Clash – Melanie Stanford

Can You Be Persuaded To Like Elizabeth Elliot?

 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

Having read and utterly adored one series about Elizabeth Elliot, I was thrilled to see Melanie Stanford released a sequel novella to her clever modern adaptation of Persuasion, Sway that spotlights Elizabeth Elliot. (Side Note: Persuasion fans should definitely read Sway if they haven’t already – it is a wonderful adaptation of Jane Austen’s work that is fresh, creative, and filled with music!)

In this sequel, we meet up with Elizabeth who is running her own party planning business called Excessively Diverted (love it!), which isn’t exactly in the black quite yet. Of course, it doesn’t help that Elizabeth still goes to the spa weekly and must buy the latest designer handbag! While supervising the success of one her expertly planned parties, Elizabeth has the misfortune to overhear someone insulting her party (sounds like someone is about to make a spectacular first impression!) And being bold as brass, Elizabeth confronts this rude guest, who turns out to be Antonio Reyes, a wealthy CEO. Antonio has no problem clashing horns with Elizabeth at her party, but the next day he feels something like regret when he discovers that Elizabeth is the party planner his daughter wants him to hire for her Sweet Sixteen! Yikes! And even though Elizabeth loathes the ill-manner, arrogant jerk entirely, she might be persuaded to take him on as a client because she is in need of some funds to pay her mounting bills…

Oh boy, sounds like Elizabeth has met her match!! I loved that Melanie Stanford placed a spotlight on Elizabeth Elliot in this novella. And I appreciated seeing selfish and conceited Elizabeth learn to open her heart in a most gratifying and believable way. Yet, at the same time, she isn’t much changed in essentials. In addition, I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth’s relationships with other characters in this story. I loved seeing the heartwarming companionship between Elizabeth and her father. While these two have some personality traits in common, it was sweet to see that their relationship is more than those shared commonalities. Their reliance on and care for each other was lovely to witness.

And, of course, it was amusing to see all sorts of sparks fly when Antonio and Elizabeth were together! I loved the rapid-fire insult-matches and heated tension between these two! Elizabeth can passionately hold a grudge with the best of them, and Antonio loves pushing her uptight buttons! But their contentious relationship slowly melts into something softer, and I loved seeing some softness and vulnerability in these two strong-willed characters. In addition, I really enjoyed Elizabeth’ relationship with Vale, Antonio’s daughter, and how spending time with both Vale and Antonio made Elizabeth realize that she wanted something other than the life of an important and glamorous socialite.

I can’t believe I am about to say this…but I think I want to read more stories about Elizabeth Elliot! Or maybe I just want to read more stories by Melanie Stanford! (yeah, that’s more likely, I think!) Clash is a wonderfully entertaining and light-hearted read that once again proves that even Jane Austen’s detestable characters can become likable heroines that readers will get behind! A well-balanced and impassioned second movement to Ms. Stanford’s poignant and soulful first composition, Sway!

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16 comments

  1. I really enjoyed Sway and have had Clash on my “to buy” list for quite a while. This review just confirmed my need to move it a couple of notches up my list of books to buy. Thanks, Meredith!! A lovely review!!

    I am wondering, though, why this book was given a 4.5 rating, yet I didn’t see any “could be improved” comments in the review, only positives. Could you please expand on your reasoning for the 4.5 rating? Thanks!!!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. It is a great book to enjoy in one sitting, Susanne, and I hope you get to read it soon!

      LOL! I guess I have a habit of explaining my ratings even if they are 4.5s. 🙂 I didn’t mention it because it might just be my own preference, but sometimes with novellas, I still find myself wanting more. 🙂

      1. Yes, you’ve almost always given a reason for a less-than-5 review before, so I was curious. 😉 I understand what you mean about novellas; I always want books to be longer, too–especially the really, really good ones! 😀

        Thanks, Meredith!

        ~Susanne 🙂

  2. I read and enjoyed this book. Good review. Sometimes I take off 1/2 a point if I don’t plan to reread the book. A book has to be fantastic to get a reread with so many books out there.

  3. Totally agree with your review Meredith! I too so enjoyed it! Her latest book ‘Colllide’ is amazing! I absolutely loved it!

  4. Thanks for another great review, Meredith. Your reviews are the only reason I’ve come to appreciate modern versions. I know, such an old foggie. Put both in my ‘wish list,’ but I want to read ‘Sway’ first.

    1. Aw! Yay! If you have a favorite type of modern, let me know! I’d be happy to recommend any others that I think you would like. 🙂 Yes, definitely read Sway too!

  5. Delightful review Meredith. I have both books… somewhere… up there… in that TBR pile of mine. I’ll get to them one of these days. Too many new and shiny to distract me. Thanks for posting today and say hello to Mr. Bingley for me. We want him to know he is appreciated as he takes care of you and we get to see all those fabulous pictures when you travel or camp. So, we want to send him a bit of love too. Wouldn’t want him to feel neglected. Blessings my dears.

    1. Thank you, Jeanne! 🙂 I know what you mean! This one was a wonderfully quick read though, so perfect for when you have just an hour or two (or like me a plane ride!) and want some lovely entertainment!

      You are such a dear!! I am very happy to pass along your messages to Mr. Bingley! We are looking forward to spending the whole weekend together, since last weekend he was out of town! 😉

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