A Novel Proposal, by Denise Hunter, tells of a young woman trying to find her place, as a writer, in the fast-paced and competitive world of New York City. Sadie Goodwin’s western book contract has suddenly been canceled and now her publisher wants her to write a romance novel instead. Sadie has no idea how she will ever accomplish this, due to the fact that she has never read a romance. More importantly, Sadie has never even been in love!

Sadie’s best friend suggests she find some quiet at her mother’s island cottage/duplex in South Carolina and this sweet little spot seems like a great place to write this novel. Sadie has learned all about “meetcutes” in her prep for this new endeavor. However, when Sadie meets her next door neighbor, Sam Ford, she does not quite feel any connection!

It is interesting to see what develops on the pages of this tale. Will Sadie actually be able to write a romance novel and more importantly, will a connection ever come to fruition between Sam and Sadie?

A Novel Proposal will take you into the life of an author and her struggles to write a romantic book. Follow her path as love comes into her life. The characters will intrigue you.

This novel is Denise Hunter at her finest. This author is one of my favorites because I know it will be a unique story that is page turning. I enjoyed the character development, plot and a small mystery added to keep the story interesting. I only wish the author would emphasis the importance of her characters’ faith as they tackle their struggles and come to the HEA.

I almost DNF’d this one! The main character was a handful; think Charro on steroids. Loud, obnoxious, impulsive and OMG every time she talked to her dog I wanted to throw the book across the room.

However, while Sadie Goodwin and I were like oil and water, I absolutely loved Sammy Ford. He’s the reason I kept reading…ok, that and the fact that this story centers around a Little Free Library. I loved it when Sadie made reference to other authors and books I’m familiar with or have read, enjoyed the clever use of epigraphs that opened each chapter, and loved the reminder that dissatisfaction with something can be directed towards motivation to start something new rather than wallow in self pity.

This was a perfect beach read and a welcome distraction (well, after Sadie mellowed out). I’d recommend this one to anyone who loves LFLs, grumpy sunshine trope, and HEAs.

Congratulations on a fantastic cover.

I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. It is a fun story about a new romance writer who has never been in love, but now experiences the first true love of her life while simultaneously struggling to write a romance book and solving a mystery.

A sweet romantic tale that takes us on an adventure of what it is like to live the life of an author. This book takes us on a journey of experiencing love for the first time, learning to forgive and trust again, as well as second chances.

Sadie is an elementary art teacher by day and an author who writes westerns by night. When her western novels are a bust, her publisher encourages her to try her hand at romance novels. The problem is Sadie has never been in love.

Escaping to beautiful South Carolina for the summer to write her first romance novel proves to be an adventure she wasn’t expecting. Her free Little Library she put up brings her a mystery she must solve in the form of an engagement ring tucked inside a book.

The ring throws Sadie and her broody, hot neighbor, Sam, together has they work to discover the owner of the ring. Both of them are soon forced to face things about themselves they were running from.

The perfect romantic tale that draws you in with likable characters. A sweet read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sadie Goodwin writes westerns, but her publisher drops her after the lackluster sales of her first two novels. Now, she must return the advances on her third and fourth books or try. Her hand at a new genre. Sadie’s agent and editor both think she could write an impressive romance.

But at 26, Sadie has no practical experience in the romance department. She’d rather describe a shootout (something she’s never experienced) than write a romantic scene (something she also has never experienced). Her busy life as an elementary art teacher in New York City leaves her with limited funds and time.

When her best friend’s mother offers to let Sadie spend the summer at her South Carolina beach duplex, Sadie jumps at the chance. The peace and quiet should help her concentrate. Sadie doesn’t expect to find a brooding, single, and very handsome neighbor. Nor does she anticipate the consequences of putting up a little library.

When she makes a bargain with her neighbor to help her solve a mystery in exchange for acting as his plus one at a wedding, life gets even more interesting. And distracting. With deadlines looming, Sadie decides to model her novel proposal on her real-life escapades.

The Hero

Sam Ford escapes to an island duplex to get away from the looming wedding of his ex-girlfriend to his best friend. Although a year has passed since Sam discovered the two making out on his living room couch, their relationship stings. He hopes the distance from friends and family will give him space to sort out his feelings.

When a noisy neighbor moves in next door, Sam doesn’t know what to think. But the more he gets to know Sadie, the more he appreciates her quirky habits and sunny personality. Maybe it’s time to consider dating again.

But everyone knows the course of true love doesn’t run straight or easy. Will Sam and Sadie find a way to work out their differences and build a solid relationship that will stand the test of time?

What I Loved About this Book

Hunter’s sweet beach romance about writing a romance has all the requisite elements—including epigraphs at the start of each chapter on how to write a romance. The writer in me loved the lesson on romance writing, while the reader in me loved the little library. Of course, anyone who loves a sweet romance with a slow burn will love Sam and Sadie’s story.

Readers will relate to the barriers to true love—family of origin, past relationships, and long-distance dating. Fans of Emma St. Clair and Irene Hannon will enjoy A Novel Proposal.

It's an entertaining, compelling, and sweet story. I rooted for the characters and enjoyed the story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Oh my goodness, this is one of those fabulous books that you just don't want to end! It is fun, romantic, inspiring, has great characters. And a dog. And the beach. Enough said. But seriously, what a great story! You'll laugh, and quite possibly cry. And the ending will have you cheering.

I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. These are my own honest thoughts and opinions.

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter published March 2023. When a new York elementary art teacher/novelist-who is trying to write a romance novel,,when she has never been in love Meets a South Carolina guy who just found out his girlfriend cheated with his cousin. Could these two possibly have any chance at a relationship

I loved Sadie and sam's story, love the idea of Sadie writing a novel and needing to find inspration , what better way than to take from personal experence . I loved the little library idea and the sweet treasure Sadie found , setting off a fun hunt for the owner ..Sweet romantic story , perfect for HEA lovers.

A romance novel about a writer writing her first romance novel? I’m in! This was the first book I’ve read by Denise Hunter, but it certainly won’t be the last.

Sadie Goodwin is an art teacher and writer who’d had some success with her Western novels, until her publisher says that the Westerns aren’t selling, and suggests she write a romance novel. Trouble is, Sadie not only has never written a romance, but she’s never even been in love! Rather than risk paying back her advance, she packs up her laptop and adorable dog, Rio, and heads to the South Carolina coast where her friend’s mother has a beach house. There, she also meets her next-door neighbor, Sam, and yes, a friendship leads to sparks flying. One thing I absolutely loved was how Ms. Hunter started each chapter with a “Romance 101” writing tip (again, it’s a book about a romance writer who had never written a romance) that gives the reader a hint of what is coming, and life does indeed imitate art. This book is also about friendship, family, letting down one’s barriers, opening up your heart, forgiveness, trust (including learning to trust again) and so much more. The characters and the dialogue were very well-written and true to life, and that made it easy to go along for this wonderful ride.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Novel Proposal is such a cute story! A budding writer with two westerns under her belt is told by her publisher that they want her to write Romance novels, not western novels. She has the summer to come up with a new book in the Romance genre. She struggles with her story until she finds an engagement ring in her little free library book. She enlists her grumpy neighbor to help her find the owner. Then she decides to use her own life as the basis for her romance novel. It turns out to be a perfect idea, even with all the angst that comes with it. I had fun reading this one. It made me smile a lot! I recommend it.

When you read a book that has your heart skipping along and your face turned up in a smile, you know you are reading a Denise Hunter book. I absolutely loved the premise of A Novel Proposal. An author is forced to switch to another genre and in the process, learns a few things about love herself. Throw in the beach, a cute dog, a homemade library, and a curmudgeon neighbor who happens to be totally handsome and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed page turner. I’m trying to decide what my favorite part was and honestly, I keep coming back to the chapter intros. I thought they were so cute and perfectly set up the chapters! There’s a little hint of mystery or rather, sleuthing, that drives the characters together in such a natural way. I absolutely flew through this one because I just could not put it down. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of cute, sweet, modern romances, particularly those that occur on the beach with a friendship to more trope.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

First off, I loved the premise of this story and thought it was a great idea. Sadie is a Western writer who is tasked with writing a romance book synopsis. A genre she has no idea how to write. Loading herself down with romance books, she and her dog Rio head to South Carolina beachfront for a stunning backdrop for her to have the peace and quiet she needs to figure out a romance book. Her new neighbor for the summer is Sam, who at first is pretty irritated by a somewhat noisy and very talkative neighbor. The story picks of speed when Sadie discovers a book with a secret and enlists Sam’s help in finding the previous owner. Both characters have things holding them back from entering or trusting a relationship, but they’ve made a deal and both will follow through. We also meet Sam’s parents, Hayley, Tug, Amanda, Caroline, and many new beach friends for Sadie. Fun, page turning story.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book so much. Sadie is such a likable character, she is so real in her thoughts, actions and emotions. The journey of watching her navigate new territory was amazing to watch unfold. Sam starts off as someone to be wary of but once you learn his story you see he has reason to his actions. The story within the story was so well written that it was seamless. I highly recommend this book and not just because I am a fan of Denise’s books. This will keep you engaged from the first word until the very last.


** I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. These are my thoughts only.

This is a romance novel about writing a romance novel, and it’s so much more! As Sadie embarks on a journey to discover what makes a good romance novel, she finds herself falling in love for the first time. But this isn’t just about the romance between Sadie and Sam. It’s also a story of the support of a best friend, making new friends, and using books to make connections that become lasting friendships. This is a heartwarming and emotional story of learning to trust and recognizing the things in one’s life that keeps a person from moving forward and finding love.

I received this book from Netgalley. The first thing that attracted me tot his book was the cover, and it seemed like a good romance book and I do love those.

While the book is easy to read, it seems a bit slow going. After reading 35% of it, nothing much has happened. Not with the romance part, or the additional plot. Looking for the owner of the book seemed to take forever and it seemed to take a back seat about halfway through the novel - around the same time you start thinking it'd going to belong to someone that they know.

Sam has every right to be upset about the relationship being used for the story but why doesn't Sadie fight for him? She should say something instead of watching him leave. What does she have to lose?

Sam - 10/10 for the proposal! The best possible way it could have happened!

Another entertaining and well written story from Denise Hunter. I liked how this had a little different story line.
Sadie is an author who usually writes western themed books. When her agent tells her she needs her to write a romance , Sadie isn't thrilled because she has never been in love and isn't sure she wants to write this type of story.
When it's suggested she goes to the beach to set the mood, fate brings Sam into her life.
The story has a little mystery to it too that kept me interested in how it would all turn out.
I was fortunate to read an early copy of this book.

3.5 stars

This was a fun story and I enjoyed this book. Sadie is an author who normally writes westerns, but her agent tells her they need a romance novel. She balks at this because she's never been in love, and when her friend suggests she visit the seaside for inspiration, she meets a man who may just help her learn about love and romance.

Sadie and Sam were really great main characters. They felt authentic and real, and had fleshed-out personalities. I really liked the romance writings tips at the start of each chapter, as well as the individual storylines for Sadie and Sam; Sadie and her parents and Sam with Tag & Amanda. His forgiveness of them is commendable. The mystery of the ring was a fun addition to the plot, with an unexpected resolution.

Overall this is a great romance!