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Sweet Proposal: a laugh-out-loud romcom
Books, chocolate and a could there be a better combination? Gorgeous Geordie Leo arrives in Clayton-on-the-Bream with a mission to make his mark. When he reveals his ideas for a bespoke bookshop and chocolate-themed cafe, struggling writer Mab can't resist his plea for help. However, Leo's timing is disastrous. Engaged to flighty, super-thin Sophie and knowing that Mab is up to her neck in a mysterious scheme of her own, Leo fights hard to ignore the warm, sensual friendship that is growing between them. When their eclectic mix of family and friends weigh in to help, the dream seems almost possible, but can Leo ignore Mab's shady past? As they battle with sabotage, jealousy, vindictive neighbours and unpredictable relationships, Mab and Leo find that even chocolate can't always make miracles happen . . .
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
11 people want to read
About the author
Celia J. Anderson
6 books12 followersAfter years of searching for the perfect job, I think I’ve finally found it in teaching, especially since changing to part-time hours to leave more space for writing. Let’s face it, where else do you get paid for reading stories, playing with glue and paint and making small people laugh? Over the years I’ve child-minded very contentedly, taught cycling proficiency (forgot to mention at the interview that I was still learning to ride a bike, but they found out quite soon), stamped books in a library, sold second-hand maternity clothes, dabbled in mental health care, to name but a few of my jobs.
When I’m not marking books or writing, I spend far too much time on Facebook talking to other, much cleverer writer people. I also blog as part of The Romaniacs online writers’ group. These are the ladies that make me laugh and keep me sane when I think I’ve run out of steam. My ultimate dream is to have children’s books published too.
The rest of my non-writing time is taken up with running Upstage – a children’s drama group – cooking, eating and walking off the damage. I live with my husband and deranged cats in South Derbyshire but, sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, I can often be found striding over the Quantocks or wandering happily around Brighton visiting my two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for my next book.
When I’m not marking books or writing, I spend far too much time on Facebook talking to other, much cleverer writer people. I also blog as part of The Romaniacs online writers’ group. These are the ladies that make me laugh and keep me sane when I think I’ve run out of steam. My ultimate dream is to have children’s books published too.
The rest of my non-writing time is taken up with running Upstage – a children’s drama group – cooking, eating and walking off the damage. I live with my husband and deranged cats in South Derbyshire but, sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, I can often be found striding over the Quantocks or wandering happily around Brighton visiting my two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for my next book.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 14, 2013
Sweet Proposal is a contemporary romance/chick-lit novel with some more serious issues. Set in the fictional town of Clayton-on-the-Bream (well I can't find it on any map, anyway!), it tells the story of a Geordie (that's someone from Newcastle in Northumberland for those of you that don't know) called Leo, who moves down south in order to open up a shop. Only this isn't going to be just any old shop. It's going to have books, chocolate and a Jacuzzi - could there be a better combination?
He arrives in Clayton-on-the-Bream in search of Mab, and as luck would have it, finds her pretty quickly. It seems they have a friend in common, and Leo's determined that Mab is the woman to help him out with his new venture.
It couldn't have come at a worse time for Mab. Her job is dead end; she's about to be thrown out of her flat; and she's hiding another secret that she'll soon be forced to come clean about. On the other hand, Leo's offering an excellent job and accommodation, so she takes him up on it. There's soon a sexual tension building between the two, but what with Mab's secret and the fact that Leo's engaged to the flighty Sophie, nothing can ever happen between them, and they do their best to ignore their feelings.
As their family and friends wade in to help with "The Chocolate Project," things get busy and the two of them don't have much time to sort out their own personal lives and problems. But life has a way of throwing things at you, and before long, they're forced to make some important decisions. Will it be for the best, though?
Sweet Proposal is an excellent read. The writing is very engaging, funny in all the right places, and the characters all feel very real. Despite the more serious issues covered, the book remains light-hearted and one that had me eagerly turning the digital pages to find out what happened next.
Overall, a warm, funny and heart-warming read that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. I look forward to the author's next offering.
He arrives in Clayton-on-the-Bream in search of Mab, and as luck would have it, finds her pretty quickly. It seems they have a friend in common, and Leo's determined that Mab is the woman to help him out with his new venture.
It couldn't have come at a worse time for Mab. Her job is dead end; she's about to be thrown out of her flat; and she's hiding another secret that she'll soon be forced to come clean about. On the other hand, Leo's offering an excellent job and accommodation, so she takes him up on it. There's soon a sexual tension building between the two, but what with Mab's secret and the fact that Leo's engaged to the flighty Sophie, nothing can ever happen between them, and they do their best to ignore their feelings.
As their family and friends wade in to help with "The Chocolate Project," things get busy and the two of them don't have much time to sort out their own personal lives and problems. But life has a way of throwing things at you, and before long, they're forced to make some important decisions. Will it be for the best, though?
Sweet Proposal is an excellent read. The writing is very engaging, funny in all the right places, and the characters all feel very real. Despite the more serious issues covered, the book remains light-hearted and one that had me eagerly turning the digital pages to find out what happened next.
Overall, a warm, funny and heart-warming read that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance. I look forward to the author's next offering.
August 8, 2013
I enjoyed everything about this debut novel from Celia J Anderson. There are lovely touches of humour - some laugh out loud, others subtle, but smile-inducing.
The way the characters lives are entwined is intricate and creative and I was drawn into the unique, but loving extended family situation that evolves.
It is well-paced, with moments of action, tempered with times of tenderness, and with characters well drawn, I feel as if I've really got to know them.
And I shall never forget George.
A great read from a blossoming debut author.
The way the characters lives are entwined is intricate and creative and I was drawn into the unique, but loving extended family situation that evolves.
It is well-paced, with moments of action, tempered with times of tenderness, and with characters well drawn, I feel as if I've really got to know them.
And I shall never forget George.
A great read from a blossoming debut author.
October 1, 2013
I'd heard such positive comments about this novel and certainly wasn't disappointed when I read it. It's a winner! The characters are so well cast and believable, especially Mab, a heroine I warmed to instantly. She's so caring and down to earth and has a terrific sense of humour. The sort of lady you'd want as a best friend! The author explores some very intricate relationships and potentially tricky subjects and the action/conflict never wanes, which kept me wanting to turn those all-important pages, and definitely had me guessing until the end. Leo is a sweetheart and George will live long in my memory. I found the story contained just the right blend of wit/warmth and tension. I can also say that if the café created in this novel popped up in real life, I'd be hammering its doors down to get in on a daily basis! Great debut! Would recommend without hesitation.
November 11, 2013
What a lovely read.
A debut novel that involves love, a delightful selection of characters and chocolate - Scrumptious!
I felt like I had made friends with a whole new bunch of people and I was sad to say goodbye to them at the end. I took a real shine to George, he added a great deal to the story and did a brilliant job bringing out the best in the other characters.
The story flowed really well, a lovely style of writing that had a light touch even when dealing with more serious issues. There are some great touches of humour throughout the book too, which made me smile a lot.
As for the cafe - I'm keeping my fingers crossed this was for real!
A debut novel that involves love, a delightful selection of characters and chocolate - Scrumptious!
I felt like I had made friends with a whole new bunch of people and I was sad to say goodbye to them at the end. I took a real shine to George, he added a great deal to the story and did a brilliant job bringing out the best in the other characters.
The story flowed really well, a lovely style of writing that had a light touch even when dealing with more serious issues. There are some great touches of humour throughout the book too, which made me smile a lot.
As for the cafe - I'm keeping my fingers crossed this was for real!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews