Book Review: Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding
The moment I laid eyes on Anne of Avenue A, I knew it was calling to me. As a long-time devotee of Jane Austen’s work, I’m always eager to see how contemporary authors breathe new life into her timeless themes of love, regret, and second chances. With Bellezza and Harding at the helm, I was not only hoping for a nostalgic revisit to Austen’s Persuasion, but also a fresh exploration through the lens of modern New York City. Spoiler alert: they delivered!
In this third installment of the For the Love of Austen series, we meet Anne Elliot—now thirty and navigating the complexities of adulthood with a gentle grace that many of us recognize. She’s smart, accommodating, and just a tad lost, fitting seamlessly into the puzzle of characters faced with the emotional fallout of past decisions. Eight years ago, she chose practicality over passion, breaking Freddie Wentworth’s heart and setting her own life on an unremarkable path. Now, she finds herself back in her childhood apartment, running her father’s struggling TV production company, and trying to convince herself that she’s okay. But when Freddie reenters her life—successful, confident, and ironically the new owner of her former home—the stage is set for all sorts of beautifully awkward encounters.
What truly makes Anne of Avenue A sing is the authors’ dexterous writing. They capture both the quiet ache of missed opportunities and the layered wit that Austen crafted so well. The dialogues sparkle with sharpness, feeling both natural and rich with subtext. Anne and Freddie’s chemistry simmers, communicated through cautious words and stolen glances—the tension is palpable, reminiscent of yearning rom-coms that linger long after the credits roll. One of my favorite lines, “I was never not choosing you. I just didn’t know how to choose myself yet,” encapsulates the heart of the novel, striking a chord that echoed my own experiences of love and self-discovery.
The pacing of the narrative feels deliberate yet engaging, allowing the emotional weight of Anne’s journey to unfold at just the right tempo. As she wrestles with her past while tending to her chaotic family, readers will recognize shades of their own lives reflected back at them—an experience that makes Anne of Avenue A feel intimate and personal. Both humorous and heartwrenching, the supporting cast—friends and family alike—adds layers of comedy and emotional nuance that enhance Anne’s state of being and journey toward self-acceptance.
Of course, the NYC setting shines brightly throughout, from cozy apartment gatherings to vibrant holiday revelries. The city becomes almost a character in itself, throbbing with life, dreams, and the hope that comes with fresh starts. The authors masterfully weave in subtle nods to Persuasion without leaning too heavily on the original, creating a contemporary narrative that feels both familiar and innovative.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Anne of Avenue A to anyone who appreciates second-chance romances, modern takes on classic literature, or simply finds joy in a heartfelt story. Whether you’re a dedicated Austen fan or new to her adaptations, this book is a delightful escape filled with warmth, wit, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. As I closed the final chapter—both in print and audio—I sighed contentedly, feeling that exquisite blend of satisfaction and yearning that only a good romance can evoke. If you’re in need of a cozy read that resonates emotionally, this one is sure to warm your heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
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