A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.
For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It’s been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella’s got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store–or listen to her about anything.
Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other he’s sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he’s not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he’s surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn’t trust this stubborn, pushy young woman–and for her, the feeling is mutual.
Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson’s paths continue to cross when Nelson’s nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.
My Review:
A captivating Amish romance full of surprises. Like that fiery meet-cute! Bwahahaha! And things don’t settle down for quite a while so be prepared for clashing wills and lamentable outbursts in this enemies to more romantic trope.
Truth: sometimes Ella frustrated me no end! She is opinionated and bossy to the point I wanted to purse whomp some sense into her. Her motives are good, but her delivery leaves a lot to be desired! Which means she makes a horrible first impression on Nelson and that doesn’t improve upon further acquaintance for a long time. I think it’s about the halfway point before they declare a truce.
And Nelson is just a tad grumpy over all things Ella which comes with its own frustrations. So this one isn’t your typical ‘sweet’ romance. I do like the way the author digs deep into both our hero ad heroine’s backstories and their family dynamics. Especially Ella’s. It really helps to explain nuances of her personality. I could totally sympathize with her and became righteously indignant on her behalf more than once. But then we’re given more insights into Ella’s father and sister and well..wow, it all makes sense. The author doesn’t just leave it there, though, she works some healing magic that includes even more romance which made for a delightfully satisfying read.
I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of ‘The Proposal Plot’ expertly narrated by Lauren Berst. She’s a familiar voice in my Amish Fiction listening which made this even more of a comfort read for me. Funny how I can become as attached to narrators as I am to my fave authors.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Proposal Plot, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 20 2024.
That title is so fun! Enter me please 🙂
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A catchy title is always a win. Good luck, Stephanie!
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One of my favorite authors.
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Good luck, Kim!
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Love this author’s books. She has a way of telling a story that is full of bite, emotion and faith while bringing her characters to life showing their good points and their flaws that you want to read them in one sitting. “The Proposal Plot” is most definitely on my TBR list and I can’t wait to read and review it.
Thank you for your review which increases my desire to read this book and for the fabulous chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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And, mercy, but Ella has bite! 🙂 Good luck, Kay!
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Clashing wills make it interesting. Blessings! leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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Interesting in fiction. Not so much in real life. Bwahahaha! Good luck, Lucy!
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I won a copy of this through a Goodreads giveaway contest and received my book yesterday! I love your review and am even more ready to read this very soon 😊
I think it was also one I was looking at for our last Readers Choice week 💖
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Oooh, that’s exciting. Good Reads giveaways are huge! Happy Reading, Trixi!
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Great review, Kav! I love Kathleen Fuller’s books. No need to enter me, my library has a copy 🙂
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Hooray for a well-stocked library. Good luck, Cindy!
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Thanks for the review. These characters and their interactions sound fun!
sandyavery at comcast dot net
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Good luck, Sandy!
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Ella and Nelson sound like very interesting characters that I would love to read about. The storyline captures my attention too.
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Good luck, Maryann!
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