Denise Hunter’s new book A Novel Proposal releases on March 21! Here’s what it’s all about:
When novelist Sadie Goodwin is forced to stop writing westerns and charged with penning a contemporary 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 begins devouring romance novels. Knowing she must devote herself to this confounding genre, she accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer. Where better to witness love in bloom than on the beautiful North Carolina shore?
However, once ensconced in the charming ocean-front home with her sweet maltipoo Rio, she finds many ways to procrastinate. First there’s the beach, right outside her backdoor, with all its interesting visitors (research). Then there’s the free library she decides to build and set up by the back deck (She has to do something with all those romance novels). To say nothing of Sam Ford, the grumpy neighbor on the other side of the duplex . . . who she can’t seem to stop annoying.
A social butterfly by nature, Sadie soon gets to know all the beach regulars—sunbathers, walkers, and surfers alike. The free books draw a crowd right up to the house for nice little book chats, which further irritates her reclusive neighbor, to break up her “writing.” But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie opens a recently-placed novel to find a secret compartment—and tucked inside is a beautiful engagement ring. To whom does the ring belong? Sadie is convinced she needs to find the owner and save the man’s proposal from certain doom.
She draws a reluctant Sam into the project, and slowly their connection begins to develop. Are these weird fluttery feelings the first stirrings of love? Has Sadie managed to stumble upon the very subject about which she must write—and wouldn’t Sam make the perfect alpha hero?
Will Sadie find the ring’s rightful owner? And will she manage to pen a career-saving romance novel by summer’s end?
Denise Hunter’s next release A Novel Proposal is certainly unique, and it corners the market on fun! Sam and Sadie make the perfect people for setting up this scenario.
That’s because they complement each other so well! I love how Sadie’s enthusiasm takes over when obstacles loom. Her life is far from perfect, but she constantly looks on the bright side and tries to keep moving forward. Sam, on the other hand, has retreated to lick his wounds. Finding out how to heal and trust will be a challenge for them both.
Hunter does a fantastic job of writing these real-life lessons into the story without weighing it down. The balance between faith, flirting, and fun is perfect!
And the fun quotient is really high. Sadie is determined to find the owner of a ring she’s found, and she drags Sam along for the ride. This plot moves the story along and adds a healthy dose of whipped cream to the top of this sundae-like story.
I really enjoyed A Novel Proposal. It’s fun without being fluffy and has real lessons to learn, too. With warm weather on the way, it’s the perfect spring break read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
