Penny Troyer never disobeys her parents. But tonight she's bending the rules because Michael Knoxx—the most famous member of the Knoxx Family, a traveling Mennonite evangelical family—is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him . . . even if it means challenging her parents' strict rules and taking the first step toward her own independence.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest . . . to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers that Penny has also survived a terrible ordeal.
But as Michael's time in Pinecraft comes to an end, Michael and Penny are left to wonder what kind of future they could possibly have together. Are they brave enough to take the chance given to them? Or will they choose to cling to what is familiar, even if it pushes away their dream of happiness?
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
Tragedy had struck the Troyer family. They had lost their eldest daughter in a very horrible way. Penny was twelve years old at the time of her sister’s death.
In this second book of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft we travel back to the beautiful, sunny little Florida town. We are re-united with old friends and make some new ones.
Penny Troyer is now twenty-four years old and tired of being treated like a child. Her parents have kept to tight a reign on her since Lissy’s death all those years ago back in Ohio. She’s never allowed to leave the house alone. Penny wants what everyone her age wants…she wants friends, she wants to go places, she wants a life!
One night Penny decides she’s had enough and plans to go to the Park to hear a missionary family, The Knoxx Family, speak. Michael Knoxx speaks of his ordeal that cost him most of his right leg and his faith in God that kept him going. Getting out was not easy for her and she had to stand up to her parents and speak her mind. Something not done among the Amish.
The next thing on Penny’s list was to get a job and become independent. She was hired at the Orange Blossom Inn. Michael Knoxx just happened to be there recuperating from surgery. One of Penny’s duties is to make sure Michael is comfortable and has everything he needs. She takes him his meals,snacks,whatever he wants. A friendship blossoms between the two.
Does this friendship grow into something more? What is the proposal at the beach? Actually,there are two of them. You’ll have to read this wonderfully written book to find out. I absolutely loved it and didn’t want it to end and neither will you!
(Sigh!!) That is what I do whenever I read any of Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish novels. First, because they are so exceptionally well written that I simply forget where I am for the duration of the time it takes me to read it (in one sitting), and the other because I am so sad that it's over too soon! Once again, Shelley takes us back to Pinecraft, Florida in her second installment of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, with The Proposal at Siesta Key!
This was inspired by a true life event Shelley witnessed when visiting the Amish town of Pinecraft and saw a small group of missionaries sharing their story with those gathered and this inspired her to write about the Knoxx family, Mennonites who were taking their story on the road of what their son Michael endured with the loss of his leg during a bike accident. Now feeling it has been a calling from God on their life, they find themselves as guests at the Orange Blossom Inn while spending a couple days on their tour sharing the story. It will be one that will be both life-changing and unforgettable.
Penny Troyer at 24, is trying to find a way to tell her parents, that all their protectiveness they have had in her life, is gotten to the point where she feels she isn't living a life but merely existing in theirs since the tragedy that took the life of her sister Lissy and left them wanting to protect the only daughter they have left. But what it has done in the process is eliminated the chance for Penny to establish friends and do all the kinds of things a young teenage girl would have, to find someone to love and perhaps even get a job. Now she simply needs to find a way to tell them she wants to go with a friend to see the traveling Knoxx family at the park, but the conversation happening in her mind is much easier than the one she will be having with both of her parents.
I received The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Avon Inspired Books, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. Aside from my complimentary copy of the novel, I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. One day I can only hope to make a visit to the Amish town of Pinecraft and view the places Shelley describes in her book at the conclusion. What a charming place it must be where the pace of life is much slower and a bit more simple than the rat race most of us face. Truly it is no wonder so many come to visit and end up making Pinecraft their own home! I know I would hate to leave and thus the reason for always finishing these novels much too soon! There is a sneak peek at her next novel coming up included which means I won't have to wait too long. Well worth a stellar 5 out of 5 stars and be warned there is a great recipe for Chocolate Pecan Pie included as well!
"The Proposal at Siesta Key" by Shelley Shepard Gray is set in an Amish / Mennonite community town called Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida. It's the Amish version of Las Vegas, Nevada, the phrase "what happens here stays here", but for the Amish it's more cleaner and faithful way of letting go of your strict community back home.
This time in "The Proposal at Siesta Key", we start with Penny Troyer and her parents who left their troubles in Ohio to start over. Or so Penny thought, but for the last twelve years her parents have not been able to do that for themselves nor for Penny.
Penny is twenty-four and is ready to do the things that most girls have already done at the age of sixteen in most Amish communities; courting, going to group events, get a job outside of the home, or simply walking the streets by one's self. Nope Penny's parents don't allow her to walk the streets by herself much, all for what happened in Ohio twelve years ago.
Michael Knoxx is the most famous member of the Knoxx Family, who are a traveling Mennonite evangelical family. Michael is scheduled to speak in Pinecraft, about his life experience, but mostly the terrible day that he lost his leg.
Penny has her mind made up that she is going to go hear Michael Knoxx speak, even if her parents are against it. Michael's message touched Penny that night. And from here Penny's and Michael's journey begins.
I loved reading "The Proposal at Siesta Key" by Shelley Shepard Gray and the message that came out while reading it. I like reading Shelley Shepard Gray's book because her selection of topics or events are different, even if the message may not always be different from other authors.
No money was exchanged for this review and this is all my opinion of my own words.
This is another wonderful addition to the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. It can also be read as a stand alone if you have not read book one.
I find that I absolutely fly through Shelley Shepard Gray’s books because I love them so much. This one is no exception. The community of Pinecraft is interesting, but what really captured me was the relationship that developed between the two main characters. They were, at first glance, opposites in every way. Penny was sheltered and shy, while Michael was outgoing and had seen much of the world. But, I just loved the way they connected and it became apparent how they valued the same things. Their romance was so sweet.
I also really liked that Michael Knoxx was a man with a disability. It made this story so interesting. Also wonderful was the way Penny loved Michael just as he was. It was great to see her grow in confidence with Michael and also with her parents, and the difficult home situation she was in.
I definitely recommend this wonderful story to fans of Amish fiction.
My thanks to the publisher and to Litfuse Publicity for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.
There's something so magical about the way Shelley Shepard Gray writes. Her words just seem to flow, creating vivid images in my mind. I get a shiver of bibliodelight when I open one of her books, eager to be transported into another life for a time. So I'm afraid I devoured The Proposal at Siesta Key in one sitting and it was over much too soon!
This is the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series but there's no need to read the first one (though you ought to!) before reading this one. It reads beautifully as a standalone, though there are a few overlapping characters fans of the first book will be happy to meet up with again. And one over-arcing thread that I'm thinking is going to turn romantical, simmering on the back burner.
Penny's unusual backstory really intrigued me. It's shaped her right into adulthood and, in a way, this is her coming of age story. She begins to discover her strengths and potential. In contrast, Michael is definitely living out his potential but once he meets Penny he starts rethinking his future. A deliciously simple yet complicated love story that's sure to satisfy.
My thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Avon Inspire for supplying me with a review copy of this book.
Shelley Shepard Gray always manages to bring reality to the fiction blending factual Amish places in detail, fictional characters come to life and become real in your heart. Pinecraft and the story of Penny and Michael and young love comes to life. The trials their families endure are everyday and possibly happen to ordinary people. With every chapter you feel a friendship with the Hero and herorine. If you have not read Shelley Shepard Gray start now and escape to Pinecraft.
Having lost one daughter to a violent death, Penny’s parents have become overly protective of her. Now twelve years have past since that tragedy, and Penny is ready to spread her wings. Now 24, she is seeking a job for the first time in her life. She gets hired at a B&B mostly as a maid but also to look after and care for a young man after surgery while he recovers. This man is part of an evangelical family, and quite a famous speaker. Each of these characters have a troubled past, and after a prickly beginning, discover they actually like each other. Though the end is predicable, it’s still an enjoyable journey to reach it.
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY ** Tragedy had struck the Troyer family. They had lost their eldest daughter in a very horrible way. Penny was twelve years old at the time of her sister’s death.
In this second book of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft we travel back to the beautiful, sunny little Florida town. We are re-united with old friends and make some new ones.
Penny Troyer is now twenty-four years old and tired of being treated like a child. Her parents have kept to tight a reign on her since Lissy’s death all those years ago back in Ohio. She’s never allowed to leave the house alone. Penny wants what everyone her age wants…she wants friends, she wants to go places, she wants a life!
One night Penny decides she’s had enough and plans to go to the Park to hear a missionary family, The Knoxx Family, speak. Michael Knoxx speaks of his ordeal that cost him most of his right leg and his faith in God that kept him going. Getting out was not easy for her and she had to stand up to her parents and speak her mind. Something not done among the Amish.
The next thing on Penny’s list was to get a job and become independent. She was hired at the Orange Blossom Inn. Michael Knoxx just happened to be there recuperating from surgery. One of Penny’s duties is to make sure Michael is comfortable and has everything he needs. She takes him his meals,snacks,whatever he wants. A friendship blossoms between the two. ** Reading/listening to a Shelley Shepard Gray story is pure pleasure, and I have eagerly anticipated book #2 in The Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. The Proposal at Siesta Key is technically Amish fiction with strong romantic elements, but its strength is in characterization, relationships, and a vivid sense of place. Pinecraft, the small Amish community in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, offers a different, more relaxed atmosphere than most traditional Amish fiction. Shelley has made this community come alive and I'd love to have some ice cream from Olaf's, pie at Yoder's, and shop at the produce market. And much thanks to the design team for a cover that captures the essence of Penny Troyer and the Siesta Key setting.
This series revolves around the Orange Blossom Inn, capably managed by Beverly Overholt. I am intrigued by Eric Wagler, the inn's owner, and love watching the relationship between these two grow. With all the story opportunities from relatives and guests at the inn, I doubt I would ever tire of this series.
Penny and Michael, both with traumatic experiences in their background, are so likeable and easy to relate to. Penny's parents are reclusive and have sheltered Penny, refusing to see her as a grown woman. As the story opens, Penny has come to realize that "everyone at some point in their life had to stop being someone's child and start being their own person." Michael, due to the popularity of his evangelistic personal testimony, has almost become a larger-than-life character to many people. To the world, he is "a symbol of invincibility, capable of withstanding pain and all kinds of human frailties" It was good to walk along with Penny and Michael as they gained insight into all that God had in store for them and the courage to reach for it. ** The Proposal at Siesta Key" by Shelley Shepard Gray is set in an Amish / Mennonite community town called Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida. It's the Amish version of Las Vegas, Nevada, the phrase "what happens here stays here", but for the Amish it's more cleaner and faithful way of letting go of your strict community back home.
This time in "The Proposal at Siesta Key", we start with Penny Troyer and her parents who left their troubles in Ohio to start over. Or so Penny thought, but for the last twelve years her parents have not been able to do that for themselves nor for Penny.
Penny is twenty-four and is ready to do the things that most girls have already done at the age of sixteen in most Amish communities; courting, going to group events, get a job outside of the home, or simply walking the streets by one's self. Nope Penny's parents don't allow her to walk the streets by herself much, all for what happened in Ohio twelve years ago.
Michael Knoxx is the most famous member of the Knoxx Family, who are a traveling Mennonite evangelical family. Michael is scheduled to speak in Pinecraft, about his life experience, but mostly the terrible day that he lost his leg.
Penny has her mind made up that she is going to go hear Michael Knoxx speak, even if her parents are against it. Michael's message touched Penny that night. And from here Penny's and Michael's journey begins. ** The community of Pinecraft is interesting, but what really captured me was the relationship that developed between the two main characters. They were, at first glance, opposites in every way. Penny was sheltered and shy, while Michael was outgoing and had seen much of the world. But, I just loved the way they connected and it became apparent how they valued the same things. Their romance was so sweet.
I also really liked that Michael Knoxx was a man with a disability. It made this story so interesting. Also wonderful was the way Penny loved Michael just as he was. It was great to see her grow in confidence with Michael and also with her parents, and the difficult home situation she was in.
** A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.
Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house.
But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.
Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest…to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.
But new friendships can’t stop time. Soon, Michael's time in Pinecraft will be over and he'll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she’s sure she'll never have the courage to do?
THE PROPOSAL AT SIESTA KEY stands alone, even though it is the second book in this series. The only continuing story is with Bev who manages the Inn. Fans will want to read the first book The Promise of Palm Grove to discover the beginning of Bev’s story.
At first Michael was very rude (though he was hurting) and Penny was beyond disrespectful to her parents. And in retaliation, her parents went over-the-top in their response. I liked how Michael handled his relationship with his family.
"The Proposal at Siesta Key" by Shelley Shepard Gray is set in an Amish / Mennonite community town called Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida. It's the Amish version of Las Vegas, Nevada, the phrase "what happens here stays here", but for the Amish it's more cleaner and faithful way of letting go of your strict community back home.
This time in "The Proposal at Siesta Key", we start with Penny Troyer and her parents who left their troubles in Ohio to start over. Or so Penny thought, but for the last twelve years her parents have not been able to do that for themselves nor for Penny.
Penny is twenty-four and is ready to do the things that most girls have already done at the age of sixteen in most Amish communities; courting, going to group events, get a job outside of the home, or simply walking the streets by one's self. Nope Penny's parents don't allow her to walk the streets by herself much, all for what happened in Ohio twelve years ago.
Michael Knoxx is the most famous member of the Knoxx Family, who are a traveling Mennonite evangelical family. Michael is scheduled to speak in Pinecraft, about his life experience, but mostly the terrible day that he lost his leg.
Penny has her mind made up that she is going to go hear Michael Knoxx speak, even if her parents are against it. Michael's message touched Penny that night. And from here Penny's and Michael's journey begins.
I loved reading "The Proposal at Siesta Key" by Shelley Shepard Gray and the message that came out while reading it. I like reading Shelley Shepard Gray's book because her selection of topics or events are different, even if the message may not always be different from other authors.
No money was exchanged for this review and this is all my opinion of my own words.
The second book of Shelley Shepard Gray’s Amish Brides of Pinecraft, The Proposal at Siesta Key delivers a tale of Pinecraft romance just as charming as the first (The Promise of Palm Grove). While revisiting Pinecraft and some of its familiar faces, Gray introduces two fresh characters to take the lead - Penny Troyer and Michael Knoxx, both dealing with past tragedy and trauma and needing a bit of independence. As they cross paths, strike up an unlikely yet heartwarming friendship and confront the challenges that arise, I happily followed their story from start to finish. A quick yet sweet and engaging read, The Proposal at Siesta Key will surely please any fans of The Promise of Palm Grove and leave them as interested as I am in the third book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Since reading The Promise of Palm Grove, I have been eager to return to the heart of Sarasota, Florida. In the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, Shelley Shepard Gray invites readers back to the small Amish community of Pinecraft and the quaint Orange Blossom Inn. New primary characters are introduced, and familiar favorites are enjoyed in the secondary story line.
The Proposal at Siesta Key charmed me from the first page until the last! The story boasts vivid imagery, endearing characters, a unique story line, and a tender romance. I enjoyed The Proposal at Siesta Key and can’t wait to read the next book in this delightful series!
P.S. Don’t miss the great bonus material that is included in the back of the book. In addition to an author’s note and discussion guide, readers can enjoy a Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, Shelley’s top five must-see spots in Pinecraft, scenes from Pinecraft, and a sneak peek of the next book, A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn.
I received a complimentary copy of The Proposal at Siesta Key through Litfuse Publicity. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.
Both Penny and Michael are very interesting characters. Penny has been sheltered to an extreme due to the tragic death of her sister. So, her defiance of her parents is not of the extreme kind -- she just wants to have a normal life, which includes friends and fun outings. I could sympathize both with Penny's parents' need to protect her and Penny's need to move on from the tragedy that has defined their lives so far. Michael has also been shaped by tragedy, but in a different direction. The loss of his leg led his whole family to reach out to others in the hopes that they can inspire them to build new lives after tragedy. It's no wonder that Penny is drawn to Michael and his family. But Michael's life isn't all roses, either. Thus, it is fascinating to see Penny and Michael attempt to meet in the middle of their lifestyles to come to a new way of life that will work for both of them -- as well as their families, who are resistant to change. I greatly enjoyed "The Proposal at Siesta Key," and can't wait to read more books in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray.
`The Proposal at Siesta Key` opens with author Shelley Shepard Gray's depiction of Pinecraft, Fl. The reader is destined to feel at home while following the places portrayed in the novel. It is the second in a series, "Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Fl." This second novel had some unexpected twists and turns I was not expecting. Shelley Gray considers some serious issues; such as death of a loved one. However, I believe, in some ways, this novel could help heal the reader of inner turmoil from the past. This is my opinion, not necessarily that of the author. I love author Shelley Gray's writing style, which I believe may validate her personality. Her writing flows naturally from pen to paper. Both novels inhabit Pinecraft, Fl.; which may be unusual for the Amish to reside. They are each great reading material. I highly recommend the reader digest both books in order; which is to the readers advantage. Also, I would only recommend the series to mature readers only; because of the nature of the second volume.
Disclaimer: I received `The Proposal at Siesta Key` complimentary for review.
Shelley Shephard Gray takes us back to sunny Pinecraft, Fl in this new delightful book.
I greatly admired Penny Troyer for having the courage to stand up to her parents in a respectful way that reqired an inner strength that came from her strong convictions.
In Penny's quest to gain indepedence she needs to find a job and this is where the fun begins! We are reunited with beloved characters and familiar places from the first book in the series and meet some new characters that stole my heart. The story moves flawlessy as I've come to expect from this talented author.
Ms. Gray's attention to details are impeccable and her ability to create characters that seem so real is one of the reasons I always look forward to reading her books.
This is a book that you can share with your mothers, grandmothers, daughters and ladies from your church.
If you or anyone you know is looking for a summer read, I highly recommend this one. Even though, it's the second book in the series, this could easily be a standalone novel.
After leading a sheltered life for the last twelve years, Penny Troyer decides to take matters into her own hands.
Her parents relocated to Pinecraft, Florida due to the tragic death of their daughter Lissy twelve years ago and have basically kept Penny under their tight control fearing for her safety as they can't seem to move on with their lives due to the horrific family tragedy.
Penny goes to the local park to hear Evangelist Micheal Knoxx and his family speak. Soon after, they develop a friendship. Michael and Penny each share their hopes and dreams and make a proposal during a visit to Siesta Key Beach.
Michael undergoes surgery and while recuperating at the Orange Blossom Inn, Penny is hired as a maid and to look after Michael's needs.
I loved some of the secondary characters too. Aunt Beverly and Tricia were fun. The Pinecraft setting evokes a simple but loving community and it was wonderful reading of the blossoming relationship between Penny and Michael.
This is a wonderful book to read for lovers of Amish fiction.
Another well written book by Shelley Shepard Gray! No matter how bad your situation is or how overwhelmed life has you feeling, God is there for you and so are your family and friends. This is a main theme throughout this book. The characters rely on love and faith to see them through their life struggles.
You are reunited with some of the characters from Book 1 in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, but you don't have to read Book 1 to follow the storyline, but I highly recommend you do, since it's a great series.
One of the new characters in The Proposal at Siesta Key is Penny Troyer, and she is a pistol. She has the guts and courage to stand up to her parents and make them see that there is a life out there - to stop hiding from it and enjoy it. She goes after what she wants - happiness!
So find yourself a little corner to curl up in, put on your flip flops, and spend some time in Pinecraft, FL. Enjoy some beach time.
The Proposal At Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray was a great story. I did read the first book in this series but you won’t be lost if this is the first book you pick up and read in the series. I love all the books that Shelley has written about the Amish so going into this book I expected to love it as well. I always get worried when I start reading a book and already expect the book to be amazing because I have been let down before but this book didn’t let me down at all. I loved this book. I instantly loved Penny from the first page right through the end. At the start of the book I wasn’t a huge fan of Michael but after I was a few chapters in I did start to like him as well. I loved that we got to check back in with some of the characters from the first book as well because I like to see how they are doing. If you love Amish fiction than I would for sure recommend this book to you.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Shelley Shepard Gray's Amish stories are always an enjoyable read -- and The Proposal at Siesta Key is no exception.
Set in Sarasota, Florida, the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series brings together Amish and Mennonite characters who are living a lifestyle a little different from the typical horse and buggy Plain people we frequently find in Amish fiction. If you have read book one of this series, The Promise of Palm Grove, you will recognize the Orange Blossom Inn and the continuing story of some of its characters.
Shelley uses the relationship that develops between Penny and Michael to present a delightful story of friendship and personal growth. The other characters each add interesting elements to the story and open up the possibilities of more good things to come in the remainder of the series.
Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"The Proposal at Siesta Key" is the second book in the "Pinecraft Brides" series. I had the chance to read the first book and was excited to learn I would be reviewing this one as well. It is oh so beautifully written. Shelley Shepard Gray has a way with writing that will capture your heart. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
I don't often give a book 5 stars, in fact I can count on one hand the number of "5 star" reviews I've given books...but this book, no...so far this series would get a 5 star!
Be warned once you start reading this book you will feel like you are in Florida at the Orange Blossom Inn. This book will sweep you off of your feet and will have you impatiently waiting for the third book in the series!
*Disclaimer* I received this book free from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
The Proposal at Siesta Key: Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book Two (The Pinecraft Brides), By: Shelley Shepard Gray This is book two in The Pinecraft Brides series. Shelley Shepard Gray has done it yet again! Written another that is destine to be a best seller! I was captured by this book in the very beginning. This book is filled with love, compassion, heartbreak, understanding and faith. The description was so well written that I could practically feel the sun on my face, the sand in between my toes and smell the salt water. This book moves at a great pace. Never a dull moment! Characters that make you crave more and more of them. I am definitely looking forward to I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. That way I can revisit the wonderful small town of Pinecraft, Florida and the wonderful characters that I have falling in love with. 5 stars!
“The Proposal at Siesta Key” is book two in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series by Shelley Shepard Gray. In this captivating story, Penny Troyer seeks to find her independence from the sheltered life she has led ever since the rape and death of her sister. Against her parents’ wishes, she goes to hear the Knoxx family speak about their work as Mennonite evangelists. She meets Michael Knoxx, who inspires his listeners with his own tale of triumph over hardship. When circumstances allow for Michael to extend his stay in Pinecraft, he and Penny come to care for one another. However, as Michael’s time in Pinecraft draws to a close, he and Penny must decide what the future holds for them. “Proposal at Siesta Key” is another beautiful story from this talented author. Readers will enjoy this book, and anxiously await the next!
Penny Troyer of Pinecraft, Florida makes a life-changing decision to hear the evangelical Knoxx family speak one night. She is trying to overcome a painful past and the main speaker Michael had an accident that changed his life. Penny gets a job at the Orange Blossom Inn with Miss Beverly. One of her main duties is taking care of Michael before and after his surgery. They grow closer and have to make major life changes to make their relationship work. With God anything is possible. Miss Beverly grows closer with the inn's owner Eric. It will be interesting to see that relationship blossom. Miss Beverly's niece Tricia makes a surprise visit and I can't wait to see her grow up. I'm beyond glad that both Penny and Michael have a wonderful and happy life. God is good. I received a free copy of this book as a member of Shelley's group "The Buggy Bunch" but I purchased an additional copy.
I liked this cute romance about living each day to the fullest! I really liked Penny and admired her determination to change her life. She had a lot of courage, especially knowing what a dangerous place the world can be. There were some amusing moments and some sweet romantic ones. Penny and Michael both had a strong faith in God, but he was Mennonite and she was Amish and their differences were never really addressed. I liked getting reacquainted with Bev and her situation with the new owner of the inn. This works well as a stand-alone, though there was some information about Bev you learned in the first book. I look forward to seeing how her story gets resolved. I absolutely loved the setting and relaxed atmosphere. I'd recommend this book to women who like Amish stories.
I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
The Proposal at Siesta Key by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Several characters in this book face emotional or physical challenges. I can relate mostly to the struggles Michael faces because we are both physically challenged. Penny faces challenges with her parents, but God shows her how to overcome these challenges when she meets Michael. After a trip to the park Michael is in so much pain that he goes to the hospital for surgery. A wonderful friendship between Michael and Penny develops and they learn a lot from each other, which is what they both needed. Michael and Penny share what they want in their futures. By the end of the book, both have surprised each other in huge thrilling ways. Shelley has again earned 5 stars from me!
In the second book of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, Penny is learning to live after a lifetime of being sheltered. Her sister was kidnapped and killed when she was young and her parents haven’t let her out of their sight since! Now that she is in her 20’s, she’s ready to get a job and meet some people. When she is hired to care for a missionary ���celebrity”, Penny finds herself falling for him.
Shelley’s books about the Amish life in Pincraft, Florida are interesting and easy reads. There isn’t really any depth to them, but they are a great book to pick up for a relaxing, no-brainer afternoon. The characters are cute and the plots are simple.
Thank you, Litfuse, for sending this book my way. As always, this is my honest opinion. Here’s to many more.
Another heart-warming Amish story from Shelley Shepard Gray that takes place in Pinecraft, Florida. After Penny Troyer's sister is abducted and murdered, her family moves to Pinecraft to start over but Penny's parents keep such a tight hold on her so they won't lose her. Eventually Penny decides she needs to get out and experience life so she takes a job at the Orange Blossom Inn where Michael Knoxx just happens to be recovering from surgery. Michael is an evangelical speaker who Penny gets to know. Michael is tired of touring so can Penny and Michael each live their lives one day at a time and experience all of God's goodness together? You'll have to read it to find out.
First of all, I have to say that I love the texture of the cover of this book, as well as the pastel hues. It's a rough matte texture, and the oval on which the title is printed is slightly raised, and smooth.
The story itself is well written, and enjoyable to read. It is easy for me to relate to each of the characters. And I like watching the growth in both Penny's and Michael's lives.
I will definitely plan to go back and read book one of the Amish Brides of Pinecraft series, and look forward to her next one in the series.
I never knew there was a Pinecraft, Florida. I'd like to go visit, maybe the next time I visit my folks in Florida.