Persuade Me

This contemporary tale is “an enjoyable retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion . . . Cleverly and thoughtfully done” (The Bookbag). Ten years ago, Anna Elliot let the love of her life go because her overbearing family disapproved of him. And ever since, she’s regretted her decision, wondering every day if she’s given up her only chance for real happiness. After Anna shattered his heart, Dr. Rick Wentworth moved on—and away—to Australia, where his work in marine conservation garnered international fame and respect. But when it comes to his feelings, he’s still an island unto himself. Fate intercedes when Rick travels home to England for a book tour, and Anna makes an attempt at some closure for herself. Then their shared memories intrude—and the love they once had seems ready to awaken once again. But with Anna’s image-obsessed family always ready to interfere, and Rick poised to ditch the limelight and return to Australia, she’s not sure she can persuade him to risk his heart again for her, in this delightful novel by the author of The Importance of Being Emma.

Studying such literary figures as Frederick Buechner, Albert Camus, George Dennison, Ursula Le Guin, C. S. Lewis, Alan Paton, Ignazio Silone, Alice Walker, Elie Wiesel, and Charles Williams, Robert McAfee Brown illustrates "the liberating power of fiction" by enabling the reader to enter their worlds. Brown asserts that although there is no faith that offers ironclad guarantees against future struggles, the wisdom of these authors can help us toward praising and rejoicing.

In the summer of 2013 David Suchet will film his final scenes as Hercule Poirot. After 24 years in the role, he will have played the character in every story that Agatha Christie wrote about him (bar one, deemed unfilmable) and he will bid adieu to a role and a character that have changed his life. In Poirot and Me, David Suchet tells the story of how he secured the part, with the blessing of Agatha Christie's daughter, and set himself the task of presenting the most authentic Poirot that had ever been filmed. David Suchet is uniquely placed to write the ultimate companion to one of the world's longest running television series. Peppered with anecdotes about filming, including many tales of the guest stars who have appeared over the years, the book is essential reading for Poirot fans all over the world.