Today I'm turning my blog over to Shelley Shepard Gray, with a review of her recent release "The Proposal At Siesta Key," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series!!ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY(s) (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from May 26 - June 12, 2015 | Giveaway ends on June 12, 2015]
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 288; Library Binding - Pages: 500; Kindle Edition - File Size: 2320 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: May 12, 2015 | Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers : Avon Books : Inspire | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group / edelweiss"The Proposal At Siesta Key" [Amish Brides of Pinecraft Series, Book 2] by Shelley Shepard Gray (aka Shelley Gray)
Author's Book Description : 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.
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?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Ever since her sister was murdered about twelve years ago, Penny (Pen) has lived a sheltered life a life that has recently been stifling. She is now ready to “spread her wings” so-to-speak and defy her parents’ wishes enough to make her way in the world. As Penny grows into her new life, she meets Michael, an evangelist who tours with his family to speak about the Lord and to share his story of struggle and triumph. During Michael’s time in Pinecraft Penny and he grow close, as close as “friends” could be, but once Michael’s time comes to an end will they be able to take their budding relationship and turn it into something more? Or is just being friends all they’ll be able to agree too?
I LOVED how this novel embellished on Beverly & Eric’s story from “The Promise of Palm Grove” (Book 1) while still centering on Penny & Michael’s romance. I really enjoyed seeing where the previous characters’ lives were going while getting to read about a new mix of characters too! Penny & Michael are an uplifting because of how their relationship naturally grew from how they meet, to their “working relationship,” to them falling for one another. Especially with how they help each other come to terms with the “cards they were dealt with” and inspire to make new experiences for themselves so they won’t have any regrets in their futures. It was just so sweet I could not get enough. Yet, I hate to say it, it was also so sweet that I kept waiting for another “shoe to drop” because of how nicely everything does wrap up for them. Thankfully, though, it doesn’t and I got to be swept away in their enchanting tale.
The epilogue also has a nice build up for the following novel in this series, which will be interesting to see as to where it’ll lead us next. While keeping the readers happy (me especially) as it gives you a better wrap up on Michael & Penny’s romance then I felt “The Promise of Palm Grove” (Book 1) did with Leona & Zack in that “where are they now” kind of way.
I HIGHLY recommend this series and this novel to those looking for a sweet Christian/Amish romance!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (MP3 CD) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | IndieBound (Library Binding, Large Print) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Proposal At Siesta Key (Book 2) | Alibris (Paperback) : The Promise of Palm Grove (Book 1)
My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Hidden | Joyful
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2015
Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY | The Proposal At Siesta Key - Overview
Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: THE PROMISE OF PALM GROVE | The Promise of Palm Grove - Overview | Introducing the Bride Blog | Bride Blog: Perfect Proposals | A Visit to NYC | Bride Blog: Engagements
Book Teaser(s) :
THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY by Shelley Shepard Gray -- MY REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 27TH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LITFUSE PUBLICITY GROUP'S BLOG TOUR.
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, May 24, 2015
"Tricia, don't be a worrywart," he said in a breezy way, which was strangely appealing. "I'm feeling much better. And since you're neither my nurse nor my mother, I have no concerns about where you think I am supposed to be."
"You know, it's no wonder you speak on stage," she said sarcastically. "You certainly like to make your point."
He grinned. "Loud and clear." ~ within Chapter 21
THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY by Shelley Shepard Gray -- MY REVIEW WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 27TH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LITFUSE PUBLICITY GROUP'S BLOG TOUR.
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Sunday, May 24, 2015
"I liked her description of you the best, Bev," he said as he spooned up a bite of chocolate chip.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Shelley, then please check out her website.
"Oh? How did she describe me?"
His lips twitched. "As a 'green-eyed goddess of the kitchen.'" ~ within Chapter 25
About the Author :
I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree...but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.
Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.
I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.
Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.
Giveaway(s)!! :
Enter to win a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 15 on Shelley's blog!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Litfuse's other Blog Tour Reviews for this novel!!
Find Shelley Shepard Gray :
