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 to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing
him a new path, especially when he discovers that Penny has also survived a
terrible ordeal.
But as Michael’s time in
Pinecraft comes to an end, Michael and Penny are left to wonder what kind of
future they could possibly have together. Are they brave enough to take the
chance given to them? Or will they choose to cling to what is familiar, even if
it pushes away their dream of happiness?
The Proposal at Siesta Key
is the second book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, and is my favorite so far.
Although I loved both Leona and Zach, and their story, I loved Penny and
Michael even more. I felt that this story flowed even better than the first,
and it was easier for me to relate to. Besides, in the beginning, I felt so
much pity for both Penny and Michael that it endeared them and their journey to
me even more. With their funny interactions and painful situations, this book
quickly pulled me in, and I also loved getting to know Beverly better, as she
is starting to be one of my favorite characters of the series. I cannot wait to
read her book.
Anyway,
Penny’s sweet character drew me to her immediately, and I loved watching her
take control of her life. Her determination to not let her life pass her by is
admirable, and I loved the way she gave Michael another chance even though he
didn’t exactly deserve it at first. Of course, he was in pain, so you have to
give him a little bit of grace and mercy, which Penny seems to be full of. I quickly
felt as if Penny and I were friends, despite our obvious differences, and I loved
watching her story play out, especially the parts with Michael. She is just
such a sweet character, and her kindness and patience were almost limitless. Plus,
her crush on Michael was pretty cute.
Although
we don’t really get the best impression of Michael in the beginning, I quickly
got over his minor faults and found him to be a man of worth. He, like Penny,
was an extremely determined person, even though sometimes it wasn’t the best of
his traits. But, all in all, he really did treat Penny well, and if you add
that to his other admirable qualities, you cannot blame Penny for her
attraction to him. Even though he is tired of constantly being on the road, he
continues without saying a word because he doesn’t want to disappoint his
family, and he always strives to never be a burden. Besides, I loved the way he
gently teased Penny, their palpable attraction was really one of the cutest
things I have ever seen.
Since I
really did enjoy this sweet story even more than I expected I would, I gladly award
it all five bookshelves, and I know I cannot wait to read the next two books in
the series—A Wedding at the Orange
Blossom Inn, which releases next month—and A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft—Beverly’s story—which releases in
October. I have really enjoyed the first have of this series, and applaud
Shelley for such wonderful Amish novels that I would recommend to anyone who
likes Amish fiction.
Happy
reading!
You can purchase a copy of this novel, or the others in the
series, here!
All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Shelley
Shepard Gray and Avon Inspire Publishing.
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