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Her Perfect Proposal

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WRITING HER OWN HAPPY ENDING?

Journalist Lilly Matsuda just writes headlines; she doesn't make them. That is, until she runs afoul of Gunnar Norling while on assignment in the tiny town of Heartlandia. The handsome policeman intrigues more than Lilly's investigative senses…but she isn't going to let Gunnar's megawatt smile or smoldering good looks melt her heart.

Gunnar isn't a fan of people snooping around Heartlandia. He's been sworn to secrecy about the town's mysterious past, and he refuses to compromise that for anyone…even beautiful Lilly, who's hot on the story's trail. Besides, she's not going to stick around forever, and Gunnar refuses to let his heart get trampled on—unless Lilly decides to put love first!

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 10, 2015

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About the author

Lynne Marshall

225 books318 followers
USA Today Bestselling author, Lynne Marshall, used to worry she had a serious problem with daydreaming until she realized she was supposed to write those stories. A late bloomer, Lynne came to fiction writing after her children were nearly grown. Now she explores the mysteries of life through endearing characters in unexplainable situations. Women's Fiction for women of a certain age and everyone who loves their feisty nana. At the heart of every book is a true love story.

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5 stars
27 (50%)
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11 (20%)
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11 (20%)
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3 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Lynne Marshall.
Author 225 books318 followers
January 26, 2015
HER PERFECT PROPOSAL, has received a 4 1/2 star TOP PICK review from Romantic Times Magazine for March:

“Humor takes precedence in Marshall’s romantic mystery. Her aw-shucks dialogue and quotable catchphrases give a fly-on-the-wall perspective. Her culturally opposite couple is genuinely lovable, while her returning and new co-stars are essential parts of the tale.” Debbie Haupt RT Book Reviews
Profile Image for Janie.
1,568 reviews15 followers
January 14, 2015
"Her Perfect Proposal" by Lynne Marshall is a continuation of the 'Home in Heartlandia' series. This book can be read alone or with the other book in this series. I really enjoy reading Lynne Marshall's books so I have to say read the series but if you're looking for a great, quick read you'll enjoy this book too.

Lilly Matsuda moved from San Francisco to Heatlandia hoping to take over the local newspaper, and bring herself to the top of the headlines. Gunnar Norling is the local cop who gives Lilly a warning citation for jaywalking on her first day in town along with a warning that she obey the rules of the city. This is their first meeting with each other and as isn't their last.

Lilly's father most likely wished that his daughter had been born a son. No matter how well Lilly did or what she accomplished in life he thought she could do better. The only person who believed in her dreams was her grandmother.

Gunnar's father was imprisoned for committing a crime, and he has been trying to show that he is nothing like his father. The only problem is that he can't trust, and without trust hasn't been able to be in any sort of long term relationship.

Heartlandia seems to be a lovely town with a beautiful past. Or, is it? There are records that have shown up recently that the town may have once been involved in piracy, and the founding father was not the good guy that everyone made him out to be.

You'll enjoy reading about this small town, and the relationship between Lilly and Gunner.
Profile Image for Dyan.
121 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2015
A second hit! Book two in the Heartlandia series was a fun read and it was great to revisit the town. I love how Lily and Gunnar are seemly different, but make a great pair! I wonder how many police officers land up with someone they ticket, it makes getting pulled over a interesting dating option! I loved this read and look forward to book three.
Profile Image for Fiona Lowe.
Author 175 books682 followers
Read
March 17, 2015
I totally understand why RT Magazine gave this book a Top Pick review! Ms. Marshall's humor will make you smile.
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews79 followers
January 22, 2015
Journalist Lilly Matsuda writes headlines, she never makes them! Until she runs afoul of Gunnar Norling while on a assignment in the tiny town of Heartlandia. Gunnar has been sworn to secrecy about the town's mysterious past and he refuses to compromise that for anyone even very tempting and beautiful Lilly , who is as all journalists should be , hot on the trail of a good story! And of course to her it does not matter much anyway, it's a headline today and a past story she did tomorrow. She'll be long gone and onto the trail of the her next headline before the impact of exposing the town's secret even hits her. That is unless she decides to put love first.

I have always loved this authors books, the stories are always heartwarming, gives new hope and simply shines like bright stars breaking through the clouds on a late stormy evening ! This read was no different , it had all of that going for it and more.

In this read it is not only Lilly that finds that new zest and hope for life nor is it only Gunnar, the whole charming and absolutely captivating town of Heartlandia finds new hope.

The fun part about this read was definitely the secret and mystery of the town, I found myself ready to climb inside the pages and dig just as hard and deep as Lilly to get to the heart of the secret and just why the town 's people are so determined to hide it.

All the characters in this read were simply marvelous, intriguing, and so realistic that they were all so much more than just characters, they were more like real everyday people I come across , the author brought them all to life with vivid clarity !

I am taking away a message of life is a challenge , with everything we do, but when we become the challenge instead of the real person we are inside, then it's not a challenge anymore, it's more of a thing we have become and thus we are pretty much no longer human. We push and push to reach the end of it all and along the way we are simply just little specs of dust that use to be, one needs to always remember what life is truly about or those who are or become important to us will merely see us a here today gone tomorrow. And no one wants to be remembered as simply just that.

I recommend this read for fans that adore romance reads with loads of lovely twists and turns , mystery and just plain crazy falling in love fun. Well done Lynne, keep them coming!

4 star review
" She rushes to make headlines, he rushes to capture her heart"
Profile Image for Susan.
4,851 reviews131 followers
April 22, 2015
Good story of a small town with a secret and two people who have choices to make about that secret. Lilly has arrived in Heartlandia to work on the town's newspaper. She has dreams of finding a big story to break and eventually owning the paper. On her first day in town she's caught jaywalking by Gunnar the police sergeant who warns her about following the rules.

Gunnar and Lilly are two very interesting people. Gunnar has spent most of his life feeling as though he has to atone for the mistakes of his father, who was sent to prison when Gunnar was a boy. As a result, Gunnar tends to be pretty rigid about the difference between right and wrong. He finds it very difficult to trust people. Lilly is the only child of two very driven parents. She has always felt that she was a disappointment to her father, just because she wasn't a son, so she has done everything she can to earn his approval. He has always told her to keep her goals in sight and do whatever necessary to achieve them.

From the moment they met, Lilly and Gunnar are attracted to each other, but it isn't an easy relationship. Gunnar is used to women pretty much falling at his feet, and Lilly's resistance to his advances confuses him. He's so cocky about his appeal that I rather enjoyed seeing Lilly shoot him down on a regular basis. Lilly is attracted to him, but she has no intention of letting him distract her from her goal of finding out what the big secret is. His persistence eventually pays off and they begin to get to know each other, but their differing outlooks create some real tension between them. Both of them have to learn to compromise a little and open their hearts to trust. I loved the way that Lilly used the tea ceremony to show Gunnar how she felt.


*copy received in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Helen.
3,001 reviews74 followers
February 15, 2015
I did really enjoy this story I loved the town of Heartlandia and the characters added so much to Lilly and Gunnar's story. Lilly moves to town and starts work at the local newspaper and is determined to make a name for herself as a journalist and Gunnar is the local police sergeant with plans to become mayor of his town one day but trust about a secret plays a big part in their story and issues from both their father's as well I highly recommend this one it will have you smiling
Profile Image for Skye Kilaen.
Author 19 books380 followers
no-thank-you
January 24, 2018
"He kept writing, though snuck in an occasional peek at the exotic lady."

Do. not. refer. to. your. Asian. heroines. as. exotic. Ever.
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews22 followers
February 9, 2015
A downhome feel is evident all throughout the Heartlandia miniseries, and Lynne Marshall makes every scene engagingly enjoyable. Though most of the characters forgo the big city lifestyle, they still have to face worrying issues. Some troubles pertain to the history of the quaint town, while other concerns are of a much more personal nature. The second book deals with hometown secrets plus being able to trust, and how the two affect the budding relationship of a spirited couple. No matter what the heart may desire, the beliefs of someone should also be in agreement or often damaging problems may arise. HER PERFECT PROPOSAL is compelling with touching realism.

It was not long after Lilly Matsuda arrived in Heartlandia before she broke one of its rules, as she was informed by police sergeant Gunnar Norling when he caught her jaywalking. She has come from San Francisco to work as a reporter for the local newspaper, and she is quickly learning life is definitely not the same in the coastal Oregon town which is greatly influenced by its Scandinavian roots. Though Lilly has noticed many of the men in the area are particularly good-looking because of their heritage, especially Gunnar, she has no time for dating as her reason for taking a new job is to prove her worth as a journalist.

One subject in which she has special interest is the history of the town, as she thinks it would make an informative article. However, Gunnar is one a several residents who know about information recently uncovered about Heartlandia, facts that they want kept secret. He is a very devoted citizen of the town as well as dutiful policeman, and he worries the sharp-minded Lilly may keep digging for the truth. When she tries to get closer to Gunnar, he cannot help but wonder about her true motive.

After having met Gunnar in the previous book of the Heartlandia miniseries plus reading his first scene in this story, I had high hopes a potential partner would be someone feisty so she could shakeup his need for control. And the opposite-thinking Lilly certainly brought disorder into his life. His sense of obligation conflicts with her drive to write a newsworthy article, and they are both heavily swayed by prior actions of their parents. Although these two do have much fun when they are together, the past keeps intruding and affects their reactions. The one area in their lives that is compatible is their sexual attraction, and Ms. Marshall lets them express their feelings with heartfelt sincerity. Though Gunnar and Lilly are drawn to each other, their goals keep pushing them apart. The importance of trust in their lives is skillfully interwoven into the story, where impulsive comments make them come across as even more true-to-life individuals.

There is a little bit of mystery in the book, and what is actually happening just adds to the mounting secrets in Heartlandia. The whole concept of the miniseries is very interesting, and each story has made me eager to discover more facts. How the town is depicted is also very fascinating because of the various Scandinavian influences. There are more books to come, and I am looking forward to seeing what will ultimately occur to the community and its many likable townsfolk. HER PERFECT PROPOSAL is captivating with distinctive characters and a notable storyline. Lynne Marshall is a master when it comes to heartwarming romance.

CataRomance review
Profile Image for Ryann Robbins.
1 review
February 15, 2015
A Solid 4.5

Something dark is brewing in the quaint and quiet little town of Heartlandia. Their storybook past may actually be a cleverly woven veil of lies hiding unpalatable truths; and history is threatening to be re-written. So when journalist Lilly Matsuda sets her tenacious sights on exposing a town secret that local policeman Gunnar Norling is equally determined to keep buried, sparks fly – as heated as the fires popping up suspiciously all over town – and it’s not just their different opinions on the proper boundaries of privacy that have these two flaring. Trust is not something that comes easily, especially to children who’ve been repeatedly manipulated or lied to, even when they’ve long since left childhood behind. Both Lilly and Gunnar are guardedly governed by the sins of their fathers. Can each finally lay those burdens aside, and fling open the door to love?

Lynne Marshall has a way of welcoming you into worlds rich with culture and diversity; making you feel a part of, rather than merely an outside observer of things. There’s always an unexpected glimpse into traditions unlike our own – like an authentic Japanese tea ceremony – I like that. Her primary characters are not perfect – often, a bit far from it; they stumble and falter, they struggle and grow … and with their guidance, so can we. Her secondary characters bring a fullness to her stories, and leave us looking forward to hearing about adventures all their own.

“Her Perfect Proposal” is the second book in Lynne’s Heartlandia series. I suggest you start with “A Doctor for Keeps” and be prepared to continue on to “Falling for the Mom-to-Be” in order to uncover the full story of Heartlandia’s mysterious past – a trip well worth the taking.
Profile Image for Virginia Campbell.
1,282 reviews354 followers
April 20, 2015
Author Lynne Marshall returns readers to the fictional community of Heartlandia with "Her Perfect Proposal", Book Two in the "Home in Heartlandia" series. Petite powerhouse Lilly Matsuda, a thirty-year old journalist from a well-to-do family, has decided to move forward with her own choices in life. Leaving San Francisco behind to work for a small-town newspaper, with a secret plan to buy out the paper and start it over fresh in her style of reporting, seemed like the way to go. Beginning with police officer Gunnar Norling, who reprimands her for jaywalking, Lilly finds that small towns often offer up big surprises. Gunnar, gorgeous, green-eyed, and definitely not lacking in confidence, is knocked for a loop by the dark-haired, dark-eyed beauty who shows him that short and sassy is sexy, indeed. While Lilly scents out leads involving a possible headline-making story about the town's history, Gunnar is working just as hard to keep that story under wraps until a select committee of townspeople can figure out how to handle the backlash the revelations may bring. Sparks fly between the handsome lawman and the lovely lady journalist, but will their fiery attraction lead to something more? Is there a way for them to merge his concern for the community and her reporter's instincts into a mutually rewarding compromise? Will a love story turn out to be the top headline after all? "Her Perfect Proposal" is a charmingly compelling contemporary romance from talented storyteller Lynne Marshall.

Review Copy Gratis Author
Profile Image for Connie Saunders.
1,894 reviews163 followers
January 30, 2015
One ambitious journalist plus one determined officer of the law can certainly create a problem but, in Her Perfect Proposal, the solution equals total enjoyment for the reader. Author Lynne Marshall has written a thoroughly enjoyable story that offers mystery, romance, and increasing tension as you ponder "Will their growing attraction for each other be able to overcome their obvious issues"?

Her Perfect Proposal also gives Lynne's fans a chance to learn more about Gunnar, a character first introduced in A Doctor for Keeps. Gunnar is the police sergeant in Heartlandia and he is determined to protect his hometown and also restore his family's honor. Gunnar was just twelve when his father was sent to jail and he has fought hard to make his family name one of honor instead of shame. This desire for redemption is challenged and complicated by the arrival of Lily, a journalist from San Francisco who needs "The Big Story" to finally succeed and prove her self-worth to her family. Lily's reporting, however, may jeopardize the growing love that she and Gunnar are feeling.

Her Perfect Proposal is the second book in the Heartlandia series and you will love returning to this charming small town. Lynne Marshall has once again proven that she can "spin a tale". You won't be disappointed!
38 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2015
Lily Matsuda is in Heartlandia to take over the local newspaper which is going down fast. She wants to see it become successful again and has her own ideas how to do it. Her first day in Heartlandia turns out to be one unforgettable day as she is stopped by the local police for jaywalking of all things.

Gunnar Norling is a local boy who left town but has now return to keep law and order in the town and to keep the rules as they always were. He meets Lily and tries to show her around town and make her feel welcome. His meeting causes some issues as later Lily uses some of their conversation in the local newspaper which she crossed over the line to do.

Gunnar can't feel he can trust her anymore and when she starts to dig into lives around Heartlandia he feels even stronger that she is digging too deep in this town for her stories.

Lily and Gunnar finds themselves drawn to each other and enjoy the company they each share but he doesn't want the past dug up as there are things better left buried and not be uncovered.

Conflict of interest is strong between Lily and Gunnar, she wants to make a name for herself and the newspaper and he is determined to let the past history of Heartlandia stay buried.

Lynn Marshall writes a great story here and this is the second book of the series which takes you to Heartlandia and the people who live there.
Profile Image for Nas Dean.
838 reviews38 followers
February 1, 2015
HER PERFECT PROPOSAL by author Lynne Marshall is a Harlequin Special Edition release for March 2015.

This is book two of the mini-series set in the town of Heartlandia. Book One is A Doctor For Keeps released in March 2014 by Lynne Marshall.

Journalist Lilly Matsuda moves from San Francisco to small town Heartlandia to start a new job as the town reporter. She is after a huge story as she wants to make her name by breaking ‘The Story.’

Cop Gunnar Norling doesn’t want anyone snooping around his town for it’s mysterious history. He intends to keep the town secret safe till the time to release it comes. Can he keep it safe from Lilly? After all she’s hot on the story’s trail. And Gunnar would like to shed his bachelor image in favor of happy ever after with this feisty journalist! Could he trust Lilly with his town’s secret and his heart?

HER PERFECT PROPOSAL is a romance between two different culture’s characters. The dialogue is believable and realistic and I was thoroughly engaged in Lilly and Gunnar’s lives. If you’re looking for a sweet story with exciting characters who uncover thrilling secrets, then this romance by Author Lynne Marshall is for you.

Highly recommended for all readers.
Profile Image for Cecelia Kelsey.
133 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2015
Lilly meets Gunnar her first day in town when he gives when he gives her a warning for jaywalking. She thinks he must be kidding because she is from San Francisco where jaywalking is a way of life! Lilly has taken a job in town at the newspaper for Heartlandia. She needed to get away from the big city and her Father's constant disappointment in her. Gunnar and Lilly are both attracted to each other, and they feel the need to be overachievers due to different experiences with their fathers. This is Lilly and Gunnar's story but it is also a story about Heartlandia and the people who live there. It is about a secret so big it could change the town. I loved the journey this book took me on. Good book and you don't want to put it down!
Profile Image for Sharon.
396 reviews
May 2, 2015
So far I am enjoying the book. I had some medical setbacks so I have not been able to get back to the book. Hopefully, this weekend I can take some time to try and read.
Loved, Loved this book and the characters. I will go crazy waiting till the next part comes out in June. I have all kinds of ideas running through my mind as to who will be in the next one and if someone will try and dig up the treasure. I have never read one of Lynne Marshall's books before but can't wait to find more. Very good story line. I love romance and strong characters. Especially, when they are women.
So glad I won this book. Will look forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Hina Tabassum Khatri.
679 reviews116 followers
February 18, 2015
I started this one with a prejudice as it is a story of a journalist. I knew I would love it. And I was not wrong.

The penmanship is such that it captures not only the beauty of such a profession (and that of being a police officer) but all the bad things and the negativity as well. Making it very real and easy to relate to.

The focus on emotions, prejudices and lifelong habbits makes the story all the more real as that is how people in this world behave.

Unlike my other reviews, I am not going to mention the story here (the blurb is alreay there). Read it and you'll love it too.

Amazing job Lynne.
56 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2015
Her Perfect Proposal by Lynne Marshall is book 2 in her Heartlandia series. I loved Gunnar, the taller Tom Hardy policeman. He is strong, compassionate and a little bossy. Lilly annoyed me so much the first held of the book. She is a journalist and she made some bad decisions. Only after Gunnar breaks up with her does she see the error of her ways. I enjoyed the second half of the book much more once I could start rooting for their happy ending. Lynne is an amazing storyteller. I liked the Scandinavian and Japanese cultural references and the mystery too. Really looking forward to the final book in this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Bev Poston.
38 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2015
Her Perfect Proposal is the story of Gunner, a man believing he needs to atone for his father's mistakes and Lilly, a woman who believes she never measures up to her father's expectations. The attraction between the two is instantaneous but scary. When bad things in town start happening, both learn the importance of trust which leads them to love.

Lynne Marshall created a story that is warn, sexy, and intriguing. This is the second installment of the Secret of Heartlandia series and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Beth.
5 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2015
Her Perfect Proposal by Lynne Maryshall
This book is about two people who feel as if they have something to prove.
For Gunnar he feels he must prove something to the town of Heartlandia. For Lilly it is her parents that she can be a success as a journalist.
I really enjoyed this quick paced story and the interaction with the quirky townspeople. This isn’t your run of the mill story line and I really like that. Once I started reading I had a hard time stopping.
I would recommend this book for an enjoyable read!
710 reviews12 followers
February 1, 2015
This is part of the Heartlandia series but can be read alone. This is a story of Lilly who never meets her fathers expectations and Gunny who's father made a lot of mistakes he is trying to atone for. They must learn to trust in each other when things start happening in the town. This book has romance, mystery and above all a happy ending. A great story and even though it stands alone readers will find themselves getting the first book. A true gem.
44 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2015
Her Perfect Proposal by Lynne Marshall was an excellent read. The story takes place in a small town called Heartlandia. Lilly is a journalist that is in town on assignment to find out about the town's mysterious past. Gunnar is a police officer that won't allow his heart to get trampled on by a beautiful lady that he thinks won't be sticking around. Does she get her story? Does she decide to put love first? I had a hard time putting this story down.
Profile Image for Lori Weller.
323 reviews18 followers
February 12, 2015
Lynne Marshall continues her series about Heartlandia in this second book. You meet a journalist, Lily, who just arrived in town. She is locking horns with a certain policeman named Gunnar. There is a mystery surrounding the town that Lily is determined to snoop out. The book is exciting, funny, romantic, and true to Lynne's usual style. I can't wait to read the third book!
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,216 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2015
This second book in the Heartlandia series didn't disappoint. Fall in love with the town's people all over again, as Lilly moves into town and threatens its heritage. Gunner falls for her and has to learn to trust her. Take this newest heartwarming journey through Heartlandia. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,810 followers
Read
January 12, 2016
"Humor takes precedence in Marshall’s romantic mystery. Her aw-shucks dialogue and quotable catchphrases give a fly-on-the-wall perspective. Her culturally opposite couple is genuinely lovable, while her returning and new co-stars and town are essential parts of the tale" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!).
Profile Image for F..
255 reviews4 followers
August 30, 2020
It is painful 🙍🏻‍♀️, it's always the main female character 👗 who is behind in everything 👥 and same her feelings 💓, thoughts 🧠, needs , career 💼 ...
The question would be: If Lilly 📰 committed a misdemeanor, would Gunnar 👮🏼‍♂️ put his job first or her? 🤔

Extract translated from Spanish to English...

"(...) His geisha served him and it was not necessary talk ... Any man's dream. " 🤦🏻‍♀️😣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,323 reviews23 followers
January 25, 2015
I thought this was a good read. I connected with Lilly as she is from San Francisco and moved to a city she didn't know much about and within a short time fell for someone. It did start a little slow but hang in there as you then connect and it is a good book.
29 reviews
January 30, 2015
Her Perfect Proposal was an excellent read!!! The small town charm and humor was just what this reader was needing. It is due in the stores in print on February 17th. It will be available for e-book beginning March 1st, Happy Reading!!
17 reviews
March 10, 2015
I loved this romance between a boy and a girl of different cultures.
Profile Image for Deanna Lenz.
10 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2015
This was an excellent book. It couldn't have been much better. It kept me interested. I didn't want to put it down. It would make a great movie. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews