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The Proper Proposal
Sir John, 4th Baron of Chalkstone, inherited an estate deep in debt even before he came of age and the responsibility as well for five younger brothers.
After ten years of hard work and self-denial he has finally done it: The debts are paid off; the estate is flourishing. Time to go looking for a bride!
The right one just is not there for him among the ladies of the countryside. So the attractive nobleman takes himself to London – and meets there the enchanting Louise Staunton. With his customary energy and strength of purpose, he goes about winning her over.
A strong man who knows what he wants and a smart, beautiful woman who is willing to be persuaded…
After ten years of hard work and self-denial he has finally done it: The debts are paid off; the estate is flourishing. Time to go looking for a bride!
The right one just is not there for him among the ladies of the countryside. So the attractive nobleman takes himself to London – and meets there the enchanting Louise Staunton. With his customary energy and strength of purpose, he goes about winning her over.
A strong man who knows what he wants and a smart, beautiful woman who is willing to be persuaded…
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2017
14 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Sophy Hester
9 books31 followersSophy Hester studied musicology and Russian at university and works as a copywriter and editor. For love she moved from a city of millions to a village. She has been married since 2004 and has three children. She loves to play the piano, to read romantic novels and to write - classic, contemporary Regency Romances.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2017
The Proper Proposal by Sophy Hester
Lately, I have been on a string of historical romance-esque series (both novels and television) - The Other Boelyn Girl, Downton Abbey, Reign, The Crown... The list truly goes on. For whatever reason, this type of media has been calling out to me and how could I say no? There are so many fantastic versions of historical fiction/nonfiction literature and television/movies out there!!
So, when I received The Proper Proposal and it popped on my desk, it was very hard to not immediately grab onto the book (despite being super busy and knowingly should not be reading but instead doing work... but like any bookworm, I became a dog when they see a squirrel).
This book was rather easy to read, and that's not an insult. It's a book that's easily to follow along and becomes instantly addicting. I had a very hard time putting it down because I really wanted to finish it all in one sitting - it was that great!!
This book is beautiful in the sense that it's style is written like the era it is from. I loved seeing big words and references to other works outside of the novel - it's such a nice change! So many books bore me with texting lingo and simple language. I applaud Sophy for expanding the types of words used in this novel. There's nothing more irritating than a historical novel using current language throughout the entire book. It was so refreshing and so beautiful, that it deserves a great review just for that content alone.
There isn't much I'd change about this novel. If anything, I'd just beg Sophy to continue writing more books (whether it be in this genre or others, I think she's fantastic and needs more books out in the open!). The novel is not to short and not to long - just long enough that it's rewarding, but short enough to finish in one sitting. The characters are lovable, even if their romance seems "rushed" (in their time it wouldn't be, but readers today may find that a tad bit interesting). I also enjoyed that there were a few storylines to follow, but our main characters of Louise and John were the main focus. This book doesn't veer to off to throw the reader off course.
Overall, this book deserves five out of five stars. I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down and I found it adorable. I love a good historical romance that doesn't bore me to tears! This book did quite the opposite!! More readers and bookstores need to pick up on this author - Sophy Hester deserves so much more recognition. This book was fantastic!!!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Lately, I have been on a string of historical romance-esque series (both novels and television) - The Other Boelyn Girl, Downton Abbey, Reign, The Crown... The list truly goes on. For whatever reason, this type of media has been calling out to me and how could I say no? There are so many fantastic versions of historical fiction/nonfiction literature and television/movies out there!!
So, when I received The Proper Proposal and it popped on my desk, it was very hard to not immediately grab onto the book (despite being super busy and knowingly should not be reading but instead doing work... but like any bookworm, I became a dog when they see a squirrel).
This book was rather easy to read, and that's not an insult. It's a book that's easily to follow along and becomes instantly addicting. I had a very hard time putting it down because I really wanted to finish it all in one sitting - it was that great!!
This book is beautiful in the sense that it's style is written like the era it is from. I loved seeing big words and references to other works outside of the novel - it's such a nice change! So many books bore me with texting lingo and simple language. I applaud Sophy for expanding the types of words used in this novel. There's nothing more irritating than a historical novel using current language throughout the entire book. It was so refreshing and so beautiful, that it deserves a great review just for that content alone.
There isn't much I'd change about this novel. If anything, I'd just beg Sophy to continue writing more books (whether it be in this genre or others, I think she's fantastic and needs more books out in the open!). The novel is not to short and not to long - just long enough that it's rewarding, but short enough to finish in one sitting. The characters are lovable, even if their romance seems "rushed" (in their time it wouldn't be, but readers today may find that a tad bit interesting). I also enjoyed that there were a few storylines to follow, but our main characters of Louise and John were the main focus. This book doesn't veer to off to throw the reader off course.
Overall, this book deserves five out of five stars. I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down and I found it adorable. I love a good historical romance that doesn't bore me to tears! This book did quite the opposite!! More readers and bookstores need to pick up on this author - Sophy Hester deserves so much more recognition. This book was fantastic!!!
Five out of five stars!
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
October 30, 2017
A story like this happens when one is "clearly not yet familiar with the morays of the city" and does not "adhere to the unspoken codex on good conduct." (Or when one does not translate well?) Who knew that one would have to watch out for eels in Regency London? Perhaps wandering around in vicious gangs? And then there's the dress worn by the heroine with a "quadratic neckline" which surely appealed to the hero if he had a mathematical bent.
Two people collaborated to make this a less than stellar read: (1) The German author, who came up with an uninspired plot and uninteresting characters, and (2) the translator, whose stilted sentences and inappropriate vocabulary choices made for at times pompous and at times ridiculous sentences. Author Sophy Hester is German. I don't know what excuse the translator has for the style and syntax of this book. His name is Dwight E. Langston. The name sounds like he's a native speaker of English. The English here often doesn't read as if English is his first language.
Read the summary on the product page if you want the gist of the plot. I kept on reading this story because I was fascinated by the style and language here. Sometimes pompous and stilted, sometimes using Americanism such as "drunk as a skunk" or talking about "oatmeal cookies" or "snacks", sometimes just plain puzzling, such as when the heroine walks "slowly along the clique of her future relatives" or when the hero's "corporeal bearing had thrown her into a state of exceptional bewilderment". Color me bewildered too. Try this one on: "Whereby he conveyed, despite everything, a quite lusty effect. Possibly,his spouse will be granted decades to come by his side." Oh, please. Somebody help. I thought I was a sentient being. Now I'm not sure.
I can't recommend the reading of this, even though it was free. I can recommend to the author, however, that she seek out a better translator. Perhaps that would help.
Two people collaborated to make this a less than stellar read: (1) The German author, who came up with an uninspired plot and uninteresting characters, and (2) the translator, whose stilted sentences and inappropriate vocabulary choices made for at times pompous and at times ridiculous sentences. Author Sophy Hester is German. I don't know what excuse the translator has for the style and syntax of this book. His name is Dwight E. Langston. The name sounds like he's a native speaker of English. The English here often doesn't read as if English is his first language.
Read the summary on the product page if you want the gist of the plot. I kept on reading this story because I was fascinated by the style and language here. Sometimes pompous and stilted, sometimes using Americanism such as "drunk as a skunk" or talking about "oatmeal cookies" or "snacks", sometimes just plain puzzling, such as when the heroine walks "slowly along the clique of her future relatives" or when the hero's "corporeal bearing had thrown her into a state of exceptional bewilderment". Color me bewildered too. Try this one on: "Whereby he conveyed, despite everything, a quite lusty effect. Possibly,his spouse will be granted decades to come by his side." Oh, please. Somebody help. I thought I was a sentient being. Now I'm not sure.
I can't recommend the reading of this, even though it was free. I can recommend to the author, however, that she seek out a better translator. Perhaps that would help.
August 20, 2017
Author Sophy Hester's "The Proper Proposal" is an engaging, well-written Regency Romance with all the traditional elements that readers of this genre find so appealing. However, the author's voice is all her own, and she tells this story in such a way that one is reminded of why we first fell in love with Regency. I so enjoyed "The Proper Proposal" with its detailed story line and characters for whom you root to find their happy ending. At age sixteen, John Bradley, the 4th Baronet of Chalkstone, lost his parents and gained a heavy burden. Not only did he become responsible for all lands and obligations, he become the responsible guardian of his five younger brothers. Not only did Sir John rise to the challenge, he brought prosperity and security to his family and his community. After ten years, at age twenty-six, he began to realize that it was time for him to find a suitable wife and make a satisfactory marriage. Where better to look than London for a lady of quality who met his qualifications? As soon as he meets Miss Louise Staunton, he sets about in his usual forthright manner to quickly woo and win her for his bride. A visit to his home place, accompanied by her cousin Harriet, seems just the thing to convince her of the pleasant practicality of the arrangement. Louise is quite taken by the beautiful manor and countryside, and she is most enamored by her persuasive suitor, but she wants more than just convenient companionship. Sir John is used to commandeering, not compromising, and Louise fears his heart may never become involved as hers has become in the relationship. Can her gentle, womanly strength, along with her beauty and intelligence open his eyes and his heart? I loved "The Proper Proposal" and hope that the author will write a sequel featuring one the secondary couples, Victoria and Lester.
Book Copy Gratis Author
Book Copy Gratis Author
July 16, 2017
Sophy Hester is a talented writer who brings the regency world to life in this fun, endearing tale.
Sir John is a very likeable and romantic character. He knows what he wants i.e. Louise's hand in marriage, and doesn't waste any time in securing it. He is instantly smitten with her and is quite charming in his attentions to her. However, their hasty engagement is only the beginning of their adventure.
The supporting characters were excellent and provided further romantic entanglements and mischief. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Louise and Victoria meet Lester for the first time. I found the gruff Lester to be very intriguing and I delighted in their interactions with him. I loved how rude and gruff he was while being a gentleman and helping the ladies in their predicament. Sparks were flying between him and Victoria.
I really want to read Victoria and Lester's story and so I will be waiting impatiently for future publications.
I loved the use of language in the telling of this story. Devoid of Americanisms and modern phrasing it feels authentic to the time period but at the same time easy to read.
My favourite things about the story was the humour that ran all the way through the book. Witty banter and the humorous situations the characters got themselves into made for very entertaining reading. The match making and side romances also kept the story light and fast paced.
February 23, 2018
Good
There were several times the story dragged and I skimmed to get to something I considered more interesting.
Loved the h and H. He was a delicious man, and I can understand how the heroine immediately fell for him. She was equally enjoyable, and I was glad his eyes were opened to what he truly felt for her.
There were several times the story dragged and I skimmed to get to something I considered more interesting.
Loved the h and H. He was a delicious man, and I can understand how the heroine immediately fell for him. She was equally enjoyable, and I was glad his eyes were opened to what he truly felt for her.
May 8, 2018
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Sir John, 4th Baron of Chalkstone, inherited an estate deep in debt and the responsibility for five
younger brothers. After 10 years of hard work and finally out of debt he sets off to London in search
of a wife.
younger brothers. After 10 years of hard work and finally out of debt he sets off to London in search
of a wife.
July 16, 2017
Free kindle book
July 20, 2017
Life is too short to suffer reading this book.
March 10, 2022
More like 3and a half stars
Really liked the main couple, his family. Her friend Harriet and the gentleman she is interested in deserve their book.
Really liked the main couple, his family. Her friend Harriet and the gentleman she is interested in deserve their book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews