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The Wedding Proposal
Fall in love with Elle and Lucas this summer!
Two exes, one proposal and a tropical island escape.
Sensible Elle Jamieson is ready for a new start. One where she can be carefree and adventurous. And put the past firmly behind her.
She’s spending the summer living on her friend’s boat in Malta. Elle imagines sun-drenched days, volunteering at a local youth centre and discovering the island’s hidden gems.
But her dream getaway turns stormy when she discovers she’s sharing her floating home with gorgeous, but insufferable, Lucas Rose. The man who broke her heart.
Four years ago, Lucas proposed to Elle and she turned him down. His injured pride prevented him from staying to ask why and Elle never forgave him for it.
Now in such cramped quarters it’s hard for Elle and Lucas to ignore old feelings and unresolved tensions.
One thing they can both agree on . . . falling out of love is a lot harder than falling in love.
Two exes, one proposal and a tropical island escape.
Sensible Elle Jamieson is ready for a new start. One where she can be carefree and adventurous. And put the past firmly behind her.
She’s spending the summer living on her friend’s boat in Malta. Elle imagines sun-drenched days, volunteering at a local youth centre and discovering the island’s hidden gems.
But her dream getaway turns stormy when she discovers she’s sharing her floating home with gorgeous, but insufferable, Lucas Rose. The man who broke her heart.
Four years ago, Lucas proposed to Elle and she turned him down. His injured pride prevented him from staying to ask why and Elle never forgave him for it.
Now in such cramped quarters it’s hard for Elle and Lucas to ignore old feelings and unresolved tensions.
One thing they can both agree on . . . falling out of love is a lot harder than falling in love.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
397 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
65 books1,006 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
September 6, 2015
4.5 ★s
An excited Elle Jamieson, full of ideas and enthusiasm, arrives at a marina in Malta to start a year-long working holiday, only to find that her ex-partner, Lucas Rose, has taken up residence in her accommodation. Her home for the next 12 months, a yacht called the Shady Lady, is moored at a local marina and has been lent to her by her great friend, Simon, who happens to be Lucas’s uncle. Elle and Lucas have not seen each other since their bitter split four years earlier. This is a difficult moment for both of them.
Elle is a smart, sassy, corporate type working in the IT industry until she is made redundant. Lucas is an ambitious marketing executive who had quit London’s City to take up a role working for Uncle Simon at his California winery. Disillusioned, he is now working at a local scuba diving business on the Maltese waterfront, and living on Simon’s boat. Their reunion is awkward and embarrassing, but they eventually agree that they can both live, independently of each other, on the 40 foot boat.
Elle has two part-time jobs in Malta, one paid, the other voluntary. She earns modest money working as a domestic help on the luxury yacht owned by expats Loz and Davie, old friends of Simon’s. She devotes a lot of time and energy to her voluntary work with disadvantaged children at The Nicholas Centre in the suburbs. These very different worlds bring Elle into contact with a wide variety of people, from the bubbly, talkative Loz, who has a heart of gold, to the earnest, diligent Joseph, hard-working manager of the drop-in centre, where her IT skills are put to good use teaching local kids. One kid in particular, the charming but needy Carmelo, makes an impact on her daily life.
The story follows the day-to-day lives of Elle and Lucas, which creates for the reader an entertaining and interesting look at contrasting lifestyles, from that of the ‘rich and famous’ through to the urban underprivileged. All of these characters and situations feel real, and I imagine the author has spent considerable time in Malta. Indeed Malta is so vividly portrayed, it is like an additional character in the book.
Inevitably, the love interest between Elle and Lucas is rekindled. A lot of painful memories are brought to the surface. Elle and Lucas had broken up after his rather casual proposal that they get married so they could live together in California. He is convinced that his off-hand approach had deterred her, whereas in reality she is harbouring lots of secrets and unresolved issues. Over the course of the novel these secrets gradually come to light, so we grow in understanding of her motives.
Like all good books about relationships, the key themes that emerge are the problem with keeping secrets, the need for honesty in relationships and the importance of open and frequent communication. Above all is the issue of trust. Lucas learns that his somewhat abrasive personal style does not exactly foster confidence in others, while Elle must get to grips with her past and learn to trust herself as much as her lover.
The Wedding Proposal is well written and well paced. The prose style is easy, and I found the story hung together coherently. I greatly enjoyed the glimpses of Malta (a place I’d love to visit) and the somewhat tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the lifestyle of the uber-wealthy. The book does not preach but it does illuminate some valuable lessons for all of us about honesty, trust and integrity in relationships. It is a very satisfying read, and one that I can recommend to anyone looking for a pleasant, light-hearted novel, but one that has some substance and meaning.
An excited Elle Jamieson, full of ideas and enthusiasm, arrives at a marina in Malta to start a year-long working holiday, only to find that her ex-partner, Lucas Rose, has taken up residence in her accommodation. Her home for the next 12 months, a yacht called the Shady Lady, is moored at a local marina and has been lent to her by her great friend, Simon, who happens to be Lucas’s uncle. Elle and Lucas have not seen each other since their bitter split four years earlier. This is a difficult moment for both of them.
Elle is a smart, sassy, corporate type working in the IT industry until she is made redundant. Lucas is an ambitious marketing executive who had quit London’s City to take up a role working for Uncle Simon at his California winery. Disillusioned, he is now working at a local scuba diving business on the Maltese waterfront, and living on Simon’s boat. Their reunion is awkward and embarrassing, but they eventually agree that they can both live, independently of each other, on the 40 foot boat.
Elle has two part-time jobs in Malta, one paid, the other voluntary. She earns modest money working as a domestic help on the luxury yacht owned by expats Loz and Davie, old friends of Simon’s. She devotes a lot of time and energy to her voluntary work with disadvantaged children at The Nicholas Centre in the suburbs. These very different worlds bring Elle into contact with a wide variety of people, from the bubbly, talkative Loz, who has a heart of gold, to the earnest, diligent Joseph, hard-working manager of the drop-in centre, where her IT skills are put to good use teaching local kids. One kid in particular, the charming but needy Carmelo, makes an impact on her daily life.
The story follows the day-to-day lives of Elle and Lucas, which creates for the reader an entertaining and interesting look at contrasting lifestyles, from that of the ‘rich and famous’ through to the urban underprivileged. All of these characters and situations feel real, and I imagine the author has spent considerable time in Malta. Indeed Malta is so vividly portrayed, it is like an additional character in the book.
Inevitably, the love interest between Elle and Lucas is rekindled. A lot of painful memories are brought to the surface. Elle and Lucas had broken up after his rather casual proposal that they get married so they could live together in California. He is convinced that his off-hand approach had deterred her, whereas in reality she is harbouring lots of secrets and unresolved issues. Over the course of the novel these secrets gradually come to light, so we grow in understanding of her motives.
Like all good books about relationships, the key themes that emerge are the problem with keeping secrets, the need for honesty in relationships and the importance of open and frequent communication. Above all is the issue of trust. Lucas learns that his somewhat abrasive personal style does not exactly foster confidence in others, while Elle must get to grips with her past and learn to trust herself as much as her lover.
The Wedding Proposal is well written and well paced. The prose style is easy, and I found the story hung together coherently. I greatly enjoyed the glimpses of Malta (a place I’d love to visit) and the somewhat tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the lifestyle of the uber-wealthy. The book does not preach but it does illuminate some valuable lessons for all of us about honesty, trust and integrity in relationships. It is a very satisfying read, and one that I can recommend to anyone looking for a pleasant, light-hearted novel, but one that has some substance and meaning.
April 17, 2020
2.5 stars 🌟
December 4, 2017
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
It was a good read, or at least good enough to take my mind off everyday troubles, but towards the end I was a little tired with all this will-they-won't-they stuff. Also, I was by no means sure . I mean, I bought the ending, but only just. . All in all, a decent book, but nothing out of ordinary.
It was a good read, or at least good enough to take my mind off everyday troubles, but towards the end I was a little tired with all this will-they-won't-they stuff. Also, I was by no means sure . I mean, I bought the ending, but only just. . All in all, a decent book, but nothing out of ordinary.
August 28, 2014
Back in the early 70s, well before I acquired the taste (or means to pay for) far flung exotic places, I used to holiday in Malta and Gozo. So this book was quite perfect for me - a chance to revisit one of my favourite places, and the writing of one of my favourite authors, Sue Moorcroft. When I reviewed Is This Love? last year, I mentioned the depth and complexity she brings to her characters: they always have real issues, but they never detract from the "feel good” nature of her books. She's done it again - and ever so well - with this lovely book.
The story's quite excellent - Elle and Lucas (who used to be a couple) find themselves sharing a boat while working in Malta. Elle has left her well-paid IT job, and is volunteering at a drop-in centre for young people, working as hired help for Loz and Davie on their floating gin palace in the afternoons. Lucas is taking a break from the Californian wineries where he now lives, and is working as a divemaster. The main thread of the story is - of course - all about Lucas and Elle, but the supporting characters are excellent. Loz is a joy, unashamedly brash, nosy and meddlesome: and your heart will ache over young Carmelo. Oscar at the drop-in centre, with his unsavoury interests and persistent attentions, is a loathsome creep. The story is full of twists, turns and misunderstandings, with some moments of real drama that have you turning the pages even faster. I won't tell you her role in the book as it might spoil it, but I particularly enjoyed the appearance of Fiona, everyone's worst nightmare.
As always with Sue's books, The Wedding Proposal was a really lovely read - pure escapism for the greater part, but not without its real life serious moments, and a joy from beginning to end. I didn't even really miss Middledip, although I thought I might: the setting is quite perfect for summer reading, the sunshine present on every page, and the whole book is full of authentic Maltese detail (I wonder if Sainsburys stock Cisk...). Well done Sue, and well done again Choc Lit... a really enjoyable read.
My thanks to publishers Choc Lit for my review copy. The kindle edition is already available, and the paperback will be published on 5 September.
The story's quite excellent - Elle and Lucas (who used to be a couple) find themselves sharing a boat while working in Malta. Elle has left her well-paid IT job, and is volunteering at a drop-in centre for young people, working as hired help for Loz and Davie on their floating gin palace in the afternoons. Lucas is taking a break from the Californian wineries where he now lives, and is working as a divemaster. The main thread of the story is - of course - all about Lucas and Elle, but the supporting characters are excellent. Loz is a joy, unashamedly brash, nosy and meddlesome: and your heart will ache over young Carmelo. Oscar at the drop-in centre, with his unsavoury interests and persistent attentions, is a loathsome creep. The story is full of twists, turns and misunderstandings, with some moments of real drama that have you turning the pages even faster. I won't tell you her role in the book as it might spoil it, but I particularly enjoyed the appearance of Fiona, everyone's worst nightmare.
As always with Sue's books, The Wedding Proposal was a really lovely read - pure escapism for the greater part, but not without its real life serious moments, and a joy from beginning to end. I didn't even really miss Middledip, although I thought I might: the setting is quite perfect for summer reading, the sunshine present on every page, and the whole book is full of authentic Maltese detail (I wonder if Sainsburys stock Cisk...). Well done Sue, and well done again Choc Lit... a really enjoyable read.
My thanks to publishers Choc Lit for my review copy. The kindle edition is already available, and the paperback will be published on 5 September.
October 6, 2014
Another fantastic book from Sue Moorcroft. Loved the setting of Malta, and the helping out at the youth drop in centre was different but really well written.
I honestly had no idea about the depths of Elle's secret until it was revealed but at that point it made complete sense of the history her relationship with Lucas.
Wonderful assortment of characters and I especially liked Carmelo, the 8 year old at the drop in centre that clearly has a crush on Elle. Oscar one of the other volunteers really gave me the creeps as he was meant to.
Always enjoy Sue Moorcrofts books, and The Wedding Proposal was no exception.
I honestly had no idea about the depths of Elle's secret until it was revealed but at that point it made complete sense of the history her relationship with Lucas.
Wonderful assortment of characters and I especially liked Carmelo, the 8 year old at the drop in centre that clearly has a crush on Elle. Oscar one of the other volunteers really gave me the creeps as he was meant to.
Always enjoy Sue Moorcrofts books, and The Wedding Proposal was no exception.
April 17, 2025
so many nautical references i found it hard to read and understand. not a bad book but just didn’t really connect with the characters or their relationship.
December 10, 2014
You know those books where fate in the form of silly incidents and hilarious events conspire to keep the hero and heroine apart? This isn’t one of those. That’s not to say it is devoid of humour, but it is the sort — far harder to write but much more emotionally satisfying to read — where every barrier to happy-ever-after is psychological, where he and she have to grow in order to understand not just each other but themselves. In this instance Elle has little self-worth. She has accepted responsibility for a history she has so far managed to keep hidden, and has to learn to trust Lucas enough to believe that he won’t judge her by the mistakes of her past. Mistakes that led to her running from him after his proposal several years before. Lucas too has to become less suspicious, more willing to admit and accept fault, before he can accept Elle.
Of course their forced proximity is instrumental in making sure this happens, but there are plenty of misunderstandings and opportunities for them to see the other at their best – and worst. However, in the end, it is time and acceptance and growth that moves them on – just as in real life there is no one moment that you can point to and say ‘it was then he/she knew for certain that it had to be.’ The only obvious change of heart resulting from a single incident is that of Lucas’ mother towards Elle, but that happens quite near the end and involves giving away far too much plot for me to say anything now – so you see, even that is really as messy and tangled as reality.
What feels less real, at least to me sitting here writing this by a window that reveals wet pavement and a more uniformly grey sky than we deserve on an August Bank Holiday, is the glamour of the yachts along the Ta’Xbiex waterfront and the colours of the Maltese town. Yes the quarters may be cramped and, even in harbour, it gets a bit uncomfortable when the waves are up, but the descriptions of both are a stunning backdrop and fabulous escapism.
There is a huge cast of secondary characters: Lucas’ family, Elle’s ex-husband, her employers Loz and Davie, and the people at the drop-in centre where she volunteers — calm Joseph, creepy Oscar and little Carmelo among others. As ever with Sue Moorcroft, even those who don’t seem to be directly pushing Elle and Lucas together (or keeping them apart), are not cardboard cut-outs who appear just to provide light relief or a story of their own, but show us things about the main characters and become important in their lives.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the title, but I’m supposed to be having a no-moan day so I shall spare you the reasons. Of course I was also jealous of Elle — falling on her feet in such a sunshiny way after losing her job and getting everything to work out with the man she really wanted all along — but that sort of ‘if only’ is why we read romance, isn’t it?
Reviewed by Catherine This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
Of course their forced proximity is instrumental in making sure this happens, but there are plenty of misunderstandings and opportunities for them to see the other at their best – and worst. However, in the end, it is time and acceptance and growth that moves them on – just as in real life there is no one moment that you can point to and say ‘it was then he/she knew for certain that it had to be.’ The only obvious change of heart resulting from a single incident is that of Lucas’ mother towards Elle, but that happens quite near the end and involves giving away far too much plot for me to say anything now – so you see, even that is really as messy and tangled as reality.
What feels less real, at least to me sitting here writing this by a window that reveals wet pavement and a more uniformly grey sky than we deserve on an August Bank Holiday, is the glamour of the yachts along the Ta’Xbiex waterfront and the colours of the Maltese town. Yes the quarters may be cramped and, even in harbour, it gets a bit uncomfortable when the waves are up, but the descriptions of both are a stunning backdrop and fabulous escapism.
There is a huge cast of secondary characters: Lucas’ family, Elle’s ex-husband, her employers Loz and Davie, and the people at the drop-in centre where she volunteers — calm Joseph, creepy Oscar and little Carmelo among others. As ever with Sue Moorcroft, even those who don’t seem to be directly pushing Elle and Lucas together (or keeping them apart), are not cardboard cut-outs who appear just to provide light relief or a story of their own, but show us things about the main characters and become important in their lives.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the title, but I’m supposed to be having a no-moan day so I shall spare you the reasons. Of course I was also jealous of Elle — falling on her feet in such a sunshiny way after losing her job and getting everything to work out with the man she really wanted all along — but that sort of ‘if only’ is why we read romance, isn’t it?
Reviewed by Catherine This review was originally posted on Girls Love To Read
August 15, 2014
Elle Jamieson has been made redundant from her high-flying IT post and decides to put off future career plans for a while. Instead, she accepts Simon, a friends, offer of his boat to live on for a few months in Malta, au-pairing (which doesn’t, I found out, just mean looking after children) for friends of his and helping out volunteering at a local centre for kids. However, when she arrives at ‘The Shady Lady’, she discovers that her ex, Lucas Rose, is also on board. He is Simon’s nephew and neither of them want to move out, so as they adjust to close proximity to one another, after four years apart, it appears that secrets from the past might finally get unearthed. I’m a big fan of Moorcroft’s writing and this is another cracking novel from her, filled with clearly defined (and mostly likeable) characters, told at a cracking pace and with a sure hand. Shifting the location from her beloved villages around Peterborough to the sunny and bright ports of Malta is inspired and her use of location and atmosphere makes you feel the heat and the dust. The Nicholas Centre, where Elle is volunteering by running the IT suite, is well used and feels real and introduces Carmelo, an 8-year-old who takes a shine to our heroine. He’s a wonderful character, charming and warm and sad all at the same time and he really affected me. The central romance is well played and raunchy, with both characters never less than believable, even as the secrets begin to unfurl themselves and family connections become strained. Elle is independent and spirited and Lucas, a hero in the Moorcroft mould, grows in stature as the book progresses and his backstory comes out in snippets. Well written and paced, making great use of fresh locations, this is a fantastic read and one I would highly recommend.
November 18, 2014
I have never read a Sue Moorcroft book before and now I can’t wait to get my grubby mitts on them all. The Wedding Proposal is so confidently written that the reader can just sit back, relax and be taken on a warm, boat holiday with lovely heroine, Elle.
Elle has never been able to do enough to win over her parents’ affection. After marrying young and badly she buried herself in her work, until she met handsome Lucas. But that went badly too. Now, four difficult years later, Elle has been made redundant and a well-meaning but meddling friend has leant her his boat in Malta for the summer while she volunteers for a local children’s centre. But there’s another passenger on board…Lucas.
Can Elle and Lucas co-exist without dreading up past hurts and opening wounds? Can Elle ignore the disappointment in her heart when Lucas’s girlfriend shows up? And will life as a volunteer be as easy as she was hoping?
As charming and sexy as Lucas is, my real crush was on Elle. I loved her. I wanted to go out for a few chilled glasses of white wine on the marina with her and have a giggle. She’s a straight-laced gal and finds trusting difficult but has a heart of gold and a fun side that can be tempted out if she can forget her past hurts. And escaping with her to gorgeous sunny Malta was the perfect remedy for living in cold, rainy Yorkshire. Gorgeous.
Review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Elle has never been able to do enough to win over her parents’ affection. After marrying young and badly she buried herself in her work, until she met handsome Lucas. But that went badly too. Now, four difficult years later, Elle has been made redundant and a well-meaning but meddling friend has leant her his boat in Malta for the summer while she volunteers for a local children’s centre. But there’s another passenger on board…Lucas.
Can Elle and Lucas co-exist without dreading up past hurts and opening wounds? Can Elle ignore the disappointment in her heart when Lucas’s girlfriend shows up? And will life as a volunteer be as easy as she was hoping?
As charming and sexy as Lucas is, my real crush was on Elle. I loved her. I wanted to go out for a few chilled glasses of white wine on the marina with her and have a giggle. She’s a straight-laced gal and finds trusting difficult but has a heart of gold and a fun side that can be tempted out if she can forget her past hurts. And escaping with her to gorgeous sunny Malta was the perfect remedy for living in cold, rainy Yorkshire. Gorgeous.
Review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
January 1, 2015
Another fabulous novel from Sue Moorcroft. Set in Malta, it's not only the weather that's hot - the hero and the romance will have you fanning your cheeks.
I was transported to a country I'd experienced in photographs only, but Sue's descriptions of the landscape, the intense heat and the harbour put me squarely in Malta.
The hero, Lucas, a strong character from the off, finds himself destined to spend the hot season with his ex, Elle, on the Shady Lady, a small yacht moored at the harbour.
Tension, frustration and anger make for stormy seas, which these two have to navigate, but with Elle going from strength-to-strength, will she and Lucas ever find calm waters or are they destined to be ships that pass in the night?
A great read, a cracking pace and a beautiful setting.
A gorgeous read, which I recommend highly.
I was transported to a country I'd experienced in photographs only, but Sue's descriptions of the landscape, the intense heat and the harbour put me squarely in Malta.
The hero, Lucas, a strong character from the off, finds himself destined to spend the hot season with his ex, Elle, on the Shady Lady, a small yacht moored at the harbour.
Tension, frustration and anger make for stormy seas, which these two have to navigate, but with Elle going from strength-to-strength, will she and Lucas ever find calm waters or are they destined to be ships that pass in the night?
A great read, a cracking pace and a beautiful setting.
A gorgeous read, which I recommend highly.
August 22, 2014
I bought the kindle version, of The Wedding Proposal, last Friday and read it over the weekend.
As per Sue Moorcroft style, I was hooked in, from page 1 and could not put it down.
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Very good storyline.
I fell in love with Carmelo.....
I hope that this book will sell in big numbers for you Sue.
Wishing you continued success, Mary Lingard, Melbourne Australia.
September 5, 2014
Just finished reading this and absolutely loved it. Really complex characters and a fab storyline in a great setting! I couldn't put it down - and when I really had to, all I could think about was Elle! It grabbed me from the first page and it was a book that I read really slowly so I didn't reach the end too quickly! I've now read ALL your books......roll on the next one!
September 15, 2014
Sun, chilled wine, salmon & prawns poolside + Sue Moorcroft’s, ‘The Wedding Proposal’, = holiday perfection. I tweeted this while away – and I meant it. As a busy person, desperately in need of a restful break (aren’t we all?), I would have been seriously peeved if this book hadn’t delivered. It did, totally. I was transported from Portugal to Malta in a flash and have to congratulate the author on exactly the right attention to detail, painting an atmospheric, believable backdrop to the story. From the yachts bobbing lazily in the sun-drenched port, to the sun-scorched, dusty Maltese backstreets, I was there.
To the story, which actually turns around a proposal past and a wedding that never came to fruition, Four years on, thanks to a well-meaning uncle playing cupid, the couple are thrown together again,each having left their lives behind to build new ones on, of all confined places, a yacht, gorgeously named, The Shady Lady. For Elle, recovery from the painful relationship gone wrong meant throwing herself into her well-paid IT job. Made redundant, she’s there to put her IT skills to use for free, volunteering to help the underprivileged children of Malta, and never in her wildest dreams did her future plans include Lucas. Lucas has abandoned the future he had planned with Elle and wants no more from life than to swim the wide blue ocean as a divemaster, where he certainly didn’t expect to bump into the woman who’d walked out on him and broken his heart. Phew! Great premise, or what?
I won’t give the whole plot away, except to say funds don’t allow either of them to find alternative accommodation. They’re stuck, living together, yet not, in a boat just forty-two feet in length and they are going to have to accommodate each other somehow. Throw into the pot some excellent secondary characters, including a loathsome male volunteer who clearly doesn’t have the children’s emotional welfare at heart, Lucas’s parents, who never approved of Elle, and a wonderful little boy, Carmelo, who, with his too big shorts, too small shirt and dysfunctional home-life, will melt hearts, and you have a fabulously satisfying anytime of the year read. There are some lovely twists and turns and the mystery of Elle’s past is drip-fed perfectly. Thank you, Sue Moorcroft, for providing me all the essentials in my holiday read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, The Wedding Proposal.
The Wedding Proposal
To the story, which actually turns around a proposal past and a wedding that never came to fruition, Four years on, thanks to a well-meaning uncle playing cupid, the couple are thrown together again,each having left their lives behind to build new ones on, of all confined places, a yacht, gorgeously named, The Shady Lady. For Elle, recovery from the painful relationship gone wrong meant throwing herself into her well-paid IT job. Made redundant, she’s there to put her IT skills to use for free, volunteering to help the underprivileged children of Malta, and never in her wildest dreams did her future plans include Lucas. Lucas has abandoned the future he had planned with Elle and wants no more from life than to swim the wide blue ocean as a divemaster, where he certainly didn’t expect to bump into the woman who’d walked out on him and broken his heart. Phew! Great premise, or what?
I won’t give the whole plot away, except to say funds don’t allow either of them to find alternative accommodation. They’re stuck, living together, yet not, in a boat just forty-two feet in length and they are going to have to accommodate each other somehow. Throw into the pot some excellent secondary characters, including a loathsome male volunteer who clearly doesn’t have the children’s emotional welfare at heart, Lucas’s parents, who never approved of Elle, and a wonderful little boy, Carmelo, who, with his too big shorts, too small shirt and dysfunctional home-life, will melt hearts, and you have a fabulously satisfying anytime of the year read. There are some lovely twists and turns and the mystery of Elle’s past is drip-fed perfectly. Thank you, Sue Moorcroft, for providing me all the essentials in my holiday read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend, The Wedding Proposal.
The Wedding Proposal
January 25, 2015
Elle Jamieson and Lucas Rose broke up four years ago, after he proposed and her reaction didn't sit down too well. They've both moved on with their lives, or at least tried to; however, when Lucas' Uncle tries to play Cupid, and they end up living on the same boat during a summer in Malta it doesn't take long for old feelings and tensions to rise between them. However, whilst its clear that there's unfinished business there, can they finally get past old secrets and ghosts in order to make things work between them; or will history merely repeat itself again?
This makes for a light and easy read; though personally I found it somewhat too forgettable, neither the characters nor the story leaving any lasting impression; nor does Moorcroft's style of writing particularly stand out. I did enjoy the setting of Malta; and with its relaxed feel, it might suit an easy beach read. Furthermore, the story itself takes off quite quickly; and I personally enjoyed the first half more than the latter, where I felt the pace started to drag a little.
For me Moorcroft sometimes went into too much detail about mundane things e.g. regarding Elle's volunteering job and Lucas' diving job; the more technical descriptions seeming rather unnecessary. That's not to say I didn't enjoy some aspects of Elle's volunteering, mainly her friendship with Carmello, a sweet and lonely child with a difficult home life.
The bulk of the story centres around the relationship between Elle and Lucas, as their initial hostility towards each other thaws and they grow close again. At the same time Lucas finally learns more of Elle's past as she lets her guard down about her previous marriage. I did find aspects of their character's and relationship frustrating; Elle, I thought made things needlessly complicated for herself by being so closed off, whilst Lucas sometimes came across as too righteous, seeing things too black and white. Perhaps as such I found myself losing interest in the continued unnecessary tensions between them as the story progressed, as I didn't feel there was enough substance behind it all; and at times their behaviour merely seemed petulant and immature.
Overall the story seemed very much typical and average chicklit, and certainly I've read a lot better in the genre. For me the book lacked charm and humour; and at the same time wasn't weighty enough for a serious read.
This makes for a light and easy read; though personally I found it somewhat too forgettable, neither the characters nor the story leaving any lasting impression; nor does Moorcroft's style of writing particularly stand out. I did enjoy the setting of Malta; and with its relaxed feel, it might suit an easy beach read. Furthermore, the story itself takes off quite quickly; and I personally enjoyed the first half more than the latter, where I felt the pace started to drag a little.
For me Moorcroft sometimes went into too much detail about mundane things e.g. regarding Elle's volunteering job and Lucas' diving job; the more technical descriptions seeming rather unnecessary. That's not to say I didn't enjoy some aspects of Elle's volunteering, mainly her friendship with Carmello, a sweet and lonely child with a difficult home life.
The bulk of the story centres around the relationship between Elle and Lucas, as their initial hostility towards each other thaws and they grow close again. At the same time Lucas finally learns more of Elle's past as she lets her guard down about her previous marriage. I did find aspects of their character's and relationship frustrating; Elle, I thought made things needlessly complicated for herself by being so closed off, whilst Lucas sometimes came across as too righteous, seeing things too black and white. Perhaps as such I found myself losing interest in the continued unnecessary tensions between them as the story progressed, as I didn't feel there was enough substance behind it all; and at times their behaviour merely seemed petulant and immature.
Overall the story seemed very much typical and average chicklit, and certainly I've read a lot better in the genre. For me the book lacked charm and humour; and at the same time wasn't weighty enough for a serious read.
September 13, 2014
Set on the sunny island of Malta, Sue Moorcroft has written a feel-good story featuring a host of eclectic and diverse characters.
Elle has been made redundant from her steady job in IT, she makes a huge decision. She will go to Malta and stay on a boat whilst earning some spending money and volunteering in a centre for young people. This sounds like a fine plan until Elle arrives at the boat to find that it is already occupied. The occupant is none other than her ex boyfriend Lucas. Awkward!
Neither Elle or Lucas are prepared to find alternative accommodation, and despite their past history, each one of them is determined to stick this out.
Whilst The Wedding Proposal is in the main, the story of Elle and Lucas, Sue Moorcroft has created an accompanying cast of characters who bring so much more to this book. There are some that are annoying, irritating and irksome, some who are downright horrible, and a couple that will steal your heart. Lets just say that Lucas is not the only hero of this story; I defy you not to fall for Carmelo too!
I particularly enjoyed the Maltese setting, and the author is adept at bringing the island to life, using descriptive prose that really made me want to visit this island of sunshine.
A real feel-good read that you can easily lose yourself in for a day or so - a finely tuned and well-paced plot featuring great characters.
Elle has been made redundant from her steady job in IT, she makes a huge decision. She will go to Malta and stay on a boat whilst earning some spending money and volunteering in a centre for young people. This sounds like a fine plan until Elle arrives at the boat to find that it is already occupied. The occupant is none other than her ex boyfriend Lucas. Awkward!
Neither Elle or Lucas are prepared to find alternative accommodation, and despite their past history, each one of them is determined to stick this out.
Whilst The Wedding Proposal is in the main, the story of Elle and Lucas, Sue Moorcroft has created an accompanying cast of characters who bring so much more to this book. There are some that are annoying, irritating and irksome, some who are downright horrible, and a couple that will steal your heart. Lets just say that Lucas is not the only hero of this story; I defy you not to fall for Carmelo too!
I particularly enjoyed the Maltese setting, and the author is adept at bringing the island to life, using descriptive prose that really made me want to visit this island of sunshine.
A real feel-good read that you can easily lose yourself in for a day or so - a finely tuned and well-paced plot featuring great characters.
November 25, 2014
There is never anything to fault with Sue Moorcroft's books. They have exceptional characters (some that melt your heart (whether they be children or adults), some that you want to be friends with, some that you dislike immensely, some who you fear (the dreaded Fiona) and one who you fall in love with (or in this case two - Lucas and Carmelo)), great pace, a great storyline with twists and turns and some damn good romance, and The Wedding Proposal is no exception.
This book wasn't what I had expected, as "the wedding proposal" in question is something from Elle and Lucas's past. I loved the beginning of the book when Elle and Lucas clash after being thrown together for the first time in four years, and I enjoyed getting to know them both and seeing how they worked around each other after all this time. There are also some exceptionally good secondary characters, who make the book complete.
This book made me want to go to Malta, enjoy the sunshine and fall in love. It made me smile and it made me cry, both with sadness and happiness. A story of second chances, and the ideal book to read in the last of the September sunshine....
This book wasn't what I had expected, as "the wedding proposal" in question is something from Elle and Lucas's past. I loved the beginning of the book when Elle and Lucas clash after being thrown together for the first time in four years, and I enjoyed getting to know them both and seeing how they worked around each other after all this time. There are also some exceptionally good secondary characters, who make the book complete.
This book made me want to go to Malta, enjoy the sunshine and fall in love. It made me smile and it made me cry, both with sadness and happiness. A story of second chances, and the ideal book to read in the last of the September sunshine....
September 13, 2014
Elle has a secret and it made her run from the man she loved and wanted to marry. Silly people, do not run from secrets, confront them. But when I learn more about her, her upbringing, her life, I did see why she ran. She did not have the confidence.
Right, this book is then about Elle and Lucas who meet again a few years later. Bad breakup, they still have feelings and now they are stuck on a boat together. Of course those feelings are gonna come out again. There is romance in the book after all.
I liked Malta at the setting too, I want to go there. Even if I missed the author's previous settings, they are so quintessential English.
The romance was slow building. Hello, hard feelings! First they need to take steps towards friendship, then think about something else. And Elle needs to learn how to breathe and shake loose again.
A slow-building romance and a book that shows how hurtful secrets are.
Right, this book is then about Elle and Lucas who meet again a few years later. Bad breakup, they still have feelings and now they are stuck on a boat together. Of course those feelings are gonna come out again. There is romance in the book after all.
I liked Malta at the setting too, I want to go there. Even if I missed the author's previous settings, they are so quintessential English.
The romance was slow building. Hello, hard feelings! First they need to take steps towards friendship, then think about something else. And Elle needs to learn how to breathe and shake loose again.
A slow-building romance and a book that shows how hurtful secrets are.
September 7, 2014
In this, her most recent book, and published today in paperback, Sue Moorcroft has placed her characters on the island of Malta.
Many years ago I knew Malta (and the Maltese) quite well through work, and Sue paints an accurate and loving picture of the island. The setting is modern, and reflects some of the problems any modern small country has, but her principal protagonists, Lucas and Elle, are a well-drawn couple and attractive in personality (although not without faults. LOL) Lots of good supporting characters as well.
Elle and Lucas's struggles to find common ground and to get over the things that separate them, along with the well-meaning efforts of others make it a satisfying read.
I tend to divide books into "Read, Enjoy and Move On", or "Read, Put Away, Read Again, ...repeat ad infinitum" This is in the Read Again group.
Many years ago I knew Malta (and the Maltese) quite well through work, and Sue paints an accurate and loving picture of the island. The setting is modern, and reflects some of the problems any modern small country has, but her principal protagonists, Lucas and Elle, are a well-drawn couple and attractive in personality (although not without faults. LOL) Lots of good supporting characters as well.
Elle and Lucas's struggles to find common ground and to get over the things that separate them, along with the well-meaning efforts of others make it a satisfying read.
I tend to divide books into "Read, Enjoy and Move On", or "Read, Put Away, Read Again, ...repeat ad infinitum" This is in the Read Again group.
September 28, 2014
This is one of those books that grabs you by the throat and just won’t let go until you’ve finished it. From the very first chapter, the reader is hooked, sympathising with the lovely heroine Elle who is kind, courageous and determined, but also secretive and defensive. Clashing with the delicious hero Lucas straight away, the reader can see that they are made for each other, but of course neither will admit it. They have history together and I loved their clashes and watching the attraction grow between them again, despite their doubts. There is a whole cast of wonderful secondary characters too and the background of Malta – an island I’ve never visited but now definitely want to see – is just perfect for a sizzling love story. And this book definitely sizzles – I enjoyed every minute and was very sad to reach the end!
August 18, 2014
What a stunning novel. Sue Moorcroft never fails to produce a story of beauty.
Elle and Lucas get a second chance to put the past to rights; and offers hope that a love at the wrong time could re-manifest itself when the time is right.
There was so much tension between Elle and Lucas that you already knew their feelings laid dormant until it could be reignited by the spark of love.
I’ve never been to Malta, but from Sue Moorcroft’s stunning descriptions – I feel like I really was there myself.
The Wedding proposal is the perfect book to read while holding onto the last sunshine of summer. It is an exhilarating red filled with sun, sea, sand and romance.
Elle and Lucas get a second chance to put the past to rights; and offers hope that a love at the wrong time could re-manifest itself when the time is right.
There was so much tension between Elle and Lucas that you already knew their feelings laid dormant until it could be reignited by the spark of love.
I’ve never been to Malta, but from Sue Moorcroft’s stunning descriptions – I feel like I really was there myself.
The Wedding proposal is the perfect book to read while holding onto the last sunshine of summer. It is an exhilarating red filled with sun, sea, sand and romance.
August 29, 2014
Firstly, I have to say I absolutely loved the cover of this book, it definitely caught my eye and I couldn't wait to start reading. I have read a couple of Sue's books before but will for sure be purchasing more of her books. This book is set in the idyllic harbour of Malta. It made me dream of being there. This story is about Elle and Lucas, they have been apart fro a very long time and are thrown back together of all places on a yacht. As you can imagine there is tension and a bit of love. Elle grabbed my attention from the first chapter and I couldn't put this book down, this story is so well written with twists and turns throughout. Loved it so much.
September 18, 2014
Another superb novel from Sue Moorcroft. She never shies away from deeper issues and this one, in particular, is a study in how our characters are affected by our upbringing. While Lucas was brought up in a loving home by parents with a legal background and who always see things in black and white, Elle's upbringing consisted of parents who seemingly disapproved of all that she did, leading her to becoming secretive. When the pair are thrown together again, after four years apart, in the relaxed atmosphere of Malta, they begin to learn more of each other. This is an excellent study of characterisation and I was sorry to finish it.
January 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this novel: the setting in hot sunny Malta and on boats too! I love books that are well grounded in a location, especially a quite exotic one (I've never been to Malta so it felt exotic)and I love to feel that I have learned about something from a novel, that it's not just light and fluffy! This one had a satisfying depth to it: the characters were well rounded and complex, and the atmosphere of place was well portrayed.
October 15, 2014
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
The story follows the ups and downs of a couple unexpectedly thrown back together for a summer in Malta. I thought this was an enjoyable summer read.
The story follows the ups and downs of a couple unexpectedly thrown back together for a summer in Malta. I thought this was an enjoyable summer read.
January 2, 2016
Another thoroughly enjoyable read from Sue Moorcroft, including an interesting look at Malta a place I realised I knew virtually nothing about. Enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and a suitably feisty female lead that you are rooting for from the start. Worth a read.
September 17, 2014
Beautiful, original setting in Malta...a lovely escape :-)Sue Moorcroft never fails to draw me in to her characters' worlds.
October 7, 2014
A great holiday read that reminds me why i love this genre. Sue has created a tangible world. Really loved this book
April 1, 2015
Loved this latest book by Sue Moorcroft. She really brings the characters to life.
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