Born of Persuasion

Written by Jessica Dotta

Narrated by Amanda McKnight

She never imagined securing her future would require delving into the past.

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston's position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia's first choice — to marry her childhood sweetheart — is denied. Then, a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, opening a realm of possibilities.

Treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, however, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother's mysterious past. Before she knows what's happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country's most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. 

But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oasis Audio
• Release date: Sep 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781621882749

Reviews for Born of Persuasion

[bookwormmama14 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Our leading lady, Julia Elliston, is the daughter of the famed Atheist William Elliston. She is young and naïve, her mother tried to protect her and shield her from the world outside. She has much to learn about the world and is in a delicate emotional state. Her entire life has begun to crumble, starting with the death of her mother. She soon learns that everything she thought she knew is a lie. How did her mother die exactly? And who is this mysterious guardian who wishes to remain anonymous? Her childhood sweetheart has betrayed her, yet is there hope for reconciliation? As we follow Julia’s journey of discovery we encounter a few other key players. Edward and Henry Auburn, brothers who fell in love with Julia and her best friend Elizabeth Windham as children. They made plans of their future together and were secretly betrothed. But now, all their hopes and dreams are threatened. Elizabeth’s mother, Mrs. Windham has taken it upon herself to find a husband for “poor Julia”. Lady Foxworth is intent upon playing matchmaker as well. Little does Julia know the vast change in life that could take place if she concedes to marry Mr. Macy. A man with extraordinary wealth that has promised to care for and protect Julia. But can he be trusted? When laws cannot protect Julia, will her life come to ruin? And will she take a step of faith towards the only One who remains constant in an ever changing world?

To be completely honest, I didn’t know what to think of this book most of the time I was reading it. Now that I have finished I will say that while I wasn’t 100% impressed with particulars of the content, it was a very well written book. I love the descriptive way Jessica Dotta drew me into the story. So much so, that I could imagine standing in the room with Julia. The language and style is one of my favorites for reading. The entire book is narrated by Julia who is looking back on her life much later, after the events have taken place. She hints at other mysteries in the story, but doesn’t give away too much. I was not impressed with the scenes between Mr. Macy and Julia where he was supposedly “courting” her. Although Julia remains a maiden by the end of the book, she allowed Macy’s advancements premature. It made me feel uncomfortable. Other than that, I really did enjoy Born of Persuasion. I am starting the second book Mark of Distinction, today.

[Candy Mendo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this very much it is exciting to see what happens next i was always surprised where she was and who was n control

[kuku · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

very detailed and gripping. couldn't stop listening. beautifully written and emotional . it took me to different levels of emotional turmoil, though mostly sad.

[sunnydrk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in the 1830's, Julia is an orphan with no position. An anonymous guardian has plans for her as does the village dowager. Her plans to marry her first love are denied and mystery surrounds her mother's death. With twists and turns and (at times) a confusing plot, Ms. Dotta does keep you intrigued and wanting to know more. While I fully grasped the final outcome, the ending had me wanting more. I guess I'll have to buy the next book.

[Shelley Gill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jessica Dotta is one of my favorite authors. Written in first-person, Born of Persuasion takes the reader into the bewildering thoughts of the protagonist with unpredictable twists and turns. This is an "I-could-not-put-it-down" book. The romance is steamy without going over the line - which I appreciate very much. (It takes a great author to write a kissing scene well enough to get it steamy without it going into smut.) I could go on and on, but I do not want to ruin it for you. BE AWARE: if you read this first book, you will be grabbing the next one immediately, so schedule your life accordingly.

EDIT: In response to the negative comments about this story being Christian or not, please hear my heart on this. It IS a Christian book, but it is not sterile. I was wondering, in the first few chapters, if this was a secular book that was going to leave the reader with a bad impression of God. But, I kept reading. KEEP READING, and you will find out why this is a Christian book. Remember, when reading a book written in first-person, we only get the protagonist's point of view, not the author's.

I am a Christian author as well - so is my husband. We have come across people thinking that Christian novels and movies HAVE to be sterile. The Bible has stories of murder, adultery, theft, etc. It all depends on the context and how these subjects are delivered to the reader. I could more thoroughly explain why I think this is a Christian novel, but I would have to spoil the book for you.

Also, I am sorry that a salesperson told one reviewer that it was like Jane Austen. Ahhh... a bit, but not much. I also saw a "Mrs. Bennet" in the story as well, but borrowing from classic novels is quite acceptable. I giggled and thought it brilliant that Jessica Dotta put Mrs. Bennet in her book. What fun!

ENJOY!

[UchennaEzeh · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was frustrating. Very long winded and confusing. Julia made the worst decisions and always seemed to expect someone to save her. She was also quite selfish, not thinking much about the safety of her Edward, especially after the death of Churchill.

I kept waiting for the end of the book only......it did not end. Two more books in the series. This was very upsetting.

I will take a break and read the other two books just because I really want to see her turn to God and see if that alters her rash behavior and stupid decisions.

[Jaz · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I stopped midway in chapter 6. The book started off well, but could not continue. I usually always finish books even when I don’t like them. I could not with this one. I could not get into the plot even though the description of the novel was great. Based on other reviews, this novel does not even hold any values to being a Christianity or a follower of Christ. Furthermore, it appears the author was not sure if it should be a secular novel or Christain. Should have just been a secular novel.

[Frances O'Connor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent writing, with excellent reading. I highly recommend this series!

Update 5/17/23
I loved this series so much, I decided to reread after two and a half years. It was even better the second time. To me, it is a work of genius.
The narrative is very complex, with rich detail, and wonderfully developed characters. History and culture was very well researched. The author's understanding of the psychology of manipulation is excellent.
To read only one volume would be a shame. The first is the cake plate, the second the cake, and the third or final book is the perfect topping. I recommend thinking of them as volumes 1—3.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you like a good gothic romance, then you will love Jessica Dotta’s Born of Persuasion, book 1 in the Price of Privilege Trilogy. Reminiscent of the works of the Bronte sisters, this historical novel set in Victorian England is filled with deception and intrigue, love and loyalty, and faith and unbelief. The book ends with lots of loose ends, but don’t despair, all of the books in this series are available now! This one is a highly recommended read!Julia Elliston has just buried her mother and is alone in the world, save a mysterious guardian she has never met. Her life has been shaped by an outspoken and abusive father and the polite society that shunned her family. Desperate to escape her guardian’s control, Julia believes only marriage will give her the security she wants. But the conventions and laws of the times which conspire against her leave her at the mercy of many with few to trust.Born of Persuasion’s complex plotting and characterization along with a deft handling of setting, historical detail and subtle faith message are very welcome in a genre that is often more fluff than substance. Dotta’s novel both entertains and challenges the reader. Characters are well-developed; there are no stereotypes here. Julia is an especially complex character. Caught up in a web of deceit complicated by her past experiences and naivete, Julia is a character I cheered on at the same time I wanted to shake her! And Julia is not alone in her inability to discern truth. This reader was often taken in by many of the characters as well. The first person narrative from a much older and wiser Julia adds depth to story. For the gothic romance fan there are plenty of mysterious goings-on, twists, turns and rich atmospheric elements. As stated, the faith message is very subtle, yet a consistent thread in the book. Only one character lives out his faith in a very outspoken manner, yet his stumbles are realistic. At the beginning of the novel, Julia believes in reason alone and is bitter by the treatment her family has suffered at the hands of the church. Her attitudes evolve in the face of trials and the steadfastness of a man of faith.One theme that I think will especially appeal to a book club is freedom. When someone is hemmed in by social morals and cultural dictates, as well as laws that restrict, can someone really be free? The Victorian setting with all its restrictions is perfect for this discussion.There has been high praise for Jessica Dotta’s debut novel, and after reading it I concur. This one is definitely a must read.Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.Great for Book Clubs.(I purchased this novel for my Kindle. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[nextian_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Seriously awful. The saleswoman who said this was just like a Jane Austen novel was either lying through her teeth or has never read Austen in her life. Everything these people do would have been the height of scandal in the 19th century and yet I'm supposed to like them? I think not.

[jessicajames-2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the very first page, Born of Persuasion takes the reader back to a time when the class you were born into dictated the life you would live. The author seems to have an effortless talent for writing in this era, skillfully mixing the struggles and desperation of the lower class with a realistic glimpse into the lives of the upper.

I hate to use the cliché “this book has it all” – but it pretty much does: romance, intrigue, mystery verging on suspense, and just enough humor to keep the stark realities of the period from getting too heavy.

This is a good old-fashioned romantic novel the way they used to write them. Well done!

This book was furnished by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in lieu of an unbiased review.

[sparkleandchico · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I don't really enjoy romance but sometimes make an exception for historical romance provided there is an interesting plot.

The book starts off well with interesting characters. I especially liked the character Mrs Windham although I noted that a fair number of the things that she says and does seem to have been borrowed from the character Mrs Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. Having watched that movie more times than I can count and read the book recently, these things jumped off the page.

As a secular novel, I probably would have given this a slightly higher rating but for a Christian book I was disappointed. The main Christian character, a vicar, abandons his calling to pursue a woman that has just married someone else. There is then a fair bit of discussion as to how to get the woman out of her doomed marriage. But there were no real grounds even from a secular viewpoint let alone a biblical one. What is the message there? It hardly says much for the sanctity of marriage in the eyes of God or the importance of keeping marriage vows. In a quick divorce society it isn't really helpful for a Christian author to be advocating looking for a way out of a marriage regardless the circumstance. The underlying theme that love conquers all is also suspect...

There were romantic scenes that got quite steamy in places although I wouldn't describe it as graphic. It might bother some readers. There was no bad language and only mild violence.

There is barely a mention of God, indeed the main character is an atheist from a prominent family of atheists and doesn't seem to change her views during the narrative. Whilst not overly offensive, I think more could have been made of this novel especially from a Christian angle as the author states that that was her intent in her bio. She notes that at one point there was too much about God and at another not enough...I guess in the end she chose the latter option which in my view was a mistake. Trying to write a book with Christian principles to entertain a secular audience is virtually impossible. I believe authors should stick to one or the other.

I cannot recommend this book and an unsure yet whether I will bother with the sequels.

[pamelajo-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Riveting Page Turner!"Born of Persuasion" has to be one of my favorite novels! In this book the reader will find romance, suspense, spine tingling fear, and a deep theme of good vs evil. I read it in one day because I simply could not put it down! This book is also a bit different than a typical Christian Historical. Set in 19th Century England, it is more of a Gothic novel. It reminds me of the works of the Bronte sisters. There is murder, blackmail, abuse, and even atheistic situations throughout the book. Yet it is a book which causes the reader to really think about faith...losing it and gaining it. It will appeal to all readers. While the plot is complicated and quite intricate, the reader will be pulled into the story immediately. I was! I must also add that this is the first book in a trilogy, and is not a stand-alone novel, but after you read this one, you will want to read the next two in order to discover what happens. There are loose ends at the end of the story, but it only adds to the anticipation of the next release.The main character is Julia Elliston, a young woman who finds herself in a troubling personal situation after the death of her mother. Much about her past has been hidden from her. She has a Guardian, but it does not appear that he is a beneficial element in her life. She does not even know who he is, except that he is controlling and demands that Julia obey him. She is desperate to escape and hopes to marry a childhood friend, Edward Auburn. When she visits an old friend of her late mother's, Julia makes the tragic discovery that Edward is no longer a viable option for her. The two still love one another, but their circumstances in life have caused their ties to be severed. Julia feels betrayed by Edward and believes her dream of a future with him is shattered. The suspense and intrigue begins when a titled dowager takes Julie under her wing and prepares her to meet gentlemen who might marry her. Julia is desperate to be wed in order to escape her Guardian.The man who truly wishes to win Julia's heart is Mr. Chase Macy, a recluse twice Julia's age who has a dark past and hides even darker secrets. However, Mr. Macy does woo Julia and he becomes her protector. I have to admit that I felt the same doubts about Mr. Macy as Julia does while I read the book. Something about him just isn't quite trustworthy, yet he is a character who really does seem to have a sincere affection for Julia. I also found myself favoring Mr. Macy over Edward at times. An author who causes the reader to feel the same emotions as the main character in the book is truly a writer with talent...and Jessica Dotta is a tremendously talented writer!The plot thickens when Mr. Macy reveals that he knows Julia's Guardian and tells her he is a man to be feared. As this unknown man appears on the scene, along with Edward, Julia is forced to make dangerous decisions. I won't reveal more about the plot, as it will give away too much of the tale. I will say that, even after finishing the book, I do not know what will happen to Julia, Edward, or Mr. Macy. Many unexpected events await in the pages of Born of Persuasion. The reader is left wanting more...and there will be more in the second book of the trilogy. I'm currently waiting to read and review book two..."Mark of Distinction" and I can hardly stand waiting to receive it! Julia's story is one which will remain with me for a long time. It is a thriller!

[lawonder10 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

'Born of Persuasion' is remarkable work of art! It keeps the reader"on edge" the whole book! As I read, I kept waiting for the sleazy scenes to enfold - it is published by Tyndale, so of course it can't be that bad! It wasn't! In fact, it was a remarkable historical tale of a "foursome" who were close childhood friends and were now Young Adults. This was a story of monstrous challenges they had to deal with. It was a tale of hard lessons learned, difficult decisions made, and enormous fears to overcome. there were moments of pridefulness, daring, adventure, danger, humility, spitefulness, mischief, tenderness, romance, self-discovery, deceit, and much more. What is there not to like? The storyline brings to one's attention, how perception is often one-sided and incorrect. It proclaims desires and attractions can be masked in cunning evil. An important point is made that, although we differ greatly in opinions, we can still maintain friendship and love. Born of Persuasion is definitely a "page turner". It never ceases to amaze with its twits and turns even to the very end! Even then, you are eager to learn if there is more to the story...There is! It is the first of a trilogy. I can't hardly bear the thought of having to wait to read the continuing story! This book was years in the making but so well worth it. It is a masterpiece in writing. I questioned the title as being a good choice when I began the story but once reading the whole book I deemed it very worthy and a perfect lead into the next title of the trilogy. Many may feel the title page was a careless mishap..it wasn't. If one considers the tale and circumstances it fits well. It can be disconcerting at first.I am sure YA and Adults alike will really enjoy this novel.My review of this book offers a solid Five Stars rating.*I was generously sent this book for an honest review, of which I have given.