I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sadie is a wonderful character. She's full of joy and excitement. She's friendly to all. She is determined to solve the mystery of the ring just knowing that it must be vitally important to its owner. She can be a little clumsy at times but it makes her all the more endearing.

Sam is nursing a wounded heart. The last thing he wants is a beautiful, chipper woman coming into his life. He finds it hard to resist her persistence and somewhere along the way, she becomes more than just the annoying neighbor who plays loud upbeat music. She may even help him do the hardest thing he may ever have to do, if he agrees to help her with the ring mystery.

This is a fun read. I liked the tips on writing a romance novel at the start of each chapter and seeing how the book and Sadie fulfilled that. There's a great supporting cast and it was delightfully written. I'd recommend it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

When western novels are not selling much, novelist Sadie is set off on a new track; writing romance novels. This genre is definitely not in her wheelhouse and will definitely needs some inspiration. When Sadie is offered a summer at the beach, she loads up on romance novels, and sets on her way. What she did not know was that there was a hunk of a next door neighbor there for the summer as well. Sam does not want anything to do with bubbly Sadie, and when the saws go running when Sadie decides to build a free library, Sam is further annoyed. When a ring happens to be in a book that is carved out, Sadie has to find the owner and enlists Sam's help to do so. Sadie decides to use that scenario for her romance novel and her publisher loves the idea. Can she reunited the ring with the owner and how does Sam come into play at the end? What a great read! I am loving Denise Hunter's writing style and stories; many great characters. Thank you to Ms. Hunter, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Denise Hunter always have good-for-the-soul reads. Contemporary with a dash of romance makes a good read.

So far, I have loved every book that I've read by Denise Hunter. I recently finished A Novel Proposal and I have to say I just liked the book. I wasn't in love with it. I did enjoy it and it was entertaining. It just lacked something that I could not put my finger on.

The story had to do with an author who is losing her contract and the publisher wants her to write a romance book. She loves Westerns and is trying to follow in her Grandfather's footsteps. He was a well known writer of Westerns. She is a good writer but, Westerns are not a hot seller these days. Hence, the change.

There is a romance story within this book. There are epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. They tell you how to write a romance novel and let you know what way the book is headed. It was a cute idea and a little interesting but, as a reader I'm not so sure I wanted to know where the book was headed or how to write a romance novel. I just want to read and enjoy without worrying about the mechanics. That's just me.

I still enjoyed the book. The characters and the plot were interesting. I just wouldn't put it up there as high as some of her other books. If you think about it though, the interesting thing is the title of the book has a few meanings within the book. Let me know what you think about The Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don't forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #DeniseHunter, #Netgalley and #ThomasNelson Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cute story! I really enjoyed the storyline and setting. I liked that Sadie was an author thrown out of her comfort zone and having to write her first romance novel! Sam and Sadie were a nice couple and I enjoyed their story and how things played out. A fun beach read!

Denise Hunter has written a thoroughly enjoyable book in A Novel Proposal. The characters and setting are fun and relatable.

Charming, sweet, and all-around fun. I’m convinced this book is meant to be adapted by Hallmark — I could imagine this whole story playing out on screen so vividly.

If you’re looking for a beachy romance with inspirational elements, look no further. I’ll be checking out Denise Hunter’s other novels this summer!

Interesting story line. Sadie had to grow on me and I liked her by the end of the story although she was annoying at times. Sam was a great hero! The quest for the owner of the ring was fun and had a satisfactory conclusion.
Three and a half stars rounded to four.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sadie Goodwin is an author of western books, but her sales aren't what they once were, so her publisher wants her to try a different genre. They want her to write a romance novel. She takes her friend's offer of staying at her Mom's beach house for the summer to get it done. She has never been in love, never written a romance novel, but she is going to do it.
Now that is going to be a challenge. But it is so much fun reading about the distraction she creates, so she doesn't get it done, yet. She brought with her lots of romance books to help her get inspired, which leads to creating a Little Free Library on the property. That will lead to another distraction.
This was a fun book to read.
I received an ARC Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

A Novel Proposal
by Denise Hunter
Pub Date: 21 Mar 2023

Sadie is an author who typically writes western books until she is instructed that she needs to switch gears and try her hand at romance. She is a woman who has never been in love and doesn't know the first thing about the genre. Sadie takes her friend up on her offer of staying at her mom's beach rental for the summer to write...enter her grumpy neighbor, Sam, who is hiding out from his life due to the upcoming wedding of his cousin to his ex.

Besides the blossoming relationship, there is a side story involving the "little library" Sadie puts up outside of the house where a book is left behind that contains a ring. Sadie is invested in finding out who it belongs to and brings Sam along to investigate.

This is what I consider your "no-brainer" romance that is filled with super cute sweetness and low on true angst that you know will end in a happily ever after!

3.5 stars

This was a fun story and what could definitely be considered a “beach read”. I really enjoyed the way the author opened each chapter with a romance writing tip, which hinted at the direction that chapter would move in. I looked forward to each new tip and seeing how things played out for the characters.

At first glance, this would appear to be a “grumpy-sunshine” novel, however, Sam isn’t truly a “grump”. He is simply a man who is trying to get over a betrayal. He is licking his wounds, so to speak, and taking a break from too many pitying looks.

Sadie is definitely a “sunshine” character and that optimistic and upbeat nature did wear on Sam’s nerves the first few times they were around each other. However, I liked the way things ended up moving forward for them.

Sadie’s perkiness was a bit overwhelming for me at the start of the book, however, I warmed up to her as her sweet and caring nature came through during the progression of the story. I really liked Sam. He proved himself to be a very caring and forgiving man.

This was a sweet and lighthearted love story, yet the characters did have a few issues that they carried around that they needed to overcome and work through before they could find their happily ever after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Super cute and fluffy romance novel. I liked that it was clean. If you are looking for a quick easy "predicable" romance book, this might be for you.

A huge thanks to Thomas Nelson for my complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I love a good Denise Hunter book and so I went into this book with the giddiness of a 5 year old in a candy shop. Denise Hunter delivered an incredible book with likeable characters and a picturesque setting. The book follows Sadie a writer whose writing career is changed when her publisher asks her to write a romance book. The challenge seems undaunting but Sadie has never been in love . She heads off to North Carolina where she moves next door to Sam who she reluctantly ropes in to her mission of returning a ring that was in a book left in her free little library. Absolutely enjoyed the romance and the hint of mystery . Read this book if you need a romance story filled with delightful characters an adorable pup and if you enjoy books with teachers and writers.

A Novel Proposal is a delightful and captivating love story that is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a happy ending. Denise Hunter's writing style is cozy, clever, and charming, and it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. This book is a true gem that will steal your heart and keep you hooked until the end. So, if you're looking for a romantic and heartwarming story that will make you smile, A Novel Proposal is the book for you!

A sweet, charming beach read, romance.
I have long enjoyed a Denise Hunter romance.
This one was breezy, light and a typical sunshine/grump trope.
I didn't find myself too invested with the characters unfortunately. It was fine. But nothing too harsh or memorable. An okay read if you want something quick and simple.
Had a Hallmark type feel to it.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

Upbeat, optimist Sadie needs to write a romance book but has no experience - either in writing one or in real life. She is offered a chance to get away to a friend's mom's beach house where her grumpy neighbor, Sam, may be just what she needs to help her get the book written and help her with an adventure and mystery she comes across as well.

As soon as I saw a book set in two of my favorite places, New York City and a beach in South Carolina, I knew I needed to read it. It is a cute beat. I liked both characters and thought neither one was too over the top in their "tropes." About midway I thought this was going to be a three star book for me. It has a familiar reason as to why Sam is so grumpy and keeps to himself. I don't love when this particular scenario happens and everyone who is supposed to love and support the character tells them basically they have to accept things because "they're family." I've yet to read a book where the family rallies around the hurt person. Grace and forgiveness are essential of course but these things seem to be way too accepted and for those that hurt him, it wouldn't have been hard to avoid doing so and handle it much differently. However, what got me back in was Sam's speech. Not necessarily his thoughts, as those were the same as other books where the guy goes from hurt and angry and doesn't want to see anyone to "but they're happy" so quickly its unbelievable. I did appreciate his maturity in the situation and the speech was extremely gracious and lovely. What also solidified the four stars is that at the end the person who actually wronged the other made the big gesture to make it right. I'm surprised in how many books this doesn't happen. I can't say more without spoilers. If you love a cute, feel good, easy read, this a book for you. Likeable characters and a fun plot. The blurbs before the chapters added to the fun also.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was sweet, lighthearted and charming. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet/clean romance. I loved how the book was set up with the main character learning how to write a romance novel and each chapter or plot point playing out in her life. I loved the characters and was invested in them getting together. Sadie is sweet, fun loving, and very likable. Sam is the brooding jilted neighbor who was betrayed and wanted to steer clear of love. They team up to solve the mystery of an engagement ring they found hidden in a book in a little free library.

Super cute romance!!

This standalone beach novel was just the story I needed. I could relate to the heroine’s dilemma because I’ve experienced something similar myself. I thought Sadie and Sam had fantastic chemistry and Sam’s transformation from a cranky, unfriendly neighbor to flat out adorable was delightful. There is a little mystery in this one that I don’t think anyone will figure out until it’s revealed. And, if you think you might want to write a romance, you can learn the formula while you read. Each chapter starts with a tidbit from Romance 101. This was so clever. Once I started the story, I didn’t want to stop reading. It’s a perfect light-hearted romance that shows why Denise Hunter is such a successful author. I received an advance read copy from Thomas Nelson; however, I have purchased the paperback to add to my collection. I will read this again.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eBook title.

I fell in love with Sadie and Sam from the beginning. They were both easy-going characters and very easy to follow throughout the novel. It was neat how Hunter weaves in the manuscript and the need to write a novel within this novel and the mystery that unfolded during it all.

Quick and fun read! Highly recommend!!!