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The Proposal
Perfect to curl up with this Christmas, The Proposal by Tasmina Perry is a spellbinding tale of second chances that looks back to the year of the last debutantes. With a haunting love story at its heart, the novel sweeps you away to Fifties London and modern Manhattan. If you love Kate Morton, Rachel Hore and Santa Montefiore, you will adore this multi-layered, moving read. 'A story of long-buried secrets...Perry expertly weaves a delicate web of love and betrayal' Daily Express
1958. At eighteen, Georgia Hamilton is sent to London for the Debutante Season. Independent, and with secret dreams to be a writer, she has no wish to join the other debs competing for a husband. But when tragedy strikes, her fate appears to have been sealed.
2012. Hurrying to meet her lover, Amy Carrell hopes tonight will change her destiny. And it does - but not in the way she imagined. Desolate and desperate to get out of London, she accepts a position as companion to a mysterious stranger, bound for Manhattan - little knowing she is about to unlock a love story that has waited fifty years to be told. And a heart waiting to come back to life...
1958. At eighteen, Georgia Hamilton is sent to London for the Debutante Season. Independent, and with secret dreams to be a writer, she has no wish to join the other debs competing for a husband. But when tragedy strikes, her fate appears to have been sealed.
2012. Hurrying to meet her lover, Amy Carrell hopes tonight will change her destiny. And it does - but not in the way she imagined. Desolate and desperate to get out of London, she accepts a position as companion to a mysterious stranger, bound for Manhattan - little knowing she is about to unlock a love story that has waited fifty years to be told. And a heart waiting to come back to life...
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2013
241 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
About the author
Tasmina Perry
45 books508 followers"Tasmina Perry left a career in law for the more glamorous world of women’s magazine journalism.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 24, 2015
Just say yes to this unforgettable read and take a spellbinding, romantic journey from the dazzling days of the debutantes in 1950s London to glamorous modern Manhattan.
This was romantic and heartbreaking. You could feel Georgia's pain while reading the book and a few tears slipped down my cheek. I loved the whole 1950s time in London with the debutantes, parties, clothes, and the possibility of love and your life changing.
Amy reminded me of myself, an "artist" in some way trying to make it in a big city but having problems making it, not wanting to fail to disappoint your family, and wanting love.
I also really appreciated the friendship between Georgia and Amy.
This was romantic and heartbreaking. You could feel Georgia's pain while reading the book and a few tears slipped down my cheek. I loved the whole 1950s time in London with the debutantes, parties, clothes, and the possibility of love and your life changing.
Amy reminded me of myself, an "artist" in some way trying to make it in a big city but having problems making it, not wanting to fail to disappoint your family, and wanting love.
I also really appreciated the friendship between Georgia and Amy.
October 20, 2013
I've been a fan of Tasmina Perry's writing for a long time and have devoured her books, they are perfect for holiday reading - laying on a beach, or around the pool under a blue sky whilst sipping a long cool drink - perfect! However, I was a little disappointed by her last two books; Perfect Strangers (2012) and Deep Blue Sea (2013). The writing is still great, but she had changed direction, these two are more mystery/thriller type stories, and for me, they just didn't work quite as well as her earlier novels. I was really interested to read the blurb for The Proposal, it promises that this is Tasmina Perry "as you've never seen her before" - I wondered which direction her writing was going to take this time.
This is most certainly the right direction for Perry! For me, this was a damn-near perfect read. For one, it's a dual-time narrative and I always enjoy those and secondly there are two fantastic lead female characters, both of whom are interesting, sassy, well-drawn and incredibly realistic.
Amy Carrell is an American dancer living in London, waiting on tables whilst trying to get her 'big break. She's in a relationship with Daniel and is expecting a proposal after coming across a Tiffany giftbox hidden away in his sock drawer. Amy is heartbroken when Daniel makes it clear his family do not think that a dancer is the right and proper occupation for his future wife.
It's almost Christmas, Amy has no money and is home-sick. She spots an advertisement in The Lady and applies straight away. Before she knows quite what is happening, Amy finds herself hired to accompany the elderly, but very elegant Georgia Hamilton on a trip to Manhattan.
As Amy and Georgia travel and spend time together, the story slips back to the 1950s when Georgia was doing 'the season' as a debutante. Tasmina Perry has really brought to life those exciting and glamorous times, her writing evokes the sounds and the styles of the parties, the balls, the dresses and the foods - and yes, underneath all of the glitz, the desparation of both the girls and their parents. Appearing to have it all, they are determined that they will marry well. Rippling beneath the surface, hiding behind the sparkle and dazzle, the reader is exposed to the dirty tricks that are played in the fight to bag the best marriage.
Georgia appears to have it all. She's a self-made millionaire, she's been to the very top of her profession, she lives in a beautiful apartment and money is no object. It is clear to Amy though that Georgia also has hidden secrets, a sadness that is hidden deep inside. Over their days together, Amy learns more about Georgia's past and finally her hidden despair is revealed.
I enjoyed every page of The Proposal, it's one of those books that you sit down to read a couple of chapters and before you know it you are over half way through the story. The writing is excellent, the descriptions of both London and New York are so well drawn, the reader is thrust into the action straight away. Perry's characters are so realistic and the dialogue and connection between them is incredibly realistic.
This is Tasmina Perry truly back on form - I'd be happy if she continues in this direction.
This is most certainly the right direction for Perry! For me, this was a damn-near perfect read. For one, it's a dual-time narrative and I always enjoy those and secondly there are two fantastic lead female characters, both of whom are interesting, sassy, well-drawn and incredibly realistic.
Amy Carrell is an American dancer living in London, waiting on tables whilst trying to get her 'big break. She's in a relationship with Daniel and is expecting a proposal after coming across a Tiffany giftbox hidden away in his sock drawer. Amy is heartbroken when Daniel makes it clear his family do not think that a dancer is the right and proper occupation for his future wife.
It's almost Christmas, Amy has no money and is home-sick. She spots an advertisement in The Lady and applies straight away. Before she knows quite what is happening, Amy finds herself hired to accompany the elderly, but very elegant Georgia Hamilton on a trip to Manhattan.
As Amy and Georgia travel and spend time together, the story slips back to the 1950s when Georgia was doing 'the season' as a debutante. Tasmina Perry has really brought to life those exciting and glamorous times, her writing evokes the sounds and the styles of the parties, the balls, the dresses and the foods - and yes, underneath all of the glitz, the desparation of both the girls and their parents. Appearing to have it all, they are determined that they will marry well. Rippling beneath the surface, hiding behind the sparkle and dazzle, the reader is exposed to the dirty tricks that are played in the fight to bag the best marriage.
Georgia appears to have it all. She's a self-made millionaire, she's been to the very top of her profession, she lives in a beautiful apartment and money is no object. It is clear to Amy though that Georgia also has hidden secrets, a sadness that is hidden deep inside. Over their days together, Amy learns more about Georgia's past and finally her hidden despair is revealed.
I enjoyed every page of The Proposal, it's one of those books that you sit down to read a couple of chapters and before you know it you are over half way through the story. The writing is excellent, the descriptions of both London and New York are so well drawn, the reader is thrust into the action straight away. Perry's characters are so realistic and the dialogue and connection between them is incredibly realistic.
This is Tasmina Perry truly back on form - I'd be happy if she continues in this direction.
September 17, 2014
Weak and unbelievable storyline, poor buildup. How could this be a best seller?
March 16, 2014
This is the first Tasmina Perry novel that I have read and I had a preconceived idea about what I was going to get. Something light and fluffy.
I was wrong.
I got a story that was strong, which had a dual narrative which is a plot technique I favour. Tasmina takes us through the modern-day with Amy Carrell an American girl who has moved to London to further her career in dance. Trouble is she is stuck waitressing and her boyfriend, Daniel seems to be in another class to her. But when she spots a Tiffany box at home, she thinks that maybe she is going to be asked the ultimate question?
The question though is very different - daniel's parents question the suitability of Amy as a wife. It seems that rather than celebrating, Amy is going to be broken-hearted.
It's coming up to Christmas and Amy cannot afford to go home and be in the arms of her family. Randomly she spots an advertisement asking for a travel companion for an elderly lady to travel to New York and she decides why not - if it means even seeing her family for a small amount of time it will be worth it.
In steps Georgia Hamilton, a lady of a bygone era when it was all about dresses, money, men, position and doing 'the season'. We are taken back to late Nineteen Fifties, the last 'debs' are going to be presented to the Queen and Georgia Hamilton is not that keen she has a rather more independent view of how she wants to live her life. But needs must it seems and Georgia takes us into the world of posh frocks, the romantic nature of stolen glances with handsome men, competition over the best parties and ultimately who gets the boy. We look back with rose-tinted spectacles perhaps but it was a different time and one not that long ago and it felt like I was experiencing a social history lesson right there on the page. So wonderfully described and showed the contrast to the modern parts of the novel.
But as these two characters come together and the two eras are compared, we begin to see how good Amy and Georgia are for each other. How the secrets of the past, because you know Georgia is hiding something come to the present and how Amy can see that if you are not true to yourself or love, it is ultimately going to pass you by.
The hurt is going to live with you forever; it has for Georgia.
Georgia's history becomes Amy's present and the two forge an unlikely friendship which results in some revelations that will be a shock to us all.
I loved the way Tasmina Perry took us through something so simple as a Christmas Party held in the Tower of London and painted a scene so magic that you felt you were there, to the sights and sounds of New York and the upper class places that perhaps the ordinary new yorker would never see. I felt like someone reading a travel guide to New York, especially as I have never been. Even the warmth of Amy's family leapt off the page which was in complete contrast to the descriptions of family life that Georgia was experiencing in the Fifties.
This book has everything that you could want for a great story, you learn, you feel emotion and you are taken away to another place. I recommend it highly.
I was wrong.
I got a story that was strong, which had a dual narrative which is a plot technique I favour. Tasmina takes us through the modern-day with Amy Carrell an American girl who has moved to London to further her career in dance. Trouble is she is stuck waitressing and her boyfriend, Daniel seems to be in another class to her. But when she spots a Tiffany box at home, she thinks that maybe she is going to be asked the ultimate question?
The question though is very different - daniel's parents question the suitability of Amy as a wife. It seems that rather than celebrating, Amy is going to be broken-hearted.
It's coming up to Christmas and Amy cannot afford to go home and be in the arms of her family. Randomly she spots an advertisement asking for a travel companion for an elderly lady to travel to New York and she decides why not - if it means even seeing her family for a small amount of time it will be worth it.
In steps Georgia Hamilton, a lady of a bygone era when it was all about dresses, money, men, position and doing 'the season'. We are taken back to late Nineteen Fifties, the last 'debs' are going to be presented to the Queen and Georgia Hamilton is not that keen she has a rather more independent view of how she wants to live her life. But needs must it seems and Georgia takes us into the world of posh frocks, the romantic nature of stolen glances with handsome men, competition over the best parties and ultimately who gets the boy. We look back with rose-tinted spectacles perhaps but it was a different time and one not that long ago and it felt like I was experiencing a social history lesson right there on the page. So wonderfully described and showed the contrast to the modern parts of the novel.
But as these two characters come together and the two eras are compared, we begin to see how good Amy and Georgia are for each other. How the secrets of the past, because you know Georgia is hiding something come to the present and how Amy can see that if you are not true to yourself or love, it is ultimately going to pass you by.
The hurt is going to live with you forever; it has for Georgia.
Georgia's history becomes Amy's present and the two forge an unlikely friendship which results in some revelations that will be a shock to us all.
I loved the way Tasmina Perry took us through something so simple as a Christmas Party held in the Tower of London and painted a scene so magic that you felt you were there, to the sights and sounds of New York and the upper class places that perhaps the ordinary new yorker would never see. I felt like someone reading a travel guide to New York, especially as I have never been. Even the warmth of Amy's family leapt off the page which was in complete contrast to the descriptions of family life that Georgia was experiencing in the Fifties.
This book has everything that you could want for a great story, you learn, you feel emotion and you are taken away to another place. I recommend it highly.
August 13, 2016
I really love Tasmina Perry’s novels. Ever since I read Private Lives a couple of years back she’s become a must-read author and when I heard she was releasing two novels in 2013, I was thrilled to pieces. That’s amazing news! I adored her first book of 2013 Deep Blue Sea, and I was really looking forward to reading her Christmassy novel The Proposal. It has one of the most old-fashioned covers I’ve ever seen and it just oozed glamour and class. It’s a rather telling cover, actually, as I found The Proposal to be so much different to her other novels, proving the quote “Tasmina Perry as you’ve never seen her before” to be spookily correct.
I have to be honest and say that The Proposal didn’t really rock my world. It is rather vastly different to her summer beach reads, and I infinitely prefer the beach reads, if I’m honest. Whilst I liked the plot of the novel, and especially the Manhattan setting, being someone who is DESPERATE to go to New York and visit Manhattan, it just didn’t capture me the way I wanted it to. I don’t know why; it was well written and Georgia’s backstory was immense, but I just didn’t really feel it. I felt really detached from the novel and I just couldn’t seem to get into it. To have a dual storyline is a fabulous thing, but it was all over in just over 300 pages and I felt it just… ended.
Amy was a good character, and I enjoyed the banter between herself and Georgia, especially as they were virtual strangers. (For the record, I would SO answer a personal ad if it let me go to New York so that wasn’t an issue at all, either.) The bits set in New York were lovely, and Georgia’s backstory was compelling. The whole thing just felt different. I didn’t feel as if I was reading a Tasmina Perry novel, if that makes sense. It’s a shame, I was hoping for a cosy Christmassy read and it just disappointed me I wasn’t as much a fan as I wanted it to be.
The Proposal will have its fans, and it won’t stop me from reading any more of Tasmina’s novels, especially if she sticks to the rich beach reads which I adore, it just left me feeling flat and cold. It was a good story, no doubt, with so okay characters, but it just didn’t touch me. I didn’t feel it, if that makes sense and it ended so abruptly. I really don’t think you can have as big as a shocking secret as the one we learn about Georgia and her family and then just end it like that, as if what Georgia’s family did was OK when it so blatantly wasn’t and when it ruined lives. That demands consequences which weren’t doled out. It’s such a shame, I hate to write a review that isn’t favourable toward an author I adore, but I definitely believe Tasmina should stick to what she does best and that’s the massive beach reads, they’re Tasmina’s staple and she does them SO well.
I have to be honest and say that The Proposal didn’t really rock my world. It is rather vastly different to her summer beach reads, and I infinitely prefer the beach reads, if I’m honest. Whilst I liked the plot of the novel, and especially the Manhattan setting, being someone who is DESPERATE to go to New York and visit Manhattan, it just didn’t capture me the way I wanted it to. I don’t know why; it was well written and Georgia’s backstory was immense, but I just didn’t really feel it. I felt really detached from the novel and I just couldn’t seem to get into it. To have a dual storyline is a fabulous thing, but it was all over in just over 300 pages and I felt it just… ended.
Amy was a good character, and I enjoyed the banter between herself and Georgia, especially as they were virtual strangers. (For the record, I would SO answer a personal ad if it let me go to New York so that wasn’t an issue at all, either.) The bits set in New York were lovely, and Georgia’s backstory was compelling. The whole thing just felt different. I didn’t feel as if I was reading a Tasmina Perry novel, if that makes sense. It’s a shame, I was hoping for a cosy Christmassy read and it just disappointed me I wasn’t as much a fan as I wanted it to be.
The Proposal will have its fans, and it won’t stop me from reading any more of Tasmina’s novels, especially if she sticks to the rich beach reads which I adore, it just left me feeling flat and cold. It was a good story, no doubt, with so okay characters, but it just didn’t touch me. I didn’t feel it, if that makes sense and it ended so abruptly. I really don’t think you can have as big as a shocking secret as the one we learn about Georgia and her family and then just end it like that, as if what Georgia’s family did was OK when it so blatantly wasn’t and when it ruined lives. That demands consequences which weren’t doled out. It’s such a shame, I hate to write a review that isn’t favourable toward an author I adore, but I definitely believe Tasmina should stick to what she does best and that’s the massive beach reads, they’re Tasmina’s staple and she does them SO well.
September 30, 2013
I’ve always been a big fan of Tasmina Perry's writing, but the last couple of books haven’t really been my cup of tea at all. But I’m delighted to report that I absolutely loved this one, and would highly recommend it to anyone who any romance in their soul and defy you to finish it without a tear in your eye.
Amy Carrell, a New Yorker working as a waitress in London while trying to get a break as a dancer, wants to spend Christmas with her family after breaking up with her wealthy boyfriend, having realised that she will never match up to the expectations of his parents. Spotting an advert in The Lady for a companion to an elderly lady, Georgia Hamilton, she joins her for a Christmas trip to Manhattan. Georgia is a wealthy ex-publisher with a difficult relationship with her own family and, in addition to the magical excursion to New York, her own story as one of the last debutantes in the late 1950s slowly unfolds. And what a story it is – fascinating in its detail about the life of a debutante who doesn’t have quite the aristocratic background required, full of awkwardness and fraught with difficulty, who finds true love only to have it cruelly taken away. Amy sets about trying to put things right, and it’s a really beautiful story, exquisitely told.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page – this is a much slimmer book than the author usually produces, and I escaped into it for an afternoon and devoured it from cover to cover. Amy is a really endearing character, who makes you really feel for her in her attempts to fit into a world where she’s really struggling – eating her artichoke with a knife and fork in a charity shop dress that’s shedding its sequins. And Georgia is simply mesmerising, throughout her 1950s story and during the modern day trip to Manhattan, when her friendship with young Amy is beautifully drawn. This is a story full of small kindnesses, bitter betrayal, and all-consuming love. This is a book for lovers of New York (there’s an excellent guide to Manhattan at the end of the book, picking out the highlights), anyone who likes a little Christmas sparkle, but also anyone with a heart who enjoys a beautifully told old fashioned love story. And Tasmina Perry – I think I love you again!
Amy Carrell, a New Yorker working as a waitress in London while trying to get a break as a dancer, wants to spend Christmas with her family after breaking up with her wealthy boyfriend, having realised that she will never match up to the expectations of his parents. Spotting an advert in The Lady for a companion to an elderly lady, Georgia Hamilton, she joins her for a Christmas trip to Manhattan. Georgia is a wealthy ex-publisher with a difficult relationship with her own family and, in addition to the magical excursion to New York, her own story as one of the last debutantes in the late 1950s slowly unfolds. And what a story it is – fascinating in its detail about the life of a debutante who doesn’t have quite the aristocratic background required, full of awkwardness and fraught with difficulty, who finds true love only to have it cruelly taken away. Amy sets about trying to put things right, and it’s a really beautiful story, exquisitely told.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page – this is a much slimmer book than the author usually produces, and I escaped into it for an afternoon and devoured it from cover to cover. Amy is a really endearing character, who makes you really feel for her in her attempts to fit into a world where she’s really struggling – eating her artichoke with a knife and fork in a charity shop dress that’s shedding its sequins. And Georgia is simply mesmerising, throughout her 1950s story and during the modern day trip to Manhattan, when her friendship with young Amy is beautifully drawn. This is a story full of small kindnesses, bitter betrayal, and all-consuming love. This is a book for lovers of New York (there’s an excellent guide to Manhattan at the end of the book, picking out the highlights), anyone who likes a little Christmas sparkle, but also anyone with a heart who enjoys a beautifully told old fashioned love story. And Tasmina Perry – I think I love you again!
June 23, 2014
I think that this could have been better. The idea behind it - that a young american woman is ditched by her posh boyfriend right before Christmas, so she then accompanies an elderly woman who has some secrets on a quick trip to New York - is interesting enough. But it doesn't actually DO anything with any of it.
The trip to New York is very ordinary. So they go to New York, and see Amy's family, and stay in a posh place, and Amy learns how to use cutlery...
The break up/make up/what happens next is VERY cliché. The introduction of the potential other love interest is similar.
There is one very irritating bit, where Georgia, the elderly lady, does the whole anti-feminist thing, saying that feminists are all about career only, not supportive of those who wish to stay at home. Now there are some people, who may identify as feminists with that belief, but that is in no way a feminist point of view. Feminism is gender equality - something that the characters pretend to think is important, yet they don't really, with the sneering at those who chose to marry well through things like the debutante experience. Amy basically supports this idea, and I found it hard to care what they said after that, as the contradictions from then on annoyed me.
And then!
The trip to New York is very ordinary. So they go to New York, and see Amy's family, and stay in a posh place, and Amy learns how to use cutlery...
The break up/make up/what happens next is VERY cliché. The introduction of the potential other love interest is similar.
There is one very irritating bit, where Georgia, the elderly lady, does the whole anti-feminist thing, saying that feminists are all about career only, not supportive of those who wish to stay at home. Now there are some people, who may identify as feminists with that belief, but that is in no way a feminist point of view. Feminism is gender equality - something that the characters pretend to think is important, yet they don't really, with the sneering at those who chose to marry well through things like the debutante experience. Amy basically supports this idea, and I found it hard to care what they said after that, as the contradictions from then on annoyed me.
And then!
February 6, 2019
Na początku nie byłam przekonana do tej książki. Zaczęło się bardzo średniawo. Trochę jak zwyczajna obyczajów, natomiast im dłużej czytałam, tym coraz bardziej mnie ta lektura pochłaniała.
Bardzo podobał mi się wątek przeszłości Georgii. On na pewno dużo urozmaicił i sprawił, że książka stała się o wiele ciekawsza.
Minusem jest na pewno Amy, która mniej więcej do połowy strasznie mnie irytowała. Potem to się zmieniło, ale nie na tyle bym ją jakoś szczególnie polubiła.
Książka mnie naprawdę pozytywnie zaskoczyła i myślę, że będę mogła ją polecić.
Bardzo podobał mi się wątek przeszłości Georgii. On na pewno dużo urozmaicił i sprawił, że książka stała się o wiele ciekawsza.
Minusem jest na pewno Amy, która mniej więcej do połowy strasznie mnie irytowała. Potem to się zmieniło, ale nie na tyle bym ją jakoś szczególnie polubiła.
Książka mnie naprawdę pozytywnie zaskoczyła i myślę, że będę mogła ją polecić.
January 19, 2021
Das Buch war süß. Es gab Spannung und Emotion. Es war nicht alles vorhersehbar, es war nicht zu kitschig. Es war einfach genau richtig.
September 6, 2014
The proposal by tasmina perry
The blurb
A magnificent, moving epic with a haunting secret love story at its heart, which will sweep you from present-day Manhattan to London in 1958 - the year of the last debutantes.
1958. At eighteen, Georgia Hamilton is sent to London for the Debutante Season. Independent, and with secret dreams to be a writer, she has no wish to join the other debs competing for a husband. But when tragedy strikes, her fate appears to have been sealed.
2012. Hurrying to meet her lover, Amy Carrell hopes tonight will change her destiny. And it does - but not in the way she imagined. Desolate and desperate to get out of London, she accepts a position as companion to a mysterious stranger, bound for Manhattan - little knowing she is about to unlock a love story that has waited fifty years to be told. And a heart waiting to come back to life...
WHAT I SAY
I loves this book it was my first book by tasmina that i have read and it will not be the last i just loved it all it a beautiful story told in a fab way so well written it just flows very easy to follow brilliant read
Amy was from New York she now working in London in cafe but she wants to be a dancer she broken her toe so she took a break but now ones to get back into it
Amy wants to go back home to New York she fall out with her boyfriend she got no money to go but she saw a advert for a travelling companion to take Georgia to New York
Georgia a lovely lady she got money nice clothes she likes the good things in life she worked hard for them the book flicks back and forth to the 1950 she was a debutantes the life's they live were fascinating the balls were great to hear about they mum push them to the best men the whole plot of the ball , the man, the dresses were Written so well you could see it in your mind it was the year of sophistication and glamour times it sounded so lovely the whole book revolves about a secret when amy hears this secret she wants to get justice for Georgia i loved the unlikely friendship of the two of them you just got pull into the story with them you felt you were there with them l just loved Georgia tales of the season just what life was like for them
The trip to NewYork was very vivid you could see then places i been toNew York near xmas it was told just how it was when i went in nov for their thanksgiving it made me want to go again i like that when the lady were eating or having a drink the book tell about the past if Georgia tell her story to amy over coffee it was clever and well written
I loved the way both help each other out
Georgia's so strong and elegant Amy very soft but loveable so totally different but they work so well as friends the book got a few unexpected twist it got romance, betrayal ,family,love and scandal you just want to read to see what happens next i wanted the book to carry on more i wanted to see what happen next i hope it carries on with Amy and Georgia friendship
The book just what i like the 1950,the debutant balls the lovely tea dresses i could see it all in my mind so clear the end was sad but very clever the way it was done i was gripped by the whole story from the first page to the last a superb story i just loved it all 5 stars my gem book
I like to thank book review for letting me read this fab book
About the Author
TASMINA PERRY is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author. She left a career in law to enter the world of women's magazine publishing, going on to become an award-winning writer and contributor to titles such as Elle, Glamour and Marie Claire. In 2004 she launched her own travel and fashion magazine, Jaunt, and was editing InStyle magazine when she left the industry to write books full time. Her novels have been published in seventeen countries. Tasmina lives with her husband and son in London, where she is at work on her next novel.
The blurb
A magnificent, moving epic with a haunting secret love story at its heart, which will sweep you from present-day Manhattan to London in 1958 - the year of the last debutantes.
1958. At eighteen, Georgia Hamilton is sent to London for the Debutante Season. Independent, and with secret dreams to be a writer, she has no wish to join the other debs competing for a husband. But when tragedy strikes, her fate appears to have been sealed.
2012. Hurrying to meet her lover, Amy Carrell hopes tonight will change her destiny. And it does - but not in the way she imagined. Desolate and desperate to get out of London, she accepts a position as companion to a mysterious stranger, bound for Manhattan - little knowing she is about to unlock a love story that has waited fifty years to be told. And a heart waiting to come back to life...
WHAT I SAY
I loves this book it was my first book by tasmina that i have read and it will not be the last i just loved it all it a beautiful story told in a fab way so well written it just flows very easy to follow brilliant read
Amy was from New York she now working in London in cafe but she wants to be a dancer she broken her toe so she took a break but now ones to get back into it
Amy wants to go back home to New York she fall out with her boyfriend she got no money to go but she saw a advert for a travelling companion to take Georgia to New York
Georgia a lovely lady she got money nice clothes she likes the good things in life she worked hard for them the book flicks back and forth to the 1950 she was a debutantes the life's they live were fascinating the balls were great to hear about they mum push them to the best men the whole plot of the ball , the man, the dresses were Written so well you could see it in your mind it was the year of sophistication and glamour times it sounded so lovely the whole book revolves about a secret when amy hears this secret she wants to get justice for Georgia i loved the unlikely friendship of the two of them you just got pull into the story with them you felt you were there with them l just loved Georgia tales of the season just what life was like for them
The trip to NewYork was very vivid you could see then places i been toNew York near xmas it was told just how it was when i went in nov for their thanksgiving it made me want to go again i like that when the lady were eating or having a drink the book tell about the past if Georgia tell her story to amy over coffee it was clever and well written
I loved the way both help each other out
Georgia's so strong and elegant Amy very soft but loveable so totally different but they work so well as friends the book got a few unexpected twist it got romance, betrayal ,family,love and scandal you just want to read to see what happens next i wanted the book to carry on more i wanted to see what happen next i hope it carries on with Amy and Georgia friendship
The book just what i like the 1950,the debutant balls the lovely tea dresses i could see it all in my mind so clear the end was sad but very clever the way it was done i was gripped by the whole story from the first page to the last a superb story i just loved it all 5 stars my gem book
I like to thank book review for letting me read this fab book
About the Author
TASMINA PERRY is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author. She left a career in law to enter the world of women's magazine publishing, going on to become an award-winning writer and contributor to titles such as Elle, Glamour and Marie Claire. In 2004 she launched her own travel and fashion magazine, Jaunt, and was editing InStyle magazine when she left the industry to write books full time. Her novels have been published in seventeen countries. Tasmina lives with her husband and son in London, where she is at work on her next novel.
December 6, 2013
I’ve enjoyed reading Tasmina Perry’s previous books – despite being the size of door-stops they were glitzy and racy reads and an escape from normality although I have to admit that one or two of the later books haven’t always hit the mark for me. However, the latest offering, The Proposal, is a completely different type of read and I absolutely loved it.
26 year old American waitress/dancer, Amy Carrell, is expecting a proposal. She has spotted a Tiffany ring box in a drawer belonging to her high flying boyfriend Daniel and when he invites her to a posh pre-Christmas party, she is expecting a magical evening. However instead of a marriage proposal, she finds herself dumped, basically because Daniel and his parents do not consider her to be good enough.
When she subsequently answers an advertisement for a travelling companion for a trip to New York, it is merely a way for a cash-strapped Amy to be able to visit her family at Christmas whilst deciding what to do next. Little does she know how much of an impact on her life, her travelling companion, the elderly Georgia Hamilton, will have.
The story then slips back from 2012 to 1958 when we meet 18 year old Georgia Hamilton. Georgia having attending a Parisian finishing school, is fiercely independent with dreams of becoming a writer. However her family have other ideas and she is being heavily encouraged by them to participate in ‘The Season’ – to come out as a debutante with the end result of finding herself a rich husband. What Georgia lacks in temperament and the correct family background, she makes up for with strength of character and spirit and you feel for her as she tries to fit in with her peers.
Georgia’s time as a debutante was one of my favourite parts of the book. The glamour, the parties, the excitement of romance and the competitiveness between the girls as to who would bag the most eligible young men was brilliantly executed and I felt as though I were a bystander watching this most English of traditions.
Both Georgia and Amy were wonderful characters. Georgia’s background meant that she was a very proud and genteel lady and her attempts to advise and educate Amy in how to dress and which cutlery to use were countered by Amy’s sense of fun whilst showing Georgia around New York. Despite their difference in ages and lifestyle, you could feel the genuine fondness that developed between the two women and although her successful career had made her a very rich woman, there is a great sadness in Georgia’s life, and one which Amy is determined to put right.
I’ve never been to New York but the excellent descriptions of Central Park in December, the cold, the glamorous cafe’s and the general hustle and bustle really made it come to life. (There is a very good brief guide at the back of the book, giving more details of some of the NY locations visited).
This could easily be a contender for my book of the year. I loved spending time with both Georgia and Amy and was quite sad to get to the end. There is everything in this book – fabulous locations, glamour, romance and betrayal and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
26 year old American waitress/dancer, Amy Carrell, is expecting a proposal. She has spotted a Tiffany ring box in a drawer belonging to her high flying boyfriend Daniel and when he invites her to a posh pre-Christmas party, she is expecting a magical evening. However instead of a marriage proposal, she finds herself dumped, basically because Daniel and his parents do not consider her to be good enough.
When she subsequently answers an advertisement for a travelling companion for a trip to New York, it is merely a way for a cash-strapped Amy to be able to visit her family at Christmas whilst deciding what to do next. Little does she know how much of an impact on her life, her travelling companion, the elderly Georgia Hamilton, will have.
The story then slips back from 2012 to 1958 when we meet 18 year old Georgia Hamilton. Georgia having attending a Parisian finishing school, is fiercely independent with dreams of becoming a writer. However her family have other ideas and she is being heavily encouraged by them to participate in ‘The Season’ – to come out as a debutante with the end result of finding herself a rich husband. What Georgia lacks in temperament and the correct family background, she makes up for with strength of character and spirit and you feel for her as she tries to fit in with her peers.
Georgia’s time as a debutante was one of my favourite parts of the book. The glamour, the parties, the excitement of romance and the competitiveness between the girls as to who would bag the most eligible young men was brilliantly executed and I felt as though I were a bystander watching this most English of traditions.
Both Georgia and Amy were wonderful characters. Georgia’s background meant that she was a very proud and genteel lady and her attempts to advise and educate Amy in how to dress and which cutlery to use were countered by Amy’s sense of fun whilst showing Georgia around New York. Despite their difference in ages and lifestyle, you could feel the genuine fondness that developed between the two women and although her successful career had made her a very rich woman, there is a great sadness in Georgia’s life, and one which Amy is determined to put right.
I’ve never been to New York but the excellent descriptions of Central Park in December, the cold, the glamorous cafe’s and the general hustle and bustle really made it come to life. (There is a very good brief guide at the back of the book, giving more details of some of the NY locations visited).
This could easily be a contender for my book of the year. I loved spending time with both Georgia and Amy and was quite sad to get to the end. There is everything in this book – fabulous locations, glamour, romance and betrayal and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
November 30, 2013
Originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
I've never read any of Tasmina Perry's books (*hangs head in shame*), but I am so thrilled I got the chance to read The Proposal! First of all, I'd like to thank Headline for sending me such a magical book. Trust me, it's one of my favourites this year, The Proposal!
The Proposal follows the story of two women: Amy, who is your average girl next door, struggling artist and always in the shadow of her boyfriend with his political career. Georgia, however, an aristocrat, former debuntante in the 1950s, has lived a life full of sorrow. When Georgia invites Amy to accompany her to Manhattan, Amy jumps at the chance. Little does she know, she's accepted a proposal beyond her expectations.
I can't tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed The Proposal! If this is what Tasmina Perry is capable of, then I'm floored! The story is divided into two timelines, one in the present and another in the 1950s when Georgia was on her way to becoming a debuntante. I think Tasmina Perry has managed to create a beautiful story for readers to lose themselves in, where the plot flits from the past to the present and back, revealing more and more of Georgia's secretive past.
I don't wish to spoil it for you, but both Georgia and Amy are wonderfully-written characters. Each of them are different in their own ways, but somehow, there are similarities between them too. I think the characters in the book are a joy to read and London and Manhattan couldn't be more perfect as the setting of the book. Tasmina Perry has a flair for words, whatever she writes is absolutely enchanting - she's a natural storyteller.
The Proposal enraptured me. I loved it. The old, British aristocracy scene was deliciously decadent. Oh, my. Don't get me started on Edward. The. Most. Perfect. Man. Oh dear God. You'll definitely lose yourself in the throngs of beautiful gowns and soirées and there's definitely the sweet, passionate romance.
Utterly delectable and spellbinding. An absolute treat for you this Christmas as it's simply magical which will leave you with a smile on your face and a sparkle in your eye. Get ready to be whisked away to London in the 1950s where old glamour is gold and the perfect gentleman is the catch. Trust me, you'll definitely want to read and love The Proposal.
Rating: 9/10
I've never read any of Tasmina Perry's books (*hangs head in shame*), but I am so thrilled I got the chance to read The Proposal! First of all, I'd like to thank Headline for sending me such a magical book. Trust me, it's one of my favourites this year, The Proposal!
The Proposal follows the story of two women: Amy, who is your average girl next door, struggling artist and always in the shadow of her boyfriend with his political career. Georgia, however, an aristocrat, former debuntante in the 1950s, has lived a life full of sorrow. When Georgia invites Amy to accompany her to Manhattan, Amy jumps at the chance. Little does she know, she's accepted a proposal beyond her expectations.
I can't tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed The Proposal! If this is what Tasmina Perry is capable of, then I'm floored! The story is divided into two timelines, one in the present and another in the 1950s when Georgia was on her way to becoming a debuntante. I think Tasmina Perry has managed to create a beautiful story for readers to lose themselves in, where the plot flits from the past to the present and back, revealing more and more of Georgia's secretive past.
I don't wish to spoil it for you, but both Georgia and Amy are wonderfully-written characters. Each of them are different in their own ways, but somehow, there are similarities between them too. I think the characters in the book are a joy to read and London and Manhattan couldn't be more perfect as the setting of the book. Tasmina Perry has a flair for words, whatever she writes is absolutely enchanting - she's a natural storyteller.
The Proposal enraptured me. I loved it. The old, British aristocracy scene was deliciously decadent. Oh, my. Don't get me started on Edward. The. Most. Perfect. Man. Oh dear God. You'll definitely lose yourself in the throngs of beautiful gowns and soirées and there's definitely the sweet, passionate romance.
Utterly delectable and spellbinding. An absolute treat for you this Christmas as it's simply magical which will leave you with a smile on your face and a sparkle in your eye. Get ready to be whisked away to London in the 1950s where old glamour is gold and the perfect gentleman is the catch. Trust me, you'll definitely want to read and love The Proposal.
Rating: 9/10
December 3, 2013
Thank you very much to Emily Furniss and Headline Book Publishers for sending me a beautifully presented review copy of The Proposal by Tasmina Perry. This is my first Tasmina Perry novel.
After Amy’s boyfriend suddenly ends their relationship, Amy feels lonely and home sick and a rash decision to escort the very rich, very elegant, very English Georgia on a trip to Amy’s home town of Manhattan ensures the reader is quickly drawn in to this story. Before you know it, you’re engrossed in the rather odd pairing of the young American dancer getting to know the slightly eccentric, and older, Georgia.
It seems strange that such a successful, wealthy and elegant lady has never been to New York but we do find out her reasons as the novel continues. With Amy as her companion, the two discover New York and each other in a beautifully descriptive prose.
I much preferred the story of Georgia back in 1958 and I found myself wanting to continue reading about the life of the young Georgia much more than the present day. I fell in love with the early romance of Georgia and Edward, and could have read a whole book just about their life in the elegant old school London. I wasn’t as interested in Amy’s story as I didn’t connect with her as I did with Georgia.
Amy is a caring character though, as she finds herself finding out about Georgia’s past she feels the need to involve herself in helping elderly Georgia accept what happened and deal with the truth going forward.
I was then left sorely disappointed with the abrupt ending of the book, it seemed rushed somehow and the reader didn’t get to find out about Amy and what became of her potential new romance.
Sadly, a disappointing ending often leaves me feeling very deflated about the book as a whole, and this is why I had to rate three stars. A better, more complete end would have bumped this up a star as I really enjoyed the descriptive elegance surrounding The Proposal.
After Amy’s boyfriend suddenly ends their relationship, Amy feels lonely and home sick and a rash decision to escort the very rich, very elegant, very English Georgia on a trip to Amy’s home town of Manhattan ensures the reader is quickly drawn in to this story. Before you know it, you’re engrossed in the rather odd pairing of the young American dancer getting to know the slightly eccentric, and older, Georgia.
It seems strange that such a successful, wealthy and elegant lady has never been to New York but we do find out her reasons as the novel continues. With Amy as her companion, the two discover New York and each other in a beautifully descriptive prose.
I much preferred the story of Georgia back in 1958 and I found myself wanting to continue reading about the life of the young Georgia much more than the present day. I fell in love with the early romance of Georgia and Edward, and could have read a whole book just about their life in the elegant old school London. I wasn’t as interested in Amy’s story as I didn’t connect with her as I did with Georgia.
Amy is a caring character though, as she finds herself finding out about Georgia’s past she feels the need to involve herself in helping elderly Georgia accept what happened and deal with the truth going forward.
I was then left sorely disappointed with the abrupt ending of the book, it seemed rushed somehow and the reader didn’t get to find out about Amy and what became of her potential new romance.
Sadly, a disappointing ending often leaves me feeling very deflated about the book as a whole, and this is why I had to rate three stars. A better, more complete end would have bumped this up a star as I really enjoyed the descriptive elegance surrounding The Proposal.
Read
February 6, 2017I normally don't write reviews anymore, but I think I need to make an exception for this since I found one of the storylines very problematic. Let's see if I actually get around to it.
Update: Yes, I do have the time right now, and also I just want to talk about that story line.
So, all in all this could've been a sweet, light novel to simply enjoy over the holidays. And for a big part of the book, it was. Though I had my issues with Amy from the get-go (she just was a little too focused on changing because her boyfriend wouldn't accept her the way she was), Georgia's strong personality made up for that. I was also able to overlook a chat between those two where it became obvious that both of the characters did not really understand that feminism is about equality and not about condemning women for any lifestyle they choose.
The fact that this novel has such strong female characters made the ending even worse. I really don't know if I'll ever read another novel by Tasmina Perry.
Update: Yes, I do have the time right now, and also I just want to talk about that story line.
So, all in all this could've been a sweet, light novel to simply enjoy over the holidays. And for a big part of the book, it was. Though I had my issues with Amy from the get-go (she just was a little too focused on changing because her boyfriend wouldn't accept her the way she was), Georgia's strong personality made up for that. I was also able to overlook a chat between those two where it became obvious that both of the characters did not really understand that feminism is about equality and not about condemning women for any lifestyle they choose.
The fact that this novel has such strong female characters made the ending even worse. I really don't know if I'll ever read another novel by Tasmina Perry.
November 17, 2013
I read the free ebook sampler of this some weeks ago and couldn't wait for the whole book to be released; I thought it sounded like my kind of story.
I didn't enjoy this at all until maybe the last three quarters when the pace picked up and it really grabbed my interest. I really wanted to know what had happened to Georgia and Edward and if Amy would get together with Dan. Up to that point, quite frankly, I was a little bored. I found the pace quite tedious and, at one stage, more a lesson in social etiquette with maybe a little glint of the movie, Pretty Woman.
I was going to admit defeat but the pace picked up and then the story abruptly ended, so I felt quite cheated by this.
I was hoping for something a little more romantic I suppose, as the title seemed to suggest.
I am glad I've finished it but doubt I will read any more by this author.
I didn't enjoy this at all until maybe the last three quarters when the pace picked up and it really grabbed my interest. I really wanted to know what had happened to Georgia and Edward and if Amy would get together with Dan. Up to that point, quite frankly, I was a little bored. I found the pace quite tedious and, at one stage, more a lesson in social etiquette with maybe a little glint of the movie, Pretty Woman.
I was going to admit defeat but the pace picked up and then the story abruptly ended, so I felt quite cheated by this.
I was hoping for something a little more romantic I suppose, as the title seemed to suggest.
I am glad I've finished it but doubt I will read any more by this author.
June 20, 2015
A heart warming tale of two different women.
Amy- An american girl living in London, with dreams of being a dancer.
Georgia- An elderly rich lady with a heartbreaking past.
The two go to Manhatten together for Christmas and form a freindship, whilst Georgia's story is getting delved deeper.
I enjoyed The Preposal, it was a wonderful story filled with charming characters, love, betrayl and secrets.
Amy- An american girl living in London, with dreams of being a dancer.
Georgia- An elderly rich lady with a heartbreaking past.
The two go to Manhatten together for Christmas and form a freindship, whilst Georgia's story is getting delved deeper.
I enjoyed The Preposal, it was a wonderful story filled with charming characters, love, betrayl and secrets.
November 27, 2013
So loved this book - so want to go back to New York after reading it. Only slightly disappointing with how it came to an end so suddenly - left me wanting more!
August 20, 2018
Szeretem az írónő stílusát, azt, hogy mindig van valami titok vagy dráma a múltban, és hogy két idősíkban halad a cselekmény. Édesbús romantika.
April 24, 2022
Paprastutė, nuspėjama ir liūdnoka.
Šokinėjama tarp skyrių pasakojant apie dvi pagridnines knygos herojes - praeitį ir dabartį.
Man asmeniškai knygelė skaitėsi labai ilgai.
Šokinėjama tarp skyrių pasakojant apie dvi pagridnines knygos herojes - praeitį ir dabartį.
Man asmeniškai knygelė skaitėsi labai ilgai.
October 10, 2023
Perfect piece of escapism - definitely recommended when you need a light read. I specially enjoyed the accurate descriptions and atmosphere of both locations - London and New York, two of my favourite places on earth.
November 7, 2013
Review originally posted to my blog on:
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
The Proposal is very much a book of two halves. One part of the story takes place in modern day London and New York, the other in an England of the 1950s where debutantes still roamed the countryside and cities, and status and money very much decided who you associated with - though this hasn't completely changed in the modern day, as lead character Amy Carrell unfortunately finds out first hand herself.
Amy is a dancer by profession but after an injury she spends more time auditioning than actually working in London's prestigious West End and so to be able to pay her bills she works as a waitress. Her boyfriend Daniel couldn't be more different; born in a wealthy family he has a shining political career ahead of him and with that a life that can no longer include Amy. He breaks up with her just before the holidays and leaves her heartbroken.
Amy wants nothing more than to take the first flight back to New York City and spend the holidays with her family, but as she doesn't have a spare penny to her name she has to be creative in funding the trip. So when she comes across the advertisement of a woman seeking a "companion" for a Manhattan adventure, Amy doesn't think twice before she applies and in no time at all she finds herself on a plane to New York with her new friend Georgia.
What started off as a much-needed way of crossing the pond and spending time with her family, turns into much more when Georgia opens up to Amy about the love of her life and her experiences as a debutante in England in the 50s. Through flashback chapters the reader becomes acquainted with the lifestyle of debutantes and the heartbreaking story that tore Georgia away from her soulmate.
A few months ago I was fortunate enough to hear author Tasmina Perry speak about her work, and the publishing world in more general terms, at a special Red networking event for budding writers. While I hadn't read any of her books yet at this stage I'd certainly heard about her and her eloquent answers to the audience's equally intelligent questions made me very keen to pick up one of her novels.
So you can imagine I was thrilled when I found out that the goodie bag all attendees to the event received included a proof copy of Tasmina's latest (not yet published) book, The Proposal. The book's cover is elegant and inviting, representative of its central storyline, and when I read the blurb I became even more excited to read this very interesting sounding story.
As soon as I finished the book I was reading at the time I picked up this one and I raced through it in just a few days time as it was immensely gripping and I simply had to find out how it would finish. The storyline set in the past was particularly intriguing to me and so I was waiting with bated breath for its conclusion. And let's just say that even a month later I am still thinking about it, it's that good!
I don't really want to see anything more about the content of the book as that might spoil it for prospective readers, but I can say that this is one fantastic piece of storytelling that has me wanting to read Tasmina's other books as soon as possible - and after you've finished The Proposal I can ensure you you will feel the same.
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
The Proposal is very much a book of two halves. One part of the story takes place in modern day London and New York, the other in an England of the 1950s where debutantes still roamed the countryside and cities, and status and money very much decided who you associated with - though this hasn't completely changed in the modern day, as lead character Amy Carrell unfortunately finds out first hand herself.
Amy is a dancer by profession but after an injury she spends more time auditioning than actually working in London's prestigious West End and so to be able to pay her bills she works as a waitress. Her boyfriend Daniel couldn't be more different; born in a wealthy family he has a shining political career ahead of him and with that a life that can no longer include Amy. He breaks up with her just before the holidays and leaves her heartbroken.
Amy wants nothing more than to take the first flight back to New York City and spend the holidays with her family, but as she doesn't have a spare penny to her name she has to be creative in funding the trip. So when she comes across the advertisement of a woman seeking a "companion" for a Manhattan adventure, Amy doesn't think twice before she applies and in no time at all she finds herself on a plane to New York with her new friend Georgia.
What started off as a much-needed way of crossing the pond and spending time with her family, turns into much more when Georgia opens up to Amy about the love of her life and her experiences as a debutante in England in the 50s. Through flashback chapters the reader becomes acquainted with the lifestyle of debutantes and the heartbreaking story that tore Georgia away from her soulmate.
A few months ago I was fortunate enough to hear author Tasmina Perry speak about her work, and the publishing world in more general terms, at a special Red networking event for budding writers. While I hadn't read any of her books yet at this stage I'd certainly heard about her and her eloquent answers to the audience's equally intelligent questions made me very keen to pick up one of her novels.
So you can imagine I was thrilled when I found out that the goodie bag all attendees to the event received included a proof copy of Tasmina's latest (not yet published) book, The Proposal. The book's cover is elegant and inviting, representative of its central storyline, and when I read the blurb I became even more excited to read this very interesting sounding story.
As soon as I finished the book I was reading at the time I picked up this one and I raced through it in just a few days time as it was immensely gripping and I simply had to find out how it would finish. The storyline set in the past was particularly intriguing to me and so I was waiting with bated breath for its conclusion. And let's just say that even a month later I am still thinking about it, it's that good!
I don't really want to see anything more about the content of the book as that might spoil it for prospective readers, but I can say that this is one fantastic piece of storytelling that has me wanting to read Tasmina's other books as soon as possible - and after you've finished The Proposal I can ensure you you will feel the same.
September 16, 2014
I have wanted to read something by Tasmina Perry for a while, but for some reason I've just never managed to read any of her work. Thanks to bookbridgr I have finally been able to!
In The Proposal there are two protagonists and two stories. There is the story of Amy Carrel in 2012, her life isn't going the way she had planned it so, when the opportunity arises to go back to New York for Christmas she jumps at the chance. The only catch is that she has to be the companion for Georgia Hamilton, whose life in the 1950s is shown to us throughout the book, who is alone for the holiday season.
Both the protagonists had interesting stories, however I found Georgia the more likeable and fascinating character. I especially liked her in the segments set in 1958, she just had a fire about her but at the same time she had an innocence about her where relationships are concerned. I just really wanted her to succeed even though you know from the start things didn't turn out the way she had hoped (although you have no idea why until the end). I liked Amy for different reasons, mainly because I felt sorry for her for constantly being made to feel like she isn't good enough. As for the minor characters I did like Sally Daly, she just felt like a breath of fresh air for Georgia and they worked well with each other. Also, even though we only saw brief appearances of Will Hamilton I really liked his character and I would have liked to have seen more of him.
Sometimes having two different plots can seem disjointed and feel like they're clashing. However you begin to realise, from conversations taking place in 2012, that we are being exposed to the events of 1958 because Georgia is telling Amy about them. I think this is a great way to do this as, if we were told these things through conversation rather than seeing them ourselves, I don't think we would be able to build the relationship we do with Georgia (or would fully understand her). I loved both of the plots and could happily have read a novel with it just being set in 1958 as the Season really interested me.
One of the problems I had with the novel was the ending. Not necessarily the content of the ending, I found that everything was wrapped up, but it was rather abrupt. Throughout the novel there was a slow build towards the secret as to why Georgia doesn’t talk to her family, which is revealed at the end with any loose ends tied up. However when you’re told this big secret everything that happens after that happens very quickly, and then suddenly it’s the end of the novel. I would have liked an epilogue just to kind of round things off and see the effect of the secret coming out. Also just to see what happened with Amy, you can easily assume what happened for her in the end, but it would have been nice to see it.
All in all I really loved this book. I’m pleased that I’ve finally got round to reading something by Tasmina Perry, and I will definitely be checking out some of her other books in the future. Once again, huge thanks to bookbridgr for sending me a copy of this novel.
In The Proposal there are two protagonists and two stories. There is the story of Amy Carrel in 2012, her life isn't going the way she had planned it so, when the opportunity arises to go back to New York for Christmas she jumps at the chance. The only catch is that she has to be the companion for Georgia Hamilton, whose life in the 1950s is shown to us throughout the book, who is alone for the holiday season.
Both the protagonists had interesting stories, however I found Georgia the more likeable and fascinating character. I especially liked her in the segments set in 1958, she just had a fire about her but at the same time she had an innocence about her where relationships are concerned. I just really wanted her to succeed even though you know from the start things didn't turn out the way she had hoped (although you have no idea why until the end). I liked Amy for different reasons, mainly because I felt sorry for her for constantly being made to feel like she isn't good enough. As for the minor characters I did like Sally Daly, she just felt like a breath of fresh air for Georgia and they worked well with each other. Also, even though we only saw brief appearances of Will Hamilton I really liked his character and I would have liked to have seen more of him.
Sometimes having two different plots can seem disjointed and feel like they're clashing. However you begin to realise, from conversations taking place in 2012, that we are being exposed to the events of 1958 because Georgia is telling Amy about them. I think this is a great way to do this as, if we were told these things through conversation rather than seeing them ourselves, I don't think we would be able to build the relationship we do with Georgia (or would fully understand her). I loved both of the plots and could happily have read a novel with it just being set in 1958 as the Season really interested me.
One of the problems I had with the novel was the ending. Not necessarily the content of the ending, I found that everything was wrapped up, but it was rather abrupt. Throughout the novel there was a slow build towards the secret as to why Georgia doesn’t talk to her family, which is revealed at the end with any loose ends tied up. However when you’re told this big secret everything that happens after that happens very quickly, and then suddenly it’s the end of the novel. I would have liked an epilogue just to kind of round things off and see the effect of the secret coming out. Also just to see what happened with Amy, you can easily assume what happened for her in the end, but it would have been nice to see it.
All in all I really loved this book. I’m pleased that I’ve finally got round to reading something by Tasmina Perry, and I will definitely be checking out some of her other books in the future. Once again, huge thanks to bookbridgr for sending me a copy of this novel.
December 14, 2014
Inhalt:
Geogia Hamilton sucht über die Weihnachtsfeiertage Begleitung, um nach New York zu reisen. Also gibt sie eine Kontaktanzeige auf. Als Amy Carrell (die im Buchumschlag mit "Parrett" auftaucht...) vom ihrem Freund verlassen wird und gedankenverloren einige Zeitschriften bei ihrer Freundin durchblättert, stößt sie auf die Kontaktanzeige und schreibt aus einem Impuls heraus eine E-Mail, in der sie sich als Begleitung anbietet. Schließlich kommt sie aus New York und kann sich als erfolglose Tänzerin kein Flugticket für die Weihnachtsfeiertage leisten. Und tatsächlich meldet sich Georgia Hamilton auf Amys E-Mail hin. Die beiden treffen sich und ahnen noch nicht, wie ihrer beider Begegung das Leben der jeweils anderen auf den Kopf stellen wird...
Meine Meinung:
Obwohl Tasmina Perry eine wohl sehr bekannte Autorin in ihrem Genre ist, kannte ich sie vor diesem Buch nicht. Ich war sofort in der Story. In der letzten Zeit lese ich nicht mehr so viel, da ist es schön, wenn einen ein Buch sofort packt. Amy ist eine nicht sehr selbstbewusste, junge Frau, die mit Tanz erfolgfeich werden wollte. Aufgrund einer Zehverletzung hapert es aber an Engagements. Ihr versnobter Freund Daniel ist ihre große Liebe und sie wartet nur auf den großen Antrag, der ihr Leben für immer verändern wird. Ohne auf die weiteren Details oder den Verlauf einzugehen, ist schon einmal die Umstände, in denen Amy lebt oder vielmehr haust (eine Einzimmerwohnung, deren Miete sie sich zusammenkellnert), klar. Völlig konträr lebt die kultivierte, mehrfache Millionärin Georgia. In einer schicken Penthousewohnung genießt sie ihren Ruhestand, den sie sich als Verlegerin unabhängig von Mann und Kindern erarbeitet hat. Doch auch sie blickt auf ihr bisheriges Leben zurück. In mehreren Rückblenden erfahren wir, warum Georgia heute da ist, wo sie ist und welche Schicksalsschläge sie erleiden musste. Tasmina Perry präsentiert uns eine solide Geschichte zweier Frauen, die jeweils in der Mitte und am Ende ihres Lebens stehen. Es ist interessant, zu beobachten, wie die moderne und impulsive Amy ihren Alltag meistert und Georgia eher planerisch, zurückhaltend und mit der Erziehung der alten Schule an die Dinge herangeht. Dabei stoßen beide nicht im Streit aufeinander. Im Gegenteil zollen sie sich Respekt und lernen von der jeweils anderen, die Welt mit den Augen der anderen zu sehen. Auch Georgis kann trotz ihres hohen Alters noch eine gewisse Lockerheit, unter Anleitung von Amy, an den Tag legen und lässt sich auf Lokale ein, in denen man nicht auf die oberen 10.000, sondern auf normal situierte Menschen trifft, ein. Dass Georgias Leben in einer Rückblende und Amy allgegenwärtig erzählt wird, macht das Buch erst richtig spannend. Auch, wenn die Story am Ende meiner Meinung nach etwas übertrieben erdacht ist, bleibt sie doch spannend und endet schlussendlich beinahe völlig offen, was ich sehr gelungen finde.
Fazit: Gerade für die nun kalten und ungemütlichen Tage ein Buch mit Herz und Verstand. Schön!
Geogia Hamilton sucht über die Weihnachtsfeiertage Begleitung, um nach New York zu reisen. Also gibt sie eine Kontaktanzeige auf. Als Amy Carrell (die im Buchumschlag mit "Parrett" auftaucht...) vom ihrem Freund verlassen wird und gedankenverloren einige Zeitschriften bei ihrer Freundin durchblättert, stößt sie auf die Kontaktanzeige und schreibt aus einem Impuls heraus eine E-Mail, in der sie sich als Begleitung anbietet. Schließlich kommt sie aus New York und kann sich als erfolglose Tänzerin kein Flugticket für die Weihnachtsfeiertage leisten. Und tatsächlich meldet sich Georgia Hamilton auf Amys E-Mail hin. Die beiden treffen sich und ahnen noch nicht, wie ihrer beider Begegung das Leben der jeweils anderen auf den Kopf stellen wird...
Meine Meinung:
Obwohl Tasmina Perry eine wohl sehr bekannte Autorin in ihrem Genre ist, kannte ich sie vor diesem Buch nicht. Ich war sofort in der Story. In der letzten Zeit lese ich nicht mehr so viel, da ist es schön, wenn einen ein Buch sofort packt. Amy ist eine nicht sehr selbstbewusste, junge Frau, die mit Tanz erfolgfeich werden wollte. Aufgrund einer Zehverletzung hapert es aber an Engagements. Ihr versnobter Freund Daniel ist ihre große Liebe und sie wartet nur auf den großen Antrag, der ihr Leben für immer verändern wird. Ohne auf die weiteren Details oder den Verlauf einzugehen, ist schon einmal die Umstände, in denen Amy lebt oder vielmehr haust (eine Einzimmerwohnung, deren Miete sie sich zusammenkellnert), klar. Völlig konträr lebt die kultivierte, mehrfache Millionärin Georgia. In einer schicken Penthousewohnung genießt sie ihren Ruhestand, den sie sich als Verlegerin unabhängig von Mann und Kindern erarbeitet hat. Doch auch sie blickt auf ihr bisheriges Leben zurück. In mehreren Rückblenden erfahren wir, warum Georgia heute da ist, wo sie ist und welche Schicksalsschläge sie erleiden musste. Tasmina Perry präsentiert uns eine solide Geschichte zweier Frauen, die jeweils in der Mitte und am Ende ihres Lebens stehen. Es ist interessant, zu beobachten, wie die moderne und impulsive Amy ihren Alltag meistert und Georgia eher planerisch, zurückhaltend und mit der Erziehung der alten Schule an die Dinge herangeht. Dabei stoßen beide nicht im Streit aufeinander. Im Gegenteil zollen sie sich Respekt und lernen von der jeweils anderen, die Welt mit den Augen der anderen zu sehen. Auch Georgis kann trotz ihres hohen Alters noch eine gewisse Lockerheit, unter Anleitung von Amy, an den Tag legen und lässt sich auf Lokale ein, in denen man nicht auf die oberen 10.000, sondern auf normal situierte Menschen trifft, ein. Dass Georgias Leben in einer Rückblende und Amy allgegenwärtig erzählt wird, macht das Buch erst richtig spannend. Auch, wenn die Story am Ende meiner Meinung nach etwas übertrieben erdacht ist, bleibt sie doch spannend und endet schlussendlich beinahe völlig offen, was ich sehr gelungen finde.
Fazit: Gerade für die nun kalten und ungemütlichen Tage ein Buch mit Herz und Verstand. Schön!
October 17, 2014
When I saw The Proposal available for review from BookBridgr I was super excited – I had not read any of Tasmina Perry’s books yet, but I had the great honour of meeting her at the Sunlounger 2 Launch Party in London back in May this year. I also met the lovely Sam from The Book Corner (http://mrsbbooks2011.blogspot.co.uk) who encouraged me to read Tasmina Perry’s novels and I am so grateful to Sam! I had definitely been missing out before!!
I absolutely adored The Proposal – the book travels between the 1950’s and 2012, following the story of Georgia Hamilton, and how she came to be the woman in 2012 that meets Amy Carrell, a young American living in London with the dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Georgia and Amy are from two very different backgrounds. One day they find their paths crossing unexpectedly when Georgia advertises for someone to accompany her on a trip to New York. Amy, desperate to get back to see her family for Christmas after breaking up with her boyfriend, answers Georgia’s advert and their lives soon become intertwined.
I love the relationship that builds between Georgia and Amy. Along their journey they learn so much from one another, about who they are and who they want to be. As we jump back to the 1950’s, we hear about Georgia’s life as a debutante in London and the struggles her and her family faced as she grew up. In a time when most debutantes were searching for a rich husband to look after them, Georgia was lucky enough to find real love - Edward. I adored Edward, such a kind, compassionate man, always looking out for Georgia and, most importantly, always encouraging Georgia to aim high and always stay true to herself. Edward was the perfect gentleman. As Amy continues to encourage Georgia to open up about her past, we start to see the true horror of Georgia’s story – the heartbreaking truth – a twist that I definitely wasn’t expecting in the story.
Amy learns a great deal from her friendship with Georgia, and from the experiences that Georgia has faced in her life. Amy learns the importance of staying true to yourself and standing up for yourself. In a time when Amy is becoming disheartened from not having the successful career she had hoped for, Georgia helps Amy to realise that sometimes dreams can change. Georgia opens Amy’s eyes to realise her dreams and give Amy the faith and belief that she can do it.
The Proposal follows two very strong, unique women – who embark on a beautiful journey together. I love how the stories of the past and present link together and Perry’s writing kept me hooked on the stories from both periods. There were a lot of characters featured in the 1950’s, but Perry’s writing is so strong and her characters are so well developed that you quickly become familiar with them.
This book left me with a major #bookhangover!
A story of love and betrayal, with an unexpected friendship fighting for the truth.
I absolutely adored The Proposal – the book travels between the 1950’s and 2012, following the story of Georgia Hamilton, and how she came to be the woman in 2012 that meets Amy Carrell, a young American living in London with the dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Georgia and Amy are from two very different backgrounds. One day they find their paths crossing unexpectedly when Georgia advertises for someone to accompany her on a trip to New York. Amy, desperate to get back to see her family for Christmas after breaking up with her boyfriend, answers Georgia’s advert and their lives soon become intertwined.
I love the relationship that builds between Georgia and Amy. Along their journey they learn so much from one another, about who they are and who they want to be. As we jump back to the 1950’s, we hear about Georgia’s life as a debutante in London and the struggles her and her family faced as she grew up. In a time when most debutantes were searching for a rich husband to look after them, Georgia was lucky enough to find real love - Edward. I adored Edward, such a kind, compassionate man, always looking out for Georgia and, most importantly, always encouraging Georgia to aim high and always stay true to herself. Edward was the perfect gentleman. As Amy continues to encourage Georgia to open up about her past, we start to see the true horror of Georgia’s story – the heartbreaking truth – a twist that I definitely wasn’t expecting in the story.
Amy learns a great deal from her friendship with Georgia, and from the experiences that Georgia has faced in her life. Amy learns the importance of staying true to yourself and standing up for yourself. In a time when Amy is becoming disheartened from not having the successful career she had hoped for, Georgia helps Amy to realise that sometimes dreams can change. Georgia opens Amy’s eyes to realise her dreams and give Amy the faith and belief that she can do it.
The Proposal follows two very strong, unique women – who embark on a beautiful journey together. I love how the stories of the past and present link together and Perry’s writing kept me hooked on the stories from both periods. There were a lot of characters featured in the 1950’s, but Perry’s writing is so strong and her characters are so well developed that you quickly become familiar with them.
This book left me with a major #bookhangover!
A story of love and betrayal, with an unexpected friendship fighting for the truth.
September 28, 2015
Dieses Buch sprach mich gerade jetzt im Winter und zur Weihnachtszeit durch sein Cover an. Der Inhalt klang für mich sehr interessant und ich konnte mir gut vorstellen, dass es gut in die Weihnachtszeit passt. Aber ich muss sagen, es hat meine Erwartungen vollkommen übertroffen. Es ist kein typischer Weihnachtsroman und auch kitschiger Liebesroman. Weihnachten kommt in diesem Buch vor, ja, auch die winterliche Jahreszeit, spielen jedoch für diesen Roman keine primäre Rolle. Vielmehr geht es in diesem Roman um das Leben der älteren Dame Georgia und ihre Bekanntschaft zu Amy. Aber ich habe das Gefühl egal mit was ich jetzt anfange zu schwärmen, könnte ich die Handlung verraten und ich möchte euch keinesfalls die Freude verderben. Es wird über Georgias Jugend 1958 erzählt und über Amys Leben und über den gemeinsamen Weg, den diese beiden Frauen gehen.
Manchmal hatte ich das Gefühl, dass Amys Kapitel und das Jahr 2012 etwas zu kurz kommen, aber im Nachhinein betrachtet ist es der Autorin gelungen genau das richtige Verhältnis zu wahren. Denn so wird es nie langweilig, es bleibt immer spannend und ich muss sagen es gab einige Stellen, bei denen ich richtig überrascht wurde.
Eine meiner vielen Lieblingsstellen in diesem Buch ist folgende:
"...Natürlich besteht wahrer Stil darin, zu wissen, wer man ist, und sich nicht darum zu scheren...."
Ich hätte euch noch viele weitere nennen können, doch dann habt ihr nicht mehr die Freude daran sie selbst zu lesen und sie vertun vielleicht ihre Wirkung. Und ich möchte nichts vorwegnehmen.
Die Autorin beherrscht eindeutig die Kunst Leser an das Buch zu fesseln. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm zu lesen und es entstehen permanent Bilder im Kopf.
Ich kann diesen Roman nur jeden ans Herz legen, der gerne mit den Protagonisten mitfiebert, mit ihnen leidet hofft und bangt. Dieser Roman beinhaltet alles, was das Herz einer Frau mit Wärme erfüllt.
Manchmal hatte ich das Gefühl, dass Amys Kapitel und das Jahr 2012 etwas zu kurz kommen, aber im Nachhinein betrachtet ist es der Autorin gelungen genau das richtige Verhältnis zu wahren. Denn so wird es nie langweilig, es bleibt immer spannend und ich muss sagen es gab einige Stellen, bei denen ich richtig überrascht wurde.
Eine meiner vielen Lieblingsstellen in diesem Buch ist folgende:
"...Natürlich besteht wahrer Stil darin, zu wissen, wer man ist, und sich nicht darum zu scheren...."
Ich hätte euch noch viele weitere nennen können, doch dann habt ihr nicht mehr die Freude daran sie selbst zu lesen und sie vertun vielleicht ihre Wirkung. Und ich möchte nichts vorwegnehmen.
Die Autorin beherrscht eindeutig die Kunst Leser an das Buch zu fesseln. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm zu lesen und es entstehen permanent Bilder im Kopf.
Ich kann diesen Roman nur jeden ans Herz legen, der gerne mit den Protagonisten mitfiebert, mit ihnen leidet hofft und bangt. Dieser Roman beinhaltet alles, was das Herz einer Frau mit Wärme erfüllt.
December 20, 2015
Die gebürtige Amerikanerin Amy Parrett, eine Tänzerin und Bedienung, erhofft sich von ihrem vorweihnachtlichen Date im Londoner Tower mit ihrem Freund einen Heiratsantrag von eben diesem und wird derbe enttäuscht. Denn der aufstrebende Diplomat beendet ihre Beziehung, bevorzugt er es doch ohne sie auf den Beförderungsdienstposten in die USA zu gehen, und so steht Amy plötzlich und unerwartet alleine da. Von Sehnsucht nach ihrer Heimat geplagt und in finanziellen Nöten beschließt sie auf eine Zeitungsannonce „Drei Tage Manhattan – Begleitung gesucht“ zu antworten. Aufgegeben wurde die Anzeige von der zweiundsiebzigjährigen Georgia Hamilton, die in ihren Gedanken einem Leben nachhängt, das sie nie führen konnte. Doch jetzt möchte sie sich auf den Weg machen, ihre Vergangenheit aufzuarbeiten.
Auf den ersten 30 Seiten des Romans fühle ich mich ständig an den Film „Pretty Woman“ erinnert: die Restaurant-Szene, der Doch-Nicht-Schwiegervater entpuppt sich als Kopie von „Phillip Stuckey“ und die arrogante Upperclass schaut wenig respektierlich auf die kleine Tänzerin Amy, ein Beruf, der in ihren Augen dem einer Prostituierten bedenklich nahe kommt. Und da habe ich bereits das Interesse an diesem Chick-Lit Roman verloren. Was folgt ist die Geschichte der Georgia, die sich mit Amy auf den Weg nach New York macht, ihre Sehnsüchte zu erfüllen. Dieser Erzählstrang lohnt sich und ist berührend geschildert.
Somit bleibt mein Urteil am Ende eher bescheiden, die Geschichte der Georgia ist sicher lohnend und trägt dazu bei, dass ich dem Roman von Tasmina Perry doch noch drei von fünf möglichen Sternen vergebe, Amys Part an der Geschichte verdient diese drei Sterne in meinen Augen eher nicht und war für mich enttäuschend. Wer eine seichte Unterhaltung erwartet, bei der man nicht großartig seinen Kopf anstrengen muss, zudem gerne gedanklich ins zugegebener weise wunderschöne, weihnachtliche New York reisen möchte, ist mit diesem Roman dennoch ganz gut beraten.
Auf den ersten 30 Seiten des Romans fühle ich mich ständig an den Film „Pretty Woman“ erinnert: die Restaurant-Szene, der Doch-Nicht-Schwiegervater entpuppt sich als Kopie von „Phillip Stuckey“ und die arrogante Upperclass schaut wenig respektierlich auf die kleine Tänzerin Amy, ein Beruf, der in ihren Augen dem einer Prostituierten bedenklich nahe kommt. Und da habe ich bereits das Interesse an diesem Chick-Lit Roman verloren. Was folgt ist die Geschichte der Georgia, die sich mit Amy auf den Weg nach New York macht, ihre Sehnsüchte zu erfüllen. Dieser Erzählstrang lohnt sich und ist berührend geschildert.
Somit bleibt mein Urteil am Ende eher bescheiden, die Geschichte der Georgia ist sicher lohnend und trägt dazu bei, dass ich dem Roman von Tasmina Perry doch noch drei von fünf möglichen Sternen vergebe, Amys Part an der Geschichte verdient diese drei Sterne in meinen Augen eher nicht und war für mich enttäuschend. Wer eine seichte Unterhaltung erwartet, bei der man nicht großartig seinen Kopf anstrengen muss, zudem gerne gedanklich ins zugegebener weise wunderschöne, weihnachtliche New York reisen möchte, ist mit diesem Roman dennoch ganz gut beraten.
October 29, 2013
I have never read any of Tasmina Perry's books, not because I didn't want to, just I never got round to them. When I was offered the opportunity to read her latest one The Proposal I jumped at the chance.
Being my first Tamsina Perry book, it certainly won't be ny last, I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to everyone!
Amy Carrell is American, however she has been over in the UK for a few years, following her dream of becoming a dancer. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and wants to go home to visit her family for Christmas. Unfortunately she hasn't had much luck in the dance industry lately and is currently working as a waitress and cannot afford the fair back to Nee York.
She spots an advert in one of the local papers for a travel companion to New York for the holidays. Amy figures she has little to lose and responds to the ad. She goes to meet, which turn out to be a sweet old lady. So they are off on a Mantatten adventure, while they are away, it dawns on Amy she knows little about this lady. We learn about Georgia's time as a debutante in the late 1950's and we slip yo and from the present to learn about her story. One that is told with passion and I'd written well.
I absolutely loved this story, it is one where you think I'll just read a fee chapters and before you know where you are you are half way through the book. I found this to be an extremely quick read and I was only disappointed when it ended. I have recently visited New York myself and could almost see where Amy and Georgia were. I felt I was travelling with them on their Manhatten adventure and didn't want to come home.
This is a lonely story of an old woman, bitter betrayal, a love story and kindness. I feel this is a story that would stay with me for sometime.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a beautiful tale to read.
Being my first Tamsina Perry book, it certainly won't be ny last, I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to everyone!
Amy Carrell is American, however she has been over in the UK for a few years, following her dream of becoming a dancer. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and wants to go home to visit her family for Christmas. Unfortunately she hasn't had much luck in the dance industry lately and is currently working as a waitress and cannot afford the fair back to Nee York.
She spots an advert in one of the local papers for a travel companion to New York for the holidays. Amy figures she has little to lose and responds to the ad. She goes to meet, which turn out to be a sweet old lady. So they are off on a Mantatten adventure, while they are away, it dawns on Amy she knows little about this lady. We learn about Georgia's time as a debutante in the late 1950's and we slip yo and from the present to learn about her story. One that is told with passion and I'd written well.
I absolutely loved this story, it is one where you think I'll just read a fee chapters and before you know where you are you are half way through the book. I found this to be an extremely quick read and I was only disappointed when it ended. I have recently visited New York myself and could almost see where Amy and Georgia were. I felt I was travelling with them on their Manhatten adventure and didn't want to come home.
This is a lonely story of an old woman, bitter betrayal, a love story and kindness. I feel this is a story that would stay with me for sometime.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a beautiful tale to read.
November 2, 2013
Review: this was a bit of a mixed one for me. I was lucky enough to receive an advance proof copy of this which was present beautifully and tied with a blue ribbon. I love the cover of the book, I love the concept but the inside just didn't really wow me. The book was split into two time zones, 1958 and 2012. I found myself rushing thought he 1958 sections to try and find out what was going to happen in the 2012 sections...
I thought the concept of the book, the American younger dancer, Amy, becoming a companion to older, wiser Georgia and them going on a trip to New York together. I really liked this aspect but I was disappointed that more wasn't made of their time in New York, I expected a brilliant description of the setting, or their outings, and whilst there was definitely some of this, there just wasn't enough for my liking. I really liked then storyline with Amy and her old fiends and old boyfriend and would've liked to have seen more made of this. The storyline with Georgia in the 1958 had a lot more description. I liked reading about her time in Oxford, being able to spot places she was visiting in modern day Oxford, her relationship with Edward also received a lot more detail, I just didn't enjoy these sections as much as the modern day sections.
I thought the idea of Georgia having a secret in her past and this only being released at the end of the novel was a really good idea, however I felt that after her secret was revealed, the novel just ended. We didn't really get to find out what happened to Amy and her potential romances. This novel had. Great potential and was a really lovely concept but it was just lacking in a couple of parts for me. It was any enjoyable read and one I sped through really quickly, but I definitely want to find out what happened to Amy and whether she got her proposal or not!
I thought the concept of the book, the American younger dancer, Amy, becoming a companion to older, wiser Georgia and them going on a trip to New York together. I really liked this aspect but I was disappointed that more wasn't made of their time in New York, I expected a brilliant description of the setting, or their outings, and whilst there was definitely some of this, there just wasn't enough for my liking. I really liked then storyline with Amy and her old fiends and old boyfriend and would've liked to have seen more made of this. The storyline with Georgia in the 1958 had a lot more description. I liked reading about her time in Oxford, being able to spot places she was visiting in modern day Oxford, her relationship with Edward also received a lot more detail, I just didn't enjoy these sections as much as the modern day sections.
I thought the idea of Georgia having a secret in her past and this only being released at the end of the novel was a really good idea, however I felt that after her secret was revealed, the novel just ended. We didn't really get to find out what happened to Amy and her potential romances. This novel had. Great potential and was a really lovely concept but it was just lacking in a couple of parts for me. It was any enjoyable read and one I sped through really quickly, but I definitely want to find out what happened to Amy and whether she got her proposal or not!
February 9, 2014
Firstly I’d like to thank the publisher for sending me this book to read and give an honest review.
It didn’t take long at all to warm to this intriguing storyline. The main character Amy was very likeable, unfortunately she went through an upsetting episode at the beginning and this just made me care for her even more. She stumbled upon an opportunity to return home to New York and jumped at the chance, this was not only a source of excitement for Amy but also for me as I had a feeling the trip would be memorable!
The mysterious Georgia was another wonderful character, when the storyline journeyed back to 1958 I learned about her past which enabled me to get a better sense of her personality. It turned out that I loved 1958 Georgia just as much as I loved modern-day Georgia! The whole debutante thing fascinated me, I couldn’t get enough of the glamour, society functions and customs which seemed completely alien to me in this day-and-age.
Reading about New York was fabulous, the atmosphere was sparkling and I loved how the two ladies seemed to come alive as they took in all the city had to offer. The etiquette lessons were a fun part that I really enjoyed (I’d also like to think that I learned a few new tricks from it).
The further I read, the more scandal emerged and there was one shocking revelation in particular that literally made me gasp out loud – I just found it so hard to believe! When all the facts were unraveled and everything was clear in my mind, I read the last words with tears in my eyes – it was a truly touching moment.
The main thing that stood out to me whilst reading this book were the characters, the author’s words made me feel so connected to them and pulled me into their lives so perfectly that it was almost like I stood alongside them.
This was a touching read with delightful characters – a big thumbs up from me!
It didn’t take long at all to warm to this intriguing storyline. The main character Amy was very likeable, unfortunately she went through an upsetting episode at the beginning and this just made me care for her even more. She stumbled upon an opportunity to return home to New York and jumped at the chance, this was not only a source of excitement for Amy but also for me as I had a feeling the trip would be memorable!
The mysterious Georgia was another wonderful character, when the storyline journeyed back to 1958 I learned about her past which enabled me to get a better sense of her personality. It turned out that I loved 1958 Georgia just as much as I loved modern-day Georgia! The whole debutante thing fascinated me, I couldn’t get enough of the glamour, society functions and customs which seemed completely alien to me in this day-and-age.
Reading about New York was fabulous, the atmosphere was sparkling and I loved how the two ladies seemed to come alive as they took in all the city had to offer. The etiquette lessons were a fun part that I really enjoyed (I’d also like to think that I learned a few new tricks from it).
The further I read, the more scandal emerged and there was one shocking revelation in particular that literally made me gasp out loud – I just found it so hard to believe! When all the facts were unraveled and everything was clear in my mind, I read the last words with tears in my eyes – it was a truly touching moment.
The main thing that stood out to me whilst reading this book were the characters, the author’s words made me feel so connected to them and pulled me into their lives so perfectly that it was almost like I stood alongside them.
This was a touching read with delightful characters – a big thumbs up from me!
August 13, 2014
The Proposal is quite different from your ordinary tale. It's set in two different times; 1958 and 2012, centered around Amy and Georgia, the two lead characters of the novel.
Amy in 2012, had a dream to come to London to become a dancer, a dream that had many obstacles on the way. She worked in a restaurant to pay rent, but still longed for her big break. But suddenly the future she wanted is no longer written in the stars and she feels thrown back to square one. Longing to see her family back in New York, she stumbles across an Ad looking for a companion to the Big Apple and she becomes more determined than ever to see her family.
Georgia in 1958, was quite similar to Amy in a lot of ways. At 18, her whole life changed. In 1950's London, it was the place to be with the debutante season and eligible men. Looking for a husband should be at the top of Georgia's list but she is very different to the other girls. Fancy parties and men were not on her radar at all. So when a tragic event happens, she is even more uncertain about her future.
But now, both Amy and Georgia's futures were uncertain with the tragic times of ending relationships and bright futures ahead, leading to the start of a bittersweet story that would span more than fifty years in time..read more.
Amy in 2012, had a dream to come to London to become a dancer, a dream that had many obstacles on the way. She worked in a restaurant to pay rent, but still longed for her big break. But suddenly the future she wanted is no longer written in the stars and she feels thrown back to square one. Longing to see her family back in New York, she stumbles across an Ad looking for a companion to the Big Apple and she becomes more determined than ever to see her family.
Georgia in 1958, was quite similar to Amy in a lot of ways. At 18, her whole life changed. In 1950's London, it was the place to be with the debutante season and eligible men. Looking for a husband should be at the top of Georgia's list but she is very different to the other girls. Fancy parties and men were not on her radar at all. So when a tragic event happens, she is even more uncertain about her future.
But now, both Amy and Georgia's futures were uncertain with the tragic times of ending relationships and bright futures ahead, leading to the start of a bittersweet story that would span more than fifty years in time..read more.
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