Anne Elliott is the executive director for the Elysian Theatre Festival and councilor in her small town of Niagra-on-the-Lake. The Elliott name is well-known in the town, being a huge part of the community since Anne could remember. And when her mother passed away, Anne naturally took over as the family matriarch, taking care of her sister and father, in addition to making her career and town her top priority. When a retired couple moves in and purchases the nearby Kellynch Winery, she welcomes them to the community as usual. But when they reveal that their capital investor nephew is coming to help them get started, the name rings the wrong bells. Ben Wentworth is none other than Anne’s ex-boyfriend, whose heart she broke eight years ago. When a joint project between the winery and the festival forces them to work together, it’s clear that all wounds have not healed. Once Persuaded, Twice Shy by Melodie Edwards is a modern reimagining of Persuasion in which Anne and Ben must confront their complicated history and learn to work together for the benefit of everything and everyone they care about.
Book
Anne’s mother was the previous executive director before she passed away from cancer. Anne had a close relationship with her mother, and finds herself filling her shoes both in her family life and professional life. Anne is the responsible one, always cleaning up everyone’s messes. Whether it’s her sister accumulating unpaid parking tickets in Anne’s car, or her father racking up a bar tab that he can’t pay, Anne’s the one picking up the pieces. Then Ben comes back into her life, more successful and established than she ever thought he would be. After all, it was his easy-going and spontaneous spirit that led her to believe their lives would eventually head in different directions. And as they spend more time together and get up to speed with each other’s lives, Anne starts to realize that perhaps breaking things off all those years ago was a mistake.
Unfortunately Ben begins seeing an ambitious young actress. And after overhearing unflattering comments about herself, Anne decides to make some changes. She even catches the eye of a handsome developer interested in building new properties in the town. But we all know that romance and work don’t always mix. And they still have to finalize the joint project in progress, which comes with unanticipated hiccups. Anne’s journey is certainly underway in Once Persuaded, Twice Shy.
Review
Edwards showcases her talent for putting a modern spin on the old classics. I’ve never read Persuasion, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy Once Persuaded, Twice Shy. I loved the “cozy home town” feel that she creates, and I enjoyed all of the characters. The notorious rogue goose that seems to target Anne’s events added humor and chaos that readers will enjoy. And who doesn’t love a young woman who realizes what she deserves and finally takes charge of her life? Whether it’s slow-burn/second-chance romance, character development, or a cozy read, there’s something in this story for everyone.
Melodie Edwards joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about her admiration for Jane Austen and literary classics. Keep an ear out for the interview and preorder Once Persuaded, Twice Shy, available February 27.
