Wednesday, August 19, 2015

The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray

        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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