“The Proposal at Siesta Key” by Shelley Shepard Gray

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own. 

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

Gray has penned a most unusual journey to Amish love!  I’ve never read a story of Amish and Mennonite people in such a predicament, but Gray sets the scene perfectly.  Even though Michael and Penny find themselves out of their elements, you can relate to to their feelings with Gray’s colorful and detailed descriptions.

I admired Penny’s tenacity.  I wasn’t so sure I was going to like her timidity, but she grew on me throughout the story. That fits with Gray’s style, though – she’s an excellent writer who’s work flows with a smooth hope threaded through every page.

I’m enjoying the Brides of Pinecraft series.  I like the way that Gray has created a cast of characters that grows with each book, but the core characters’ stories are intertwined through each one.  This adds a layer of depth that you can’t create in a novella or single story, and I like getting to know the characters well.

This isn’t your typical Old Order Amish story, and if that’s what you want, this book may not be for you.  If you’re willing to dive into a creative, modern story with people of strong faith, however – then The Proposal at Siesta Key is a must-read.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

 

But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael’s time in Pinecraft will be over and he’ll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she’ll never have the courage to do?