Official Launch for PERSUADED TO SAIL, a sequel to Austen’s Persuasion, by Jack Caldwell
Greetings, everyone. Jack Caldwell here. I am proud to announce the release of my tenth novel, PERSUADED TO SAIL, a sequel to Austen’s Persuasion, Book Three of JANE AUSTEN’S FIGHTING MEN.
In 2012, I published an audacious book: a joint sequel to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility entitled THE THREE COLONELS. In it, I did two things:
- I assumed that all of Jane Austen’s characters knew each other; and,
- I sent Colonel Fitzwilliam, Colonel Brandon, and Captain Wickham to Waterloo.
You may not be aware I wrote more novels in this unique universe. THE THREE COLONELS was the cornerstone of a series of companion novels—stories that happened during the Hundred Days Crisis of 1815, when the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba and triggered the War of the Seventh Coalition. This is one of the turning points in world history.
I also wrote a more outlandish book than THE THREE COLONELS. This one was not only a sequel to Northanger Abbey, starring Captain Frederick Tilney, but was a mash-up with the Baroness Emma Orczy’s classic swashbuckler, The Scarlet Pimpernel. I named it THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.
To tie in with THE THREE COLONELS, I made Frederick friends with the dashing Colonel Sir John Buford of that book. Major Denney, Colonel Brandon, and the Darcys made appearances, as well. (Got to have the Darcys in an Austen book, right?)
PERSUADED TO SAIL, a sequel to Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion, is the third book in the series. But it’s not a new one.
Back in 2005, I posted this sequel to Persuasion under the title THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGER on the old Hyacinth Gardens JAFF board. Good Lord, I miss that place. Anyhow, THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGER was a companion novel to THE THREE COLONELS and the later THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. I had always wanted to publish it, but there was a major problem with the book. It was a cross-over with another novel, one that will remain unnamed that was set during the Napoleonic Wars but was still under copyright. That’s okay for fan fiction, but not for published works. I had to change THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGER.
It took a lot longer than I expected. I won’t go into too much detail, but it was a combination of writing other books, writer’s block, real life, and several moves. Lastly, when my muse finally got on the stick and got to work, she changed a major subplot. What made it vexing was that the change was really good.
Have I mentioned that my muse is a harsh mistress?
After fifteen years (!), I can finally present this much-improved sequel to Persuasion, now entitled PERSUADED TO SAIL.
Here’s the cover:
Neat, huh? Ellen Pickels did a wonderful job!
From the back cover:
The long-awaited sequel to Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion—
After an eight-year separation and a tumultuous reunion, Anne Elliot marries the dashing Captain Frederick Wentworth. The pair looks forward to an uneventful honeymoon cruise aboard the HMS Laconia.
But the bride and groom find the seas of matrimony rough. Napoleon has escaped from Elba, the country is at war with France again, and the Admiralty imposes on Wentworth a mysterious passenger on a dangerous secret mission. The good captain is caught between duty to his country and love for his wife.
All eyes are trained for enemies without, but the greatest menace may already be on board…
This wouldn’t be one of my books if it didn’t have major cross-overs with others of Miss Austen’s works. Not only does William Price from Mansfield Park have a major supporting role, you’ll see connections to Sense and Sensibility and, of course, Pride and Prejudice.
I’ve posted several excerpts from PERSUADED TO SAIL. They can be found below:
PERSUADED TO SAIL will be available through White Soup Press in print and Kindle format. You’ll have to wait a little while for EPUB—sorry. At least this will be in Kindle Unlimited for a while. The link is HERE.
You’ll have to wait a bit for ROSINGS PARK (the sequel to THE THREE COLONELS). I hope to have it out this fall.
Okay, now for what you’ve been waiting for—A FREE BOOK.
To comment, tell us what is your favorite naval book &/or movie, and why.
It has to be military or swashbuckling (Titanic doesn’t count!). Is it:
- Master and Commander (or any of Patrick O’Brian’s work)
- Captain Horatio Hornblower (or any of C. S. Forester’s novels or the TV series)
- Captain Blood
- Mutiny on the Bounty
- Treasure Island
- In Harm’s Way
- The Caine Mutiny
- Das Boot
- Midway (1976)
- Midway (2019)
- Run Silent Run Deep
- They Were Expendable
- The Hunt for Red October
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Battleship
- Down Periscope
- Or something else?
TWO winners of a print or ebook copy (their choice) will be chosen at random.
(Print is limited to the continental US. Sorry. Blame the Post Office.)
Remember, Titanic doesn’t count!
Good luck!
“It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…”
31 comments
Skip to comment form
Congratulations on your new book!! Thank you for the excerpts.
Now, among the list, The Battle ship came to mind. Aside from the bravery of the main characters, I particularly love the part when the new technology failed, we resorted to the old ones. And the heroism/courage of those who fought the old war didn’t dampen with age. It’s just inspiring to be reminded, physique changes but not character or our true nature.
Thank you for the chance to win your new book.
Author
Okay, you’ve convinced me to give Battleship a try.
I definitely enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean, but, of the movies listed, the Hunt for red October is definitely my favorite
Author
I LOVED The Hunt for Red October when the book came out. The movie adaptation, while leaving some stuff out, was about a good a job as anyone could done. I particularly like the job Scott Glenn did with Bart Mancuso of the USS Dallas. I have watched the film multiple times.
The Aubrey/Maturin relationship is what makes the O’Brian books more than just a military adventure series. Looking forward to this new book!
Author
I absolutely agree. Stephen Maturin is fascinating.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am looking forward to reading this one as I loved both ‘The Three Colonels’ and ‘The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel’. Before reading ‘The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel’, I read ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ and for that I thank you. I actually enjoyed it for it had been many, many years since I saw the movie.
As for your question, I have a couple of favourites. I remember going to the movies with my husband and his father to see ‘Das Boot’. I don’t think I ever took a such a deep breath until after I came out of the the theater…very riveting. The Hunt for Red October with Sean Connery…because all I can remember with that movie is Sean Connery. The Horatio Hornblower TV series however would have to be my all time favourite for the depth of history. I know we have the books somewhere, and I keep saying I should read them.
Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
Author
Hornblower — in the books — is a tough hero to love. On the outside he’s dashing and brave, but on the inside he’s insecure, fretful, and unfaithful to his wives. Still, you can’t stop pulling for the guy!
Master and Commander without a doubt is one of my favourite films, and so my favourite marine film,. Why? Because I am a fan of Russell Crowe films, and I believe that ever actor’s performance in the film is wonderful, and I like the story which makes it an entertaining film for me and my husband.
Author
I was surprised that Crowe did such a great job with Jack Aubrey. He captured Lucky Jack, warts and all.
I really thought I could ommented, but i must”be forgotten to hot post comment. Hunt for Red October is my favorite but for comedic effect I like the Pirates of Caribbean series. I know I will love this as I have the previous two. Thank you for the generous give away.
I loved Master and Commander and the books were marvelous too but Horatio Hornblower beats it by a smidge! Just so much fun and adventure to be had ❤️
Author
Like I said, C.S. Forester was as big an influence on this book as POB. You can’t go wrong!
How can I chose between favorites: Horatio Hornblower, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hunt for Red October and even Treasure Island? The second one may just nudge out the others. I have read the first two in this series which then led me to read several of The Scarlet Pimpernel series. I look forward to reading this last one and best of luck on its release. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Author
Glad you had the chance to read the original Pimpernel stories. I hope those Persuasion fans who have only seen the film(s) will give Miss Austen’s prose a shot. They won’t be disappointed.
Congratulations!!!!! 🎉 I love the rich world building and crossovers melded with history that you describe here!
My favorite is Master and Commander — because of the world building (realism), the character development, and also the musical score!
Author
Hah! Our books released on the same day. Now, you’re no longer the best unpublished JAFF story!
Thanks for the kind words. Your magical universe is as good or better than J.k. Rowling’s!
Congratulations! Has it really been 15 years?! Oh dear, was there really a Hyacinth Gardens? it seems like another era (probably because by now it is!)
What a lovely cover – I adore the couple, and the ship too!
Well, you were the one who introduced me to Patrick O’Brien’s works so I have to mention him. 🙂 I also like Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd, yay!) and of course the Hunt for the Red October which I watched with my husband more than once.
Since you are so adamant against Titanic, I have to mention that a Hungarian writer (András Dékány) wrote a novel about the ship’s catastrophe for children/ young teens that was a formative experience for me. It focused on the courage and steadfastness of those who tried to organize the evacuation with so insufficient means, to avoid panic, to help the weaker; it featured a boy who made friends with seamen and a (fictional) telegraph operator tirelessly sending off the distress calls . It was obviously a bit idealized, but I understood clearly the foolishness of trying to beat a speed record without caution, and the arrogance of looking down on nature’s forces because of our “modern science”. Unsinkable ship indeed! (Dr. Malcolm in Jurassic Park the book was only a recap for me after this deeply ingrained lesson.) I don’t suppose it counts as swashbuckling (and obviously it isn’t military), but undoubtedly heroic.
I’m sorry but Pirates of the Caribbean rubs me all the wrong way. For pirate stories, I love Emilio Salgari’s novels (there is a TV miniseries Sandokan the Tiger of Malaysia with Kabir Bedi – all my generation fell in love with it/him) and his Black Corsair series. Now there’s swashbuckling for you in spades!
Thanks for the giveaway chance! And I am so glad that the Rosings Park story is coming together lto be published n the foreseeable future!
Author
I’m glad you’ve discovered POB. The Aubrey/Maturin novels are some of the best in the genre.
As for a certain unfortunate passenger liner, I read “A Night to Remember” many moons ago. It still haunts me,
Working hard on ROSINGS PARK!
My favorite military story is “A Bridge too Far”. It is about Operation Market Garden in World War II. I love the scene on the bridge in Arnheim when the German general sends a young soldier waving a white flag onto the bridge expecting the British to jump at the chance to surrender. However the British general has his soldier ask what the Germans want. The young German soldier replies that his General wants to discuss the terms of the British surrender. The British General instructs his soldier to tell him to go hell. However the British soldier replies “Sorry, but we just do not have the facilities to take you all prisoner. Was there anything else. ” At this point the German General decides to flatten Arnheim.
Author
I first learned about MARKET-GARDEN in 1969, and read Cornelius Ryan’s book years later. As an American, I was most interested in the US 82nd Airborne’s assault across the Waal. Richard Attenborough’s magnificent film brought home to me the courage of the Polish Parachute brigade and the hell UK 1st Airborne suffered at Arnhem.
I enjoy The Hunt for Red October and Pirates of the Caribbean. As for Titanic, I watched that in a crowded theater with my brother who was in the Navy who exclaimed loudly about something they got wrong dealing with nautical terms so that will always be the most memorable “naval” movie I’ve seen:)
Author
As y’all can tell, I have no use for James Cameron’s Titanic!
OMG! How on earth can I possibly tell you my favorite naval movie/book/TV show when several of them are sooooo good! I am a faithful John Wayne fan so “In Harm’s Way” and “Operation Pacific” (which you didn’t include) are great favorites as is “They Were Expendable”. I thoroughly enjoyed the TV series of “Captain Hornblower”, and being of Scot’s ancestry and a female, I like anything with Sean Connery in it so even “The Hunt for Red October” has to be included in my list. I always liked the older version of “Midway” but seeing the 2019 version convinced me it is even better in many ways. As an aside, I’ve always liked WWII movies, especially about the war in the Pacific. For that reason, on one of our RV travels through Texas my husband and I stopped in Fredericksburg and visited the Admiral Nimitz Museum of the War of the Pacific Theater – a must see for anyone having such an interest. …….alright, IF I have to give a favorite, because I like period pieces (I am a JAFF fan afterall), I’ll go with “Captain Horatio Hornblower” because my absolute favorite Austen novel is “Persuasion” with “P&P” a close second. I am so anxious to read your continuing saga of Anne and Frederick! ….given a choice, I’d want a printed copy of your new book.
Author
John Wayne really gets to me. After repeated viewings, I still tear up at the end of They Were Expendable. The Searchers, Fort Apache, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon get me, too.
Congratulations, Mr. Caldwell!! Or should it be Captain Caldwell? 😉
I absolutely loved The Last Adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel–it was brilliant!!! So I am definitely impatient for the release of Persuaded to Sail!! Yay!!! 🙂
Does Disney’s Treasure Planet qualify? If not, then I’m all for Captain Blood!! There is just something about Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland together on screen: sheer movie magic!! And the first Pirates of the Caribbean was marvelous.
Congratulations again on the publication of Persuaded to Sail!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Quick story that you may enjoy: My grandfather was a captain in the Pacific in World War II and was First Officer on the USS Ward which fired the first American shot of WWII just outside Pearl Harbor a couple of hours before the attack began.
On 7 December 1944, precisely three years after Pearl Harbor, the USS Ward, captained by my grandfather, Richard Farwell, was hit by a kamikaze whose payload did not explode, and all personnel were evacuated safely to the USS O’Brien…which was captained by William Outerbridge, captain of the Ward on 7 December 1941. Outerbridge gave the order to scuttle the Ward, and both captains stood side by side and watched the old WWI destroyer, the first command for both, sink in the Leyte Gulf.
Author
Thank you so much for the warm words about THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL!
That’s an amazing story about your grandfather and the USS Ward. We all must remember those that stood against tyranny.
Unfortunately, I have not seen many of the movies you have mentioned. I grew up watching the great swashbuckling greats: Errol Flynn [The Sea Hawk, Captain Blood], Tyrone Power [The Black Swan], and who can forget Douglas Fairbanks. I also enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean [the first one], and when I need a laugh I watch McHale’s Navy. Then, there is my all-time favorite pirate… Princess Bride. It is inconceivable to consider anything else; however, you have tempted me with your newest work. I can’t wait to see what happens. Best wishes on the success of this launch. Stay safe and healthy.
Author
Hey, you’ve got time. Jump into some of these! Stay safe.
Thanks for sharing this excerpt with us.
I have not seen a lot of naval movies, but I would have to say that Mutiny on the Bounty is a favorite movie of mine. I know that there have been a couple moves made of Mutiny on the Bounty, but I’ve only seen the Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins version. I’m not sure how closely it was based on the actual event, but seeing it as a teenager, I did enjoy the adventure portrayed in it.
Thanks for the chance to be entered into the drawing.
Congratulations on the long awaited release of Persuaded to Sail, Jack! If you didn’t know, Persuasion is one of my favourite Jane Austen’s novels. I am delighted that I get to sail with Captain Wentworth and his bride for this epic seaside adventure.
My favourite naval movies are those that involved mysteries and thrillers. So you can count on The Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide as one of them. I like that there is eminent danger but the heroes are always righteous and wins in the end though they were taking a huge risks in making that decision.