she was a lot of fun and seems like a fun friend.
Anne is a character that kind of goes with the flow and definitely sensitive to what other's think. I think this is what made it all begin! I loved how this story progressed and all the little schemes to get Christopher back. Rachel and Ashley really made this book a lot of fun and I wouldn't mind seeing them have their own story.
I loved that it took time for everything to develop. In a lot of stories it's happily ever after really early on. I never think that's realistic, so it's fun to see that go differently. That being said, I missed more interaction between Anne and Christopher. The book is only told from her POV, so it's hard to get a grip on Christopher. I feel like I didn't really get to know him. It would've been helpful if we got his POV in a few chapters.
Once again, this author wrote a cute romance that left me with a smile on a face. The characters are lovable and the story was very interesting! I definitely can't wait to see what she does next.
I loved that this book started off with the prologue and us reading a bit about Anne and Christopher meeting each other. They definitely seemed to have had a fun summer love that could've continued if Anne didn't end it when she started Shelfbrooke Academy.
Three years later, Christopher is attending Shelfbrooked Academy as well. This makes Anne start thinking, what if? Sending him that letter is something she still regrets, but she doesn't know she'll see him again. I did enjoy this twist seeing him come to the school. I loved his sister as well, she was a lot of fun and seems like a fun friend.
Anne is a character that kind of goes with the flow and definitely sensitive to what other's think. I think this is what made it all begin! I loved how this story progressed and all the little schemes to get Christopher back. Rachel and Ashley really made this book a lot of fun and I wouldn't mind seeing them have their own story.
I loved that it took time for everything to develop. In a lot of stories it's happily ever after really early on. I never think that's realistic, so it's fun to see that go differently. That being said, I missed more interaction between Anne and Christopher. The book is only told from her POV, so it's hard to get a grip on Christopher. I feel like I didn't really get to know him. It would've been helpful if we got his POV in a few chapters.
Once again, this author wrote a cute romance that left me with a smile on a face. The characters are lovable and the story was very interesting! I definitely can't wait to see what she does next.
November 21, 2020
I swear if I roll my eyes any more than this they will be stuck in the back of my head
So this story is about Anne, she and Christopher had a love relationship before high school but then they broke up because Anne was afraid of what would people think of her dating him .. now they are at their senior year of high school and Christopher is in Shelfbrook academy, and Anne feels like it's time for their second chance
this is a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion which I really love .. but this one was really cheaply done, it made the protagonist by crazy and has no life outside this boy .. I never shipped those two and I was interested in the side stories more, I don't know why I'm not clicking with this series
So this story is about Anne, she and Christopher had a love relationship before high school but then they broke up because Anne was afraid of what would people think of her dating him .. now they are at their senior year of high school and Christopher is in Shelfbrook academy, and Anne feels like it's time for their second chance
this is a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion which I really love .. but this one was really cheaply done, it made the protagonist by crazy and has no life outside this boy .. I never shipped those two and I was interested in the side stories more, I don't know why I'm not clicking with this series
July 4, 2019
Sway by M.F. Lorson is the third book in the Shelfbrooke Academy serie. Every book is a modern retelling of classic stories. This one is a modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen.
I loved this story. I also really loved the writing style.
Can't wait for the next story in this serie.
I loved this story. I also really loved the writing style.
Can't wait for the next story in this serie.
July 9, 2019
I have never read the original of this one but I love that these books can be read without knowing much, if anything about the original one. I enjoyed this story and was able to finish it pretty quickly but I'm not sure how I felt about it exactly.
I liked Anne as a character for the most part besides the fact that she was all too willing to change herself for a boy she hasn't seen or talked to in three years. I wasn't sure how to feel about Christopher either; at times I didn't really like him and was kinda wondering what Anne saw in him. Lydia was an interesting character but I felt she didn't really add much to this story besides trouble. I didn't really see the ending coming and was surprised by her actions and how this story ended for her.
I liked Ashley and Rachel though and I enjoyed the banter between Ashley and her boyfriend, Andrew. It was nice/refreshing to see the siblings looking out for each other and making sure Christopher didn't get kicked out of school while Christopher made sure Andrew didn't overstep his boundaries. The girls were also great friends to Anne which helped this story a little. I was personally hoping Ashley would be in the next book or even Rachel but these stories are not that connected.
I liked Anne as a character for the most part besides the fact that she was all too willing to change herself for a boy she hasn't seen or talked to in three years. I wasn't sure how to feel about Christopher either; at times I didn't really like him and was kinda wondering what Anne saw in him. Lydia was an interesting character but I felt she didn't really add much to this story besides trouble. I didn't really see the ending coming and was surprised by her actions and how this story ended for her.
I liked Ashley and Rachel though and I enjoyed the banter between Ashley and her boyfriend, Andrew. It was nice/refreshing to see the siblings looking out for each other and making sure Christopher didn't get kicked out of school while Christopher made sure Andrew didn't overstep his boundaries. The girls were also great friends to Anne which helped this story a little. I was personally hoping Ashley would be in the next book or even Rachel but these stories are not that connected.
July 2, 2019
“How long did it take, I wondered. To feel normal around someone who used to make you feel extraordinary?”
Retellings... I love them! Even when I haven’t read the original *chuckles*. Sway is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I absolutely love every single Austen classic I’ve read, and Persuasion is one of two of her novels that I haven’t gotten around to. After reading Sway by M.F. Lorson I am bumping Persuasion up my TBR!
Sway depicts perfectly how easy it is to be swayed by what other people think and say. It shows the importance we give to other people’s opinions and how we let that affect how true we are to ourselves.
“Rachel may have had an influence over me, but she never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do.”
Anne Bennet is the character behind the title of this retelling. She isn’t a very strong willed girl, she cares too much about what others think of her and how they see her. This is why she would rather “go with the flow” and what is seen as “the norm” than do something or say something that will attract attention to her and make her become a headline for gossip.
Even though she wasn’t an ideal heroine, I truly enjoyed Anne and her thoughts and feelings. Not everyone has all the confidence in the world to not care what others say and think. This made her character very real and relatable.
“It’s probably not best to begin a relationship with a lie, Anne, but you should know that I had no intention of taking the ferry when I got up this morning.”
Christopher Wentworth meets Anne during a summer she spends in Boston hopping on the ferry every morning and visiting all the islands. Christopher is super charming and they hit it off immediately. When Anne goes off to Shelfbrooke Academy a friend advises her to break up with him and so Anne does just that, breaks up with Christopher by mailing him a letter.
The story begins when, three years later, Christopher is a new student at Shelfbrooke. Anne expects a wonderful reunion, however, Christopher does not even give her the time of day. Now Anne must do everything in her power to win him back.
“This isn’t a Mr. Darcy situation. He’s not rude to me because he thinks I have fine eyes. He’s rude to me because I hurt him.”
I enjoyed how their relationship evolved, although I would have liked to have read more interactions between Anne and Christopher. I felt like we didn’t get enough of them warming up to each other - only the mention of them spending more time together. Even so, I loved reading the bits of interactions we had from them.
All in all this was a super fun read. It was well written, the interactions between the characters were witty and fun. There was some light angst - with Anne wanting to be with Christopher and not being able to. The story had some great side characters - Rachel, Anne’s best friend was very outspoken and strong willed, I loved how she always spoke her mind; and Ashley who was super bubbly and always optimistic, I really enjoyed her interactions with everyone.
I highly recommend the books in the Shelfbrooke Academy series. They are super fun, quick, lighthearted and entertaining reads. They are a great modern YA twist on our most beloved classics. I can’t wait for the next one!
*A huge thanks to the author for sending me an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
Retellings... I love them! Even when I haven’t read the original *chuckles*. Sway is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I absolutely love every single Austen classic I’ve read, and Persuasion is one of two of her novels that I haven’t gotten around to. After reading Sway by M.F. Lorson I am bumping Persuasion up my TBR!
Sway depicts perfectly how easy it is to be swayed by what other people think and say. It shows the importance we give to other people’s opinions and how we let that affect how true we are to ourselves.
“Rachel may have had an influence over me, but she never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do.”
Anne Bennet is the character behind the title of this retelling. She isn’t a very strong willed girl, she cares too much about what others think of her and how they see her. This is why she would rather “go with the flow” and what is seen as “the norm” than do something or say something that will attract attention to her and make her become a headline for gossip.
Even though she wasn’t an ideal heroine, I truly enjoyed Anne and her thoughts and feelings. Not everyone has all the confidence in the world to not care what others say and think. This made her character very real and relatable.
“It’s probably not best to begin a relationship with a lie, Anne, but you should know that I had no intention of taking the ferry when I got up this morning.”
Christopher Wentworth meets Anne during a summer she spends in Boston hopping on the ferry every morning and visiting all the islands. Christopher is super charming and they hit it off immediately. When Anne goes off to Shelfbrooke Academy a friend advises her to break up with him and so Anne does just that, breaks up with Christopher by mailing him a letter.
The story begins when, three years later, Christopher is a new student at Shelfbrooke. Anne expects a wonderful reunion, however, Christopher does not even give her the time of day. Now Anne must do everything in her power to win him back.
“This isn’t a Mr. Darcy situation. He’s not rude to me because he thinks I have fine eyes. He’s rude to me because I hurt him.”
I enjoyed how their relationship evolved, although I would have liked to have read more interactions between Anne and Christopher. I felt like we didn’t get enough of them warming up to each other - only the mention of them spending more time together. Even so, I loved reading the bits of interactions we had from them.
All in all this was a super fun read. It was well written, the interactions between the characters were witty and fun. There was some light angst - with Anne wanting to be with Christopher and not being able to. The story had some great side characters - Rachel, Anne’s best friend was very outspoken and strong willed, I loved how she always spoke her mind; and Ashley who was super bubbly and always optimistic, I really enjoyed her interactions with everyone.
I highly recommend the books in the Shelfbrooke Academy series. They are super fun, quick, lighthearted and entertaining reads. They are a great modern YA twist on our most beloved classics. I can’t wait for the next one!
*A huge thanks to the author for sending me an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
March 2, 2020
Anne Elliot and Christopher enjoyed a wonderful summer together, the perfect summer love. When Anne has to go away for her first year of boarding school, her new roommate convinces her to break up with Christopher and start a new life fresh. Anne sends Christopher a Dear John letter and doesn't hear back from him. Three years later she's never forgotten the boy she loved that summer and is shocked to learn he's a new student at her school. It seems so easy to Anne, like things will pick back up right where they left off, but Christopher never forgot how Anne broke his heart.
Persuasion is one of my favorite books, I've always love the quiet and demure Anne Elliot. She doesn't have the pizzazz and flash of Lizzy Bennet but she's steadfast and faithful. She knows her family is ridiculous but she loves them and doesn't say a negative thing about them. She made a mistake listening to others and not herself but she doesn't reproach anyone else for it. Anne Bennet, this book's heroine, is more lively and fun than Anne Elliot and she has a great group of friends. She may be a bit adrift in life, and cares too much what others think, but hey, she's young, and she has some moments to shine in this book. Like Frederick Wentworth, Christopher did have his reason for resentment, but he was so stubborn about it! I wanted to reach into the book and give him a push.
This author created some really fun side characters in Ashley and Rachel, I hope they get their own stories. Their schemes reminded me of high school antics and friendships, and I found myself smiling through most of the book. The narration was well done and the performance perfect for the story told from Anne's point of view. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of YA and second chance romances.
Persuasion is one of my favorite books, I've always love the quiet and demure Anne Elliot. She doesn't have the pizzazz and flash of Lizzy Bennet but she's steadfast and faithful. She knows her family is ridiculous but she loves them and doesn't say a negative thing about them. She made a mistake listening to others and not herself but she doesn't reproach anyone else for it. Anne Bennet, this book's heroine, is more lively and fun than Anne Elliot and she has a great group of friends. She may be a bit adrift in life, and cares too much what others think, but hey, she's young, and she has some moments to shine in this book. Like Frederick Wentworth, Christopher did have his reason for resentment, but he was so stubborn about it! I wanted to reach into the book and give him a push.
This author created some really fun side characters in Ashley and Rachel, I hope they get their own stories. Their schemes reminded me of high school antics and friendships, and I found myself smiling through most of the book. The narration was well done and the performance perfect for the story told from Anne's point of view. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of YA and second chance romances.
April 9, 2020
A sweet and heart wrenching YA romance. It takes me back to the angst of teen emotions and relationships. How series each little thing matters so very much and how friendships and relationships made during this time in life can be lifelong or fleeting. I absolutely loved this story line and I loved how well the author brought about these characters, emotions and situations to life. I was so enraptured at times during this listen that I had to pause just to take a breath (I get overly engaged at times). I so badly wanted things to work out with Anne and Christopher and I loved the secondary characters - Rachel is by far the best friend any girl could ask for and I loved how open she is to bringing others into their circle! What a great character. Will I know has some good in him but he is portrayed perfectly in the boy you love to hate.
I know that this is book 3 in the Shelfbrooke Academy series but can be read / listened to as a stand alone. This is the first I've read / listened to in the series or by this author and can't wait to read / listen to more. Also - the narration was perfectly done. With it being a prep school I could totally go with an accent but since it takes place in the US I don't know that it would work for this listen.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
I know that this is book 3 in the Shelfbrooke Academy series but can be read / listened to as a stand alone. This is the first I've read / listened to in the series or by this author and can't wait to read / listen to more. Also - the narration was perfectly done. With it being a prep school I could totally go with an accent but since it takes place in the US I don't know that it would work for this listen.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
March 5, 2020
An Austen Lover’s Dream Retelling
This compelling why a novel is a retelling of Persuasion, hence the name “Sway”. Anne has lost her mother and found solace in a suite Romance riding the ferry boats with Chris. However, like all summer romances, there’s find an untimely end when Anne is persuaded that she cannot enter her new boarding school with a maybe boyfriend from back home. Since she craves attention, especially after losing her mother, She chooses to act on this advice and send a “Dear John” letter to Chris.
A few years later, when Chris is the new lacrosse transfer to her school, can she convince him that she is more than just some easily manipulated girl?
This is a beautiful tale of growing up, discovering who you are, and Romance. This is a must read for any Jane Austen fan!
I received an ARC copy of this audiobook, and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
This compelling why a novel is a retelling of Persuasion, hence the name “Sway”. Anne has lost her mother and found solace in a suite Romance riding the ferry boats with Chris. However, like all summer romances, there’s find an untimely end when Anne is persuaded that she cannot enter her new boarding school with a maybe boyfriend from back home. Since she craves attention, especially after losing her mother, She chooses to act on this advice and send a “Dear John” letter to Chris.
A few years later, when Chris is the new lacrosse transfer to her school, can she convince him that she is more than just some easily manipulated girl?
This is a beautiful tale of growing up, discovering who you are, and Romance. This is a must read for any Jane Austen fan!
I received an ARC copy of this audiobook, and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
May 17, 2020
This was a fun listen. The narrator pronounced a few words a little differently than I’ve heard before, but generally does a really good job. The author has created characters that I found to be very likable. Characters have personalities that remind me if people I knew in high school, which was fun. I enjoyed the romance, it was somewhat innocent and quite idealistic, but reminds me of my first romance and first stirrings of love which helped me develop the ability to understand others on a deeper level. I loved the interactions between friends, especially between Rachel and Anne. Anne may seem to be a little too willing to find the good in her antagonists, but I find myself admiring her ability to find good things about everyone, this is something my dad taught me to do and I love seeing others implement this in their lives.
October 11, 2019
Actions have consequences
As Anne learned, and learned well.
She made a colossal mistake and was granted an opportunity to make things right and find herself.
My big question is though, did Anne really miss Christopher? Or was she just expecting him to fall at her feet because they were in the same school now? She didn't have any right to be upset or stake claim on him. I felt like the story didn't really delve into her feelings for Christopher. They came off as feelings of convenience rather than missing him and regretting her decision. Because, had he not shown up there, would she have felt the same?
Other than that huge entitled attitude, it was a surprising story. Lydia surprised me the most in the best way.
As Anne learned, and learned well.
She made a colossal mistake and was granted an opportunity to make things right and find herself.
My big question is though, did Anne really miss Christopher? Or was she just expecting him to fall at her feet because they were in the same school now? She didn't have any right to be upset or stake claim on him. I felt like the story didn't really delve into her feelings for Christopher. They came off as feelings of convenience rather than missing him and regretting her decision. Because, had he not shown up there, would she have felt the same?
Other than that huge entitled attitude, it was a surprising story. Lydia surprised me the most in the best way.
November 20, 2020
This is my second MF Lorain book. She does a fabulous job of remaining us of what high school was like. It is such a hard time of trying to figure out who we are and our place socially. We make bad decisions. We are swayed by those around us. We are unsure of who we are.
Anna was struggling with those issues too. I really enjoyed experiencing her trying to find herself. This book was a nostalgic walk through memory lane.
I would have loved more time with Anna and Christopher together, and I missed having Christopher’s POV.
I would recommend this sweet, innocent story of a young girl coming into her own.
The narration was read good and expressive but WAY too slow. I had to crank it up to 1.7 to keep my attention.
Anna was struggling with those issues too. I really enjoyed experiencing her trying to find herself. This book was a nostalgic walk through memory lane.
I would have loved more time with Anna and Christopher together, and I missed having Christopher’s POV.
I would recommend this sweet, innocent story of a young girl coming into her own.
The narration was read good and expressive but WAY too slow. I had to crank it up to 1.7 to keep my attention.
June 25, 2019
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Anne met Christopher on a whim and soon they had a summer romance. Anne foolishly let him slip away but now he's back. Can she move on? Can they rekindle their romance? Will he forgive her? Sway is a retelling of Jane Austin's Persuasion. Lorson did a fabulous job of updating this tale with a modern twist. I loved how easy the story flowed. The characters were fun and authentic. I honestly had a blast reading this story, might be my favorite M.F. Lorson book yet!
Anne met Christopher on a whim and soon they had a summer romance. Anne foolishly let him slip away but now he's back. Can she move on? Can they rekindle their romance? Will he forgive her? Sway is a retelling of Jane Austin's Persuasion. Lorson did a fabulous job of updating this tale with a modern twist. I loved how easy the story flowed. The characters were fun and authentic. I honestly had a blast reading this story, might be my favorite M.F. Lorson book yet!
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August 6, 2019after reading a couple of chapters skimmed through the rest. persuasion is one of my favorite books, i might have not started this book otherwise and i might have disliked it a bit less, also! i really don't think seniors are so childish or so bleah and one sided but then again i just might be too old. so for me a very disagreeable bunch of characters and really uninteresting story that tried to tell me that it was was a retelling of persuasion, reminded me that life was too short and i didn't really need to read this.
August 7, 2019
I said it about Tessa and I'll say it again-- these books are great and make me want to read the original! Sway was a wonderful retelling that didn't feel like the storyline was forced. I loved getting to know Lydia, Rachel, and Ashley. They were amazing supporting characters to Anne and Christopher's love story. I enjoyed watching Anne try to come to terms with finding who she is. Does status matter more than who you really are? Especially in a boarding school like Shelfbrooke, it's not an easy thing to balance. I can't wait for the next Shelfbrooke Academy story!
May 2, 2020
Great choice for the series. Persuasion is my favourite Jane Austen novel, studied it when I was at school and now I make my own students sit through the film version. lol. Rupert Penry Jones will always be Captain Wentworth in my mind so I imagined Christopher as a younger version.
Cute story. It highlighted the fact that it is so easy to listen to others and make mistakes just like the original. Anne learnt her lesson the hard way.A story of whirlwind romance, friendship, wrong decisions and regrets.
Cute story. It highlighted the fact that it is so easy to listen to others and make mistakes just like the original. Anne learnt her lesson the hard way.A story of whirlwind romance, friendship, wrong decisions and regrets.
March 20, 2021
Sway (Shelfbrooke Academy #3) was a good read by M.F. Lorson. Anne Bennet broke it off with her summer love Christopher, three years ago. Her roommate advised her to drop the dead weight at home and start boarding school single. Now Christopher is attending Shelfbrooke and Anne questions if she made the right choice. When they spend more time together, she realizes that they are meant for each other. But Christopher wants nothing to do with the girl who broke his heart with no explanation. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
August 8, 2019
Disclaimer: I have not read the original, so the niggly points I had with this book may very well be due to this being a retelling.
The book is very well written, and I really enjoyed the banter and the friendship developing between the girls. But - as other reviewers have stated before - Anne was not always an easy MC to like, and neither was Christopher. They both had their moments, though, so in the end I did find myself rooting for them.
The book is very well written, and I really enjoyed the banter and the friendship developing between the girls. But - as other reviewers have stated before - Anne was not always an easy MC to like, and neither was Christopher. They both had their moments, though, so in the end I did find myself rooting for them.
April 24, 2020
Though this was the third book in the Shelfbrooke Academy series, I did not feel lost reading this one first. Anne Bennet breaks it off with her summer love, Christopher, when she and her friends start boarding school... Three years later, Christopher begins attending Shelfbrooke and wants nothing to do with the girl that broke his heart...or does he? Is there hope for a second chance? Find out in Sway.
May 6, 2020
Modern YA Spin on Persuasion
This was a really sweet YA modern retelling of the Jane Austen classic Persuasion. It's definitely geared towards the teen / high school reader as it is placed in a private high school setting. It is a well written and a clean read. The narrator did a fantastic job, her voice fit the characters and was fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was a really sweet YA modern retelling of the Jane Austen classic Persuasion. It's definitely geared towards the teen / high school reader as it is placed in a private high school setting. It is a well written and a clean read. The narrator did a fantastic job, her voice fit the characters and was fun to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 31, 2021
This was a story that I would recommend for a teen reader except for some language that I would consider inappropriate. I enjoyed it but it wasn't really something I would choose for myself. The Bennet and Anne are sweet characters.
The narration is well done.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
The narration is well done.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
February 16, 2020
4/5 Stars
Heartbreak. Forgiveness. Romance.
This novel was a cute and quirky high school romance. Though I didn't always agree with the protagonist, I could understand her motivations to win back her summer fling. I enjoyed it overall, and was pleasantly pleased with the ending.
Heartbreak. Forgiveness. Romance.
This novel was a cute and quirky high school romance. Though I didn't always agree with the protagonist, I could understand her motivations to win back her summer fling. I enjoyed it overall, and was pleasantly pleased with the ending.
June 25, 2019
This was such a great book. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was easy to read and follow along the story line.
February 15, 2020
I liked this. It felt really nostalgic. The characters were likeable and all ended up with happy ends and the story never dragged. The last line was perfect. Lol Didn't think it needed and epilogue.
June 11, 2020
This was a quick sweet high school second chance romance. If that's your cuppa tea than you'll enjoy this.
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