A Novel Proposal

About the Book: 

When western novelist Sadie Goodwin must pen a romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: she’s never been in love.Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer and devote herself to this confounding genre. After all, where better to witness love than on the beautiful South Carolina shore?But Sadie soon finds many ways to procrastinate the dreaded task—like getting to know the beach regulars and installing a Little Free Library on the property. She even attempts conversation with Sam Ford, the frustratingly stubborn neighbor on the other side of the duplex. But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie finds inside her library an abandoned novel with a secret compartment—and a beautiful engage­ment ring tucked inside.Suddenly, locating the ring’s owner becomes the perfect way to put off writing that romance. Sadie draws a reluctant Sam into her mission. And as the two close in on an answer to the mysterious proposal, she discovers a tender side to him. She begins to wonder if he just might make the perfect hero for her romance novel—or maybe even her heart.

 My Thoughts: 

I loved this book that has a sunshine and a grumpy character sharing a duplex for the summer. Sadie Goodwin is the eternal optimist who doesn’t know a stranger and each day is a joy. Sam Ford is such a curmudgeon! As Sadie barges into his life, he finds as many ways as he can to avoid her. But, there are not enough potted planters or brush offs to keep Sadie and her dog, Rio, from being a part of Sam’s life. 

Here are some of the things that I loved: 

Bubbly, impatient female MC

Emotionally wounded, brooding male MC

Humor!

Beach setting

Strict rule following church librarian

Writing tip epigraphs

A mystery with a twist

Little Free Library

A Maltipoo

Forced proximity

Forgiveness

I highly recommend reading this romantic comedy that had me laughing and shaking my head at Sadie and Sam. This is a quick, fun read that has a good message of forgiveness and trust. I’d love to see this made into a movie. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She writes hope-filled, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who deal with real-life issues. Denise has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman's World. When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking chai, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are enjoying an empty nest. You can learn more about Denise through her website  DeniseHunterBooks.com  or by visiting her FaceBook page at  facebook.com/authordenisehunter