First of all the cover is so beautiful! It feels cozy and like a book lover's dream. Of course the fact that this book is being pitched as a "modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion" makes me want to read it even more but also makes me a bit leary! Seeing Austen's book mentioned within the story made me happy to know that the author wasn't going to just ride on Jane Austen's coattails and write a formulaic retelling to make this book appeal to Janeites! From what I have read so far this story plays out as promised, like a "modern ode to Jane Austen’s classic." So far the characters are likable, the story is modern enough and original enough to not be an Austen knock-off, and it's proving to be a light, fun read. I think people can be very harsh when it comes to retellings and comparing them too much to the originals. I feel By the Book is a stand alone story and I am interested in seeing where it goes and how the author incorporates her own ideas into the Jane Austen classic!