The States

"An inventive novel about wishes and regret." Kirkus Reviews

"Eloquent and alluring, The States is a novel in which dreams crash into lived realities." - Foreword Reviews

"A contemporary reimagining of Jane Austen's Persuasion, this lovely novel from Woodsey is rich in romance, fantasy, and a tender yearning to make the best of a do-over." - Booklife

Tildy Sullivan is the middle child in an elite yet fading Manhattan family. Her quiet practicality hides her deep, profound longing for childhood summers in western Ireland. She also carries a secret regret. After her mother’s death 8 years ago, she was persuaded by her family to abandon Ireland and the love of a local boy. Now she believes happiness is lost to her.

When Tildy volunteers for a lucid dreaming experiment, it gives her all she wants – a life lived for her family during the day and a secret, perfect Ireland of her own at night. Will she face reality, or succumb to the ease of her dreams?

THE STATES is a modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, a story of love, obligation, and second chances.