Member Reviews
4.5 🌟
It took me a bit to get connected to these characters and really into the story. I really connected by about 60% in, which is a little late into a book for me but I am a big Denise Hunter fan. I know what I will get from her books and it was just what I needed. Perfect grumpy sunshine and close proximity closed door-romance book. I liked that it was funny at times more so than her last few books and just a perfect lighthearted summer romance! I appreciate that these have some faith themes but aren’t overly pushy so I can recommend them to anyone who wants a clean romance. This one had less themes than past books of hers. Left a smile on my face. This will be a great beach read for many this summer!
Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
This was such a cute story based around how to write a romance novel. What a fun read to have Sadie need to break out of her comfort zone and write a romance novel. I enjoyed the little bit of mystery that they were trying to solve along with them coming together as more than neighbors.
A sweet story, but somewhat lacking. The connection between Sadie and Sam felt forced. His personality seems like it was changed just to make them compatible. I love Denise Hunter books but this one didn’t do much for me.
I received this advanced copy from NetGalley. The opinions are my own.
Denise Hunter is an auto buy for me. A delicious setting g, well developed storyline, and characters that are big hearted and the friebds you hope to meet make this romance one not to be missed. I adored this novel.
Sadie Goodwin has just been told by her agent that her Western theme book series has been sacked by her publisher and they want their advance back that she has already spent. Even though she got rave reviews, the sales didn’t match up. Instead, the publisher wants her to try her hand at writing romance, Sadie is horrified because she knows not a thing about writing romance. She isn’t a man magnet like her friend Caroline is because the truth is, Sadie has never been in love.
She accepts an invitation from Caroline’s mother to hole up at her new beach cottage on Tucker Island which she has recently purchased and completely renovated. Sadie hopes that being off on this summer vacation will help her stop staring at the blank computer screen.
Enter Sam.
He just wants to be left alone after being dumped by his ex-girlfriend Amanda who is now engaged to be married to his cousin, Tag. His family wants to know if he will be coming back for the wedding which is during the July 4th weekend. He doesn’t want any part but he’s warming up to the idea to come back for the wedding, but he wants to bring a date, he doesn’t want to come to the wedding as a single.
Sam doesn’t like Sadie pretty much on sight, he finds her perky personality to be pesty. He doesn’t want to be bothered by her but she keeps ringing his doorbell or bumping into the shared deck that the vacation home provides. She makes really loud noises while she is making a Free Little Library all the while she is trying to find inspiration to start writing that romance book…or maybe it’s called procrastination.
Novel Proposal was a cute read. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Sadie. She was a little too perky for my taste but as I got to know her, her depth and weakness as a character was shown and I couldn't help wanting the best for her. Sam was easy to like even though in the beginning, he was grumpy for obvious reasons. While this isn’t a novel idea I felt a big sense of satisfaction as both Sam and Sadie did find out that communicating with each other helped them to move forward in their relationship if they did, in fact, want to be with each other. Even though Novel Proposal is an easy read, it does give you something to think about, and the reminder that sometimes working at something you really want may be hard at first, but it’s worth the work in the end.
A Novel Romance is the perfect book for your spring break beach trip. It has everything needed for a beach book- a beach, romance and a little mystery.
Sadie is given the chance to leave her New York City apartment and work on a new manuscript for a romance novel. She's only written westerns and is to help her writing she starts reading many romances and each chapter starts with a romance tip to a good story! Her duplex neighbor is grumpy Sam who is dealing with a hard break up and not sure how to handle chipper Sadie. The two start to work together to solve a little mystery that comes from the little library Sadie put on the beach.
This is another great romance by Denise Hunter that her fans will love. It's a more light hearted read to enjoy on your next vacation or lazy day.
I received a complimentary copy of A Novel Proposal thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
This is an author whose books I enjoy reading, but for some reason, I struggled with connecting to the characters which is a must for me when reading a novel. Even though this wasn't a must-read for me, I still plan on reading her future books when they release.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
My thoughts: This is a How to write a romance novel tip book in fiction form. Each chapter starts out with a tip,, then the story progresses with the author using the tip. I did like Sadie and Sam but I feel the usual chemistry between the characters. I love the side trips they took to find the owner of a ring. A beautiful romance with little to no faith message. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own. Romance lovers will want this on their list for a Valentine Day read.
A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter is the first book I have read from this author. I’ve heard so many good things about her writing and the hype is real. Her style was so fun and engaging, making me laugh throughout this adorable beach read. She gets a definite 4 of 5 Stars from me and I can’t wait to read more from her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions are completely my own.
I loved this story . It is about Sadie who is a published writer and has been asked to write a romance Novel. Caroline's mother owns a duplex on Tucker Island and agrees to let Sadie stay there during the summer to write her book. Sadie and the other renter begin talking and then dating and because of something Sadie didn't tell him, they break, This is VERY GOOD BOOk. You must read this to find out what happened . Did Sadie get her book published and did they get back together.
A Novel Proposal would make another awesome Hallmark movie. Denise Hunter's books always have the right balance of romance and wholesome entertainment. Sam and Sadie are the perfect couple and the evolution of their relationship is a thing of beauty. Throw in an ideal location, a bit of mystery and an adorable doggie named Rio and you've got the ingredients for a not to be missed story.
I love the idea of Little Libraries and the fact that it has a small part in this story is partially why it drew me to this story. The mystery of the ring in the book added a bit of fun to the story of trying to find out who did it. I have friends that have Sadie's personality and watching the friendship start between Sadie and Sam, brought fond memories back to me.
This was a very sweet read.
Thank you @NetGalley@ThomasNelson and @DeniseAHunter for this advanced read!
What a sweet beach read A Novel Proposal is. I loved the North Carolina beach setting with the little free library. The main characters, Sadie and Sam, are down-to-earth, everyday people who finally realize they need to be together. Once again Denise Hunter has given us a feel-good read with family, friends, and just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages to find out how it all works out. Thanks to the author Denise Hunter, publisher Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A NOVEL PROPOSAL is another winner from Denise Hunter. Fans of her previous work will adore this one. If you haven't read her before, what are you waiting for?
This is a light-hearted romance with 2 points of view: Sadie, a down on her luck writer trying to write romance (a new genre for her). which is challenging given that she's never been in love; and Sam, her next-door duplex neighbor who is hiding out from his family because his ex is marrying his cousin (ouch).
Toss in a Little Free Library and a mystery surrounding an engagement ring and you have a winner.
I might be in the minority, but I didn't love the "romance writing 101" excerpts at the beginning of each chapter. While somewhat humorous, they took me out of the story by reminding me that a romance novel is crafted by the author and not "real."
Overall, the story is warm and tender, and I especially admired how Sadie and Sam get to know each other while at the same time working on their own issues and growing/maturing as individuals. Hunter also does a fabulous job of conveying the small town beach setting. It might be impossible to read A NOVEL PROPOSAL and not wish for a beach trip...
Author Denise Hunter is back with another beach read that will sweep you into the world of writing, waves, and love. Heroine Sadie Goodwin finds herself in the place where she has to completely reimagine part of her life and she's not sure how to do it. When a friend offers the use of a family cabin on the shore for the summer, Sadie jumps at it. When she arrives, she finds the gruff man on the other side of the duplex is all out of sorts, but he's really just protecting his heart. Their friendship develops over a mystery that keeps them working together until he learns she's been writing their story as her next novel. Has anything been real or just research? While a definite romance, this book has the depth of character and heart that keeps me coming back each time a new Denise Hunter novel releases. It's a great read.
Art imitating life. What does a writer (who's afraid of commitment) do when she's told she needs to write romance but has never been in love herself? She starts writing a book loosely based on a new friend she's made with the guy renting the other half of the duplex she's renting. Of course Sam has issues himself with trust & betrayal. Can 2 people really fall in love in a short time? Can they work through their issues? A light fun read.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own
You can't go wrong with a Denise Hunter book. I discovered her this summer and have enjoyed every book I've read so far. I love novels, so a book about writing a book was really appealing to me. I think I devoured this one in less than 24 hours. I found the characters engaging, and the conflict of the ring mystery was entertaining. The ending was satisfying and I look forward to the next book!
I’ve heard so many great things about Denise Hunter, and I have several of her books at the library where I work, but I’ve never read her work until I stumbled upon this book. I own a Little Free Library, so that part of the book description really sold me, and I couldn’t wait to read it. A Novel Proposal has some of everything in it for everyone, including romance, friendship, and even a little bit of mystery too. I could definitely see this as a Hallmark movie someday. If you’re in the mood for a sweet romance, then I would highly recommend this book. You won’t regret it. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy. I loved it!
I received an Advanced Reader copy from Netgalley for my honest review. This is the second book that I have read by Denise Hunter. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. This was a great story with a believable storyline. Sam and Sadie share an adorable beach house, with two apartments side by side. The descriptions of the house, town, beach, and characters make you feel you are right there. Sadie struggles with writing a romance book. Sam is seeking time away from his family. His cousin and ex-girlfriend are getting married. Add in a Little Free Library, which provides opportunities to meet people and discover a book with a hidden compartment. Sam and Sadie work together as friends to discover the owner of this book. Will romance happen as the summer progresses? Read to find out! I enjoyed every moment of A Novel proposal!
What a nice book to read!
Sadie Goodwin from New York is a writer of western stories, but it's a pity that no one wants to buy her books. The publisher puts let her choose: write a romantic novel or else pay back the advance. The last option is not a realistic option, so it will be the first choice for Sadie. But the inspiration is lost and she herself has never really been in love so it's hard to write.
The mother of a friend, allowes her to live in a house on the beach for a summer to write her story. Only she has to share the house with the grumpy gardener Sam Ford.
For Sam it is as if a whirlwind has come to live next to him, which he is not waiting for at all. But Sadie manages to persuade him to participate in a search for the owner of a book with a great treasure and then they seem to get along very well. A lot happens and it's a great read.
The characters are well developed and as a reader you will love Sadie and Sam. It gradually becomes clear what both characters are struggling with somethin form the past and now they try to fit this into the new situation. But things from the past are not so easy to overcome. It is very nice to look into their lives and how they deal with the new feelings that come their way and that, in combination with the search they have started, creates a varied whole.
Hunter has a nice writing style. Everything can be visualized well as a reader and the story has humor, some depth and a lot of romance. A wonderful feel-good novel full of sea, beach, love and books!