I haven’t read a Denise Hunter book in almost a year, but this one really just pulled me right in. The grumpy-sunshine trope is one that I don’t think I have read a lot of, but let me tell you, this one was done well, and I liked it quite a bit.
Sadie is borderline neurotic at some points, but her enthusiasm for life is not a stretch, so I think I am letting it slide. I appreciate that Sam does not have a stereotypical love interest job (see all the billionaire, military, doctor, etc romance novels that probs have a sexy man on the cover). He is also a reasonable grumpy without being a total jerk (my opinion could be flawed and I accept that).
Sam and Sadie fit well together overall. I don’t think the conflict was lame either. Sam had a reasonable reaction to what went down, and Sadie’s response matched her character well. It is refreshing to have something a little deeper than a miscommunication trope.
Overall, I think this was a good way to kickstart my rom com season 🤗

Sweet summer story of Sam and Sadie.
Sadie has found herself in quite the pickle. She writes Westerns, but sales haven't been what they should be and her publisher is dropping her. The fact that she now must pay back the publishing royalties only adds to her stress. There is a way out, though. She has three months to write a romance novel. WHAT?!! Sadie doesn't write romance. Westerns are her thing. How is she ever going to write a romance novel that will sell? She's never even been in love!
Sadie has a friend whose mom has a duplex beach rental in Florida. What a great place to write!
Sam Ford is the rental in the other side of the duplex. He is hoping to find healing for his broken heart. Then, in moves this woman with her annoying little dog right next to him! Not the summer he envisioned.
A must read if you want to find out what happens with these two summer beach neighbors!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Cute story. Some interesting plot lines. I normally love Denise Hunter’s books but I found this one harder to get into. I didn’t love the characters and the plot line was mostly predictable. There were some interesting turns that were good. I wish there were more details around them though. They were kinda anticlimactic. I received a digital copy from NetGalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Excellent! Well written, a joy to read. It's one of those books that you want to read quickly to find out what happens. Yet you also want to savor it and make it last.

Sadie is a western writer who has been told that she needs to write a new genre - romance. She knows nothing about romance but has the chance to go to a beach town for the summer to work on it. She is great at procrastinating and comes across a mystery she wants to solve. She enlists the reluctant neighbor, Sam, to help her figure it out.. Along the way they fall for each other and Sadie gets her inspiration for her novel.

"Nothing softened up a neighbor like baked goods. She'd make those today so she could focus on plotting her book tomorrow. Her publisher wanted the proposal ASAP. The thought of that task overwhelmed her. Not to mention the large sum of money she owed. Her stomach twisted hard."

When Sadie's publisher requests, that she change from writing westerns to romances, she is not so sure. After all, she has never even been loved. Loaned a friend's beach cottage for the summer, she is set to research stories. In the movies anyway. But trying to befriend her neighbor may also take a lot of effort - he is grumpy. Soon Sadie realizes that the best books are written out of a life well lived.

Sadie and her dog, Rio, are a bit exuberant to say the least. I could understand why her neighbor was annoyed in the beginning. But the more one experiences Sadie, the more one realizes that her joy comes from a sincere heart. This book had elements of faith, some romance and even a bit of a mystery. I loved how Sadie managed to do everything but write most of the time. Part of her efforts included a little small library. This sweet story is a fun beach read. But is not all fluff - I was reminded of the importance of telling the truth to those we love is much simpler than trying to cover up reality. I loved how Sadie ended up with a new life that she did not even know that she needed.

I read a copy of this book through NetGalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My Personal Review

Characters: Sadie’s over talkative, quirky personality is as charming as her summer beach house. I adored her character and found her to be funny and genuine. It was easy to be caught up in her enthusiasm and love for people.

Sam. He’s another story in itself. His aloofness and grumpy attitude irritated me, but in a funny sort of way. I usually don’t like a character like Sam, but he worked perfectly for this story. If the author hadn’t written him as he was my opinion of him and the book would have changed drastically. Denise Hunter’s skill to bring out Sam’s character was a hit for me.

Setting: If you’ve never been to the beach you will definitely want to read about the wonderful atmosphere of Sadie’s borrowed beach house. You’ll soon enjoy the sun on your face, the air conditioned house, the sound of excited beach goers, friendly conversations, and all the while never let a grumpy neighbor ruin your day.

Plot: I find that romance plots can often bore me. However, I’ve read a few Denise Hunter books and can say that her plots intrigue me rather than bore me. Sure her stories include budding relationships, but there is much more. In A Novel Proposal there were situations like financial ruin and forgiveness to be considered. The plot was never too heavy on romance nor too light on the obstacles.

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this book tremendously and am adding it as a new Denise Hunter favorite. I love that it is clean and funny yet has serious undertones. It is a perfect summer read, but never underestimate a good summer read when you have the winter blues.

A talented author who knows how to write a lovely romance that will make you swoon. The beach settings are devine.

Sadie Goodwin has never written a romantic book in her life, it's not like she has any real life experience to draw from. But Sadie has one season to write a romance novel or forfeit her publishing contract so she takes up her friend on the offer of an empty beachfront house free of distractions, determined to research her way into the perfect novel.

Sam came to North Carolina to get away from the noise, but a chipper new neighbor with an outgoing nature that attracts even more people isn't a part of his plans.

An engaging read, with likable leads and a idyllic setting on the North Carolina Coast. I loved how the author wove in elements about the "rules" of writing a romance novel, throughout the story. It was fun seeing Sadie and Sam get to know each other, albeit begrudgingly on Sam's end. I liked their interaction, and how they worked together to reach their goals.

A quick enjoyable read, it brought a smile to my face. Heartwarming and engaging, a wonderful standalone novel for fans of sweet romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Having done with the Riverbend series, author Denise Hunter has brought out a heartwarming story which is charming and bright as well. In this story, we are introduced to Sadie Goodwin, a charming and positive kindergarten teacher, who is aspiring to be an author. However, she's has only written western novels till then and is forced to come up with a good romance novel within a couple of months, in liue of her pending advance, when the rest of the books in the planned 5 book publication is canceled due to very poor sales.

Having accepted to stay in a friend's beach front duplex, hoping it would inspire her to write a good romance story, Sadie comes across her anti-social neighbor, Sam Ford. Sparks begin to fly between them and the various baggage both of them carry, makes for a very organically developed and sweet love story.

The pace with which the author has written the story makes us feel as if we are spectators to things happening to people we see every day on our lives. The author has succeded in making us feel like a fly-on- the- wall when these two very different people navigate their various emotional conflicts and discover the growing feelings between them. It is an awesomely sweet book which make us feel warm and cozy when we finish reading it. Another great book from Hunter; can't wait to read more of her work.

This was an entertaining read with romance and mystery. I felt parts could have been edited down - I fpund myself skimming a bit in the middle, but overall a feel-good read perfect for those who like "clean" fiction.

A NOVEL PROPOSAL is the story of Sadie Goodwin who has just been told that her publisher doesn’t want her writing western novels anymore. Her agent has told her she has the summer to write a romance novel! What?? She has never written romance in her life, but doesn’t want to fail as a writer so she decides to give it a go. Her friend offers her the beach duplex her mother owns, to get away from the city and concentrate on her writing. Well, when Sadie meets Sam, her next door neighbor, he comes across as a grumpy man and one who isn’t a fan of anything Sadie finds herself doing. He is nursing a broken heart and is hiding at the beach to try and get his life back. His cousin was caught making out with Sam’s girlfriend and now they are getting married.

A NOVEL PROPOSAL is filled with family drama, forgiveness, mystery and romance. It is also an emotional rich story, so much so that it is the best novel that I have read by Denise Hunter so far. The mystery that is begging to be solved, Sam’s moods that flow like hot and cold, and the chemistry that is building between these two, made it hard to put down. Also, the fact that the setting is the Carolina coast was an added bonus for me. I loved that Denise wove a Free Little Library near the beach into this story as well. Sam’s family is so much fun as well, but his little sister is hysterical and I love how Sadie and Hayley bonded. Oh, I forgot to mention that Sadie lives in New York City and Sam lives in South Carolina.

Oh let me tell you, Sam is going to definitely give you all the feels. That’s all I’m saying…….anyway, after some time, things between Sam and Sadie certainly heat up! But it’s also very sweet and I really wanted Sam to open up to Sadie and explain why he is the way he is. He is very guarded and Sadie doesn’t think she stands a chance. Hang on people, A NOVEL PROPOSAL is an intense and crazy ride.

A NOVEL PROPOSAL is a quick read that you can easily read in one sitting and love every minute of it. It is one heck of a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. I have never met a Denise Hunter book that I didn’t love and once I started reading I knew I was going on one heck of an emotional journey! Whatever you are reading, put it down, and run and get this book! If you’ve never read a Denise Hunter novel (and you know who you are) this would be a perfect one to hook you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

“You, my friend, are headed to Tucker Island, where you’re going to write a fabulous romance novel—and I can’t wait to read it.”

And for Sadie, a woman who has never fallen in love, it’s the perfect setting to open her heart to romance. As her swoony, grumpy neighbor, Sam steps into her life, ideas start to spark her imagination. Their developing romance was sweet and it was fun seeing how chatty Sadie was compared to Sam.

“Also, now that I’m writing romance, I should inform you that anything you say may be used as fodder for my story.”

One of the things I really loved about the story were the quotes given on writing romance novels at the beginning of each chapter. It set the mood for the chapter and was just fun to think through where the story was going. Also, I really enjoyed the location sunny, beachside location with the grumpy neighbor. The added mystery with a tiny book shop added fun to the story. If you’re looking for a good romance with a warm beach feel, this is the book for you

“A meetcute is a charming encounter between two characters that leads to the development of a romantic relationship. —Romance Writing 101”

I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions are my own, and have been given honestly.

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter is my new favorite book by this author. I devoured this story in two days! I did NOT want to put it down. This is one of those super fun books where you read something and it makes you chuckle, so you want to share it with whomever is sitting next to you even if they could care less. I love that! LOL! So, what did I love so much? First, I think the structure of this book is super witty. The heroine, Sadie, is an author who has to learn how to write a Romance novel like yesterday. Each chapter begins with a quote from Romance Writing 101. I love this because I feel like I was in the trenches with Sadie as she goes through the arduous process of learning how to craft a Romance novel; BUT, I also love that Hunter uses the quotes from Romance Writing 101 to clue the reader in to what her chapters will be about. So clever! In addition to the structure of the story, I really loved the main characters. Sadie and Sam are fantastic. Poor Sadie! At the start of this story, the reader really feels the stress, anxiety, and awfulness of having a book contract cancelled out of the blue. My stomach fell. All Sadie’s work for her current WIP down the drain. And then to be told to do something new, something that is completely left-field for her — write a Romance novel — as if it’s just a matter of changing a few details. A lesser woman would have crumpled in the fetal position in the corner of some dark room. But not Sadie! Such enthusiasm and spunk. Of course she is nervous and doubts her abilities, but she jumps right into the task with very little complaining or whining. I want to be more like Sadie when challenges arise in my own life. Then there is Sam. Sam is swoony from the first moment the reader meets him. He is tall, dark, and handsome, but he is way more than that. At the start of this story, Sam is in hiding licking his emotional wounds, so he is a tad on the curmudgeon-y side. But Sadie’s personality breaks his walls down and allows him to blossom into one seriously rad dude. His ability to forgive and move on is really inspiring. Sam is a great guy all around. As far as Sadie and Sam go as a couple — dynamite chemistry! As their friendship grows, the romantic tension between them grows naturally and realistically. They are truly one of the cutest couples I’ve read in a while, and I rooted for them the whole time. The final aspect to this story that I loved so much was how happy it made me to read it. I had a smile almost the entire time, and I think that is because of Sadie. Her bubbly and happy and friendly personality is infectious. I am definitely walking away from this story a little more happy and smiley than normal.

A Novel Proposal is a wonderful and joy-filled Contemporary Romance that I highly recommend. Seriously, I loved every minute spent reading this excellent story, and I know you will, too.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Throwing in the towel on this one.

The idea sounded promising: writer desperate for a plot for a romance novel gets distracted by her neighbour.

But Sadie is an annoying chatterbox and I can't see the attraction between her and Sam.

I also found her quest to find the owner of a ring she found in a book unbelievable. The ring was in a cut-out in a book in Sadie's little library. To me, it would make sense to find out who left the book in the little library. Sadie (and Sam) however, decides she must find out who last had the book before it was donated in a box to a church library, where it was sold at a rummage sale. If Sadie's right, this would mean that the person who bought the book at the rummage sale did not look into the book before it was put in the little library.

I'm a book lover, I cannot image someone would buy a book at a rummage sale and not look into it. It might have happened if the person specifically bought a book to leave it in a free library. But that doesn't make much sense either.

I might have liked this book better if Sam and Sadie had discussed this flaw in her plan. Alas, they did not. They talked a bit about themselves while waiting for someone that was on holiday to return a phone call.

And then little things start to annoy too, such that except for the burgers Sam once made, he seems to be eating take out all the time. 1) it's a small island, it can't have that many take out places; 2) he's lived on his own for years, hasn't he learned to cook?

My curiosity to find out who the ring belonged to lost out to the dull dialogue between Sam and Sadie.

Definitely could use more pep.

I absolutely loved this charming, stand-alone romance from Denise Hunter! The perfect beach or pool-side read, this sweet romance hits all the right notes. Western writer Sadie is forced to change genres by her publishing company or return her advance. But writing a romance seems an impossible task for someone who has never been in love! Sadie is down-to-earth, funny, and lovable. The perfect foil for Sam, who is hiding out on the island because of his cousin’s upcoming wedding… to his former girlfriend. Sam might have had his heart broken, but it doesn’t take Sadie’s infectious personality long to start mending it. I really enjoyed everything about how their relationship developed- the way Sadie basically forced herself into Sam’s life until he can’t imagine life without her. The hurdles felt real, the conflict pushing them apart painful, followed by the joy of every romance novel- the happily ever after. Denise Hunter is a master- and the premise of A Novel Proposal is one of my favorites that she’s done! This story was so cute and enjoyable, with wonderful depth and character development making it so much more than just a sweet romance.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review and all my opinions are my own.

Sadie is a happy go lucky person, who has never meet a stranger. She is also a constant chatter box. She's got one problem. She is an author who is facing a deadline with no ideas. She's told to write a romance book. The only problem is she's never been in love. Her neighbor is Sam. All he wants is to be left alone. Sadie being Sadie can't seem to leave Sam alone.
Sadie finds a ring in a book and convinces Sam that he need to help her find the owner.
This is a good book to read in front of a nice fire. Sadie and Sam make a cute couple as they learn about each other.
I was given this book by Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I have been a fan of Denise Hunter's contemporary romances for a long time and this one quickly became one of my favorites. One aspect of the book that I loved is that Sadie, one of the main characters, is a teacher and also an author who writes on her summer breaks. She has always written westerns, but her publisher wants her to totally switch genres and write a romance novel. I absolutely loved reading all the tips throughout the book about how to write a good romance book. It was a cute addition to the story and also spot on. It was sun to see how an author writes a character who is an author.

Sadie heads to the coast of North Carolina (one of my favorite settings by the way) for the summer to get this romance book written. There she meets Sam, her grumpy neighbor. Two other aspects of the book I appreciated was that is centered around a little free library built by Sadie and there was even a bit of a mystery component when Sadie finds a ring in one of the books in the little free library. It was fun to see a relationship develop between Sam and Sadie while they were searching for the owner of the ring. This was a fun, lighthearted read that I would highly recommend.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was a fun book to read about an author writing a romance after a lifetime of reading and writing westerns. She leaves her home to visit the beach and hopefully find inspiration. If her next door neighbor at the beach is a handsome grump who would be a perfect main character, who is she to argue?

I loved that along with the romance of this story there was a mystery for the characters to solve, pulling them together and creating more suspense for the story.

The writing tips at the beginning of each chapter were a fun insight into how novels are written. They could be a little distracting at times and they sometimes “spoiled” the chapter, BUT I do think that was part of the story at the end when things fall apart before the eventual happy ever after. So if the quotes are distracting to you, push through to the end for everything to come together!

Beach read perfection! This novel had me enjoying so many things. Warm weather, beach views, and a sweet romance. Plus, there was a mystery to solve involving one of those little free libraries. One of my favorite parts of this story was that the heroine is a western novelist, and she’s tasked to write a romance, which is way out of her comfort zone since she’s never been in love. You can’t help but root for her.