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Brides of Lowcountry #2
A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal
Preslaysa Williams, author of the "emotionally stirring debut" A Lowcountry Bride (Oprah Daily), returns to the Lowcountry with a heartwarming story about a second chance romance.
It was supposed to be the happiest day of Jaslene Simmons' life, the day she'd say "I do" to Marcus Clark. But when her sister dies in a tragic accident everything changes--including her once rosy future with Marcus. Jaslene instead pours all of her energy into caring for her now-motherless niece and running the wedding planning company she and her sister had built, wanting to honor her sister's dream even if she has to sacrifice her own.
As an archivist at Charleston's Black history museum, Marcus shines a light on the stories of forgotten people. Researching history is better than dealing with his own heartache--and the guilt he has over the role he may have inadvertently played in the death of Jaslene's sister.
Jaslene never thought she'd cross paths with Marcus again, but her need for an affordable office space brings her to the museum which is faced with the threat of closure. As they work together to save it, their buried feelings slowly reignite. They soon realize there is still room in their hearts for love...if only they can overcome their past.
It was supposed to be the happiest day of Jaslene Simmons' life, the day she'd say "I do" to Marcus Clark. But when her sister dies in a tragic accident everything changes--including her once rosy future with Marcus. Jaslene instead pours all of her energy into caring for her now-motherless niece and running the wedding planning company she and her sister had built, wanting to honor her sister's dream even if she has to sacrifice her own.
As an archivist at Charleston's Black history museum, Marcus shines a light on the stories of forgotten people. Researching history is better than dealing with his own heartache--and the guilt he has over the role he may have inadvertently played in the death of Jaslene's sister.
Jaslene never thought she'd cross paths with Marcus again, but her need for an affordable office space brings her to the museum which is faced with the threat of closure. As they work together to save it, their buried feelings slowly reignite. They soon realize there is still room in their hearts for love...if only they can overcome their past.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
42 people are currently reading
4247 people want to read
About the author
Preslaysa Williams
9 books312 followersPreslaysa Williams (nee, Preslaysa Edwards) is an award-winning author who writes heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist.
Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She has a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University and an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.
Preslaysa is also a professional actress (nee, Preslaysa Edwards), a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. You can visit her online at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.
You can also connect with her on these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/preslaysa
Twitter.com/preslaysawrites
Instagram.com/preslaysa
Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She has a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University and an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.
Preslaysa is also a professional actress (nee, Preslaysa Edwards), a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. You can visit her online at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.
You can also connect with her on these social media platforms:
Facebook.com/preslaysa
Twitter.com/preslaysawrites
Instagram.com/preslaysa
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 29, 2022
A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal is the second book in the Brides of Lowcountry romance series but it can easily be read as a standalone novel. I appreciate the fact that yes you get a love story in these books but there's also many things going on in the characters' lives beyond just the romance. It's a series worth checking out if you are a fan of the genre.
Jaslene's sister died a few years ago and consumed with grief she called off her wedding and ended her relationship with her fiancé, Marcus. Jasmine is a wedding planner and the bride to be wants to hold the ceremony at Charleston's African American Heritage Museum. Guess where Marcus works? So yeah, awkward! But perhaps they can put their past aside and work together. The museum is having financial issues and might shut down for good and it'd be great if Marcus and Jaslene could put their heads together and come up with a solution to keep it open. And maybe, just maybe, they'll get a second chance at love as well.
I like the author's approach with Jaslene and Marcus's relationship as it didn't feel forced. They haven't been in contact for a few years so they were slowly getting to know each other again. But they also got to relate on a more meaningful level this time around. Given the characters are pretty darn likeable people, I quite enjoyed rooting for them to find happiness.
I don't want to leave the impression the story is all fluffy and light in because some serious subjects like racism and grief are part of the storyline. But the fact that it shows various parts of life, the good, the bad, and the ugly make it more of a realistic read.
Thank you to Avon Books for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Jaslene's sister died a few years ago and consumed with grief she called off her wedding and ended her relationship with her fiancé, Marcus. Jasmine is a wedding planner and the bride to be wants to hold the ceremony at Charleston's African American Heritage Museum. Guess where Marcus works? So yeah, awkward! But perhaps they can put their past aside and work together. The museum is having financial issues and might shut down for good and it'd be great if Marcus and Jaslene could put their heads together and come up with a solution to keep it open. And maybe, just maybe, they'll get a second chance at love as well.
I like the author's approach with Jaslene and Marcus's relationship as it didn't feel forced. They haven't been in contact for a few years so they were slowly getting to know each other again. But they also got to relate on a more meaningful level this time around. Given the characters are pretty darn likeable people, I quite enjoyed rooting for them to find happiness.
I don't want to leave the impression the story is all fluffy and light in because some serious subjects like racism and grief are part of the storyline. But the fact that it shows various parts of life, the good, the bad, and the ugly make it more of a realistic read.
Thank you to Avon Books for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
February 12, 2022
Hello, lovely readers! This is Preslaysa Williams, the author of A SWEET LOWCOUNTRY PROPOSAL! I thought I’d stop by here and share a bit about this novel.
It’s a tale about love lost and love found. It’s about finding ourselves within the narratives of our ancestors. Most of all, A SWEET LOWCOUNTRY PROPOSAL is a story of hope.
There are trigger warnings in this book which I also want you to be aware of. This story deals with death, grief, and racism.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review A SWEET LOWCOUNTRY PROPOSAL. I appreciate you, and I hope you love this novel as much as I do. Be blessed.
It’s a tale about love lost and love found. It’s about finding ourselves within the narratives of our ancestors. Most of all, A SWEET LOWCOUNTRY PROPOSAL is a story of hope.
There are trigger warnings in this book which I also want you to be aware of. This story deals with death, grief, and racism.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review A SWEET LOWCOUNTRY PROPOSAL. I appreciate you, and I hope you love this novel as much as I do. Be blessed.
November 7, 2022
I first saw A LOWCOUNTRY BRIDE at my library last year and picked it up on a whim and ended up loving it! It was such a sweet and heartwarming romance, I was so excited to see another book from @preslaysa and so excited to get a copy via @netgalley ! I could not put this one down - it was even more emotional than the first one and a really touching story about grief and second chances. This book also tells a beautiful story about how one’s past ties into their future - and an AMAZING inclusion of some Black history into the side plots of this story. I cannot recommend both of @preslaysa’s books enough especially if you need something that will tug and your heartstrings.
September 18, 2022
I am saddened to say that I didn’t love this as much as ‘A Lowcountry Bride’, which I also had the arc for. This isn’t a “traditional” romance. It was more about grief, Christianity, an African American museums struggle with funding, an enslaved couple from the past and planning for a side characters wedding. I thought it would be focused on Jaslene and Marcus, them getting their second chance and what caused their relationship to end on their wedding day. However, it really wasnt.
I’d say the two main plots are, Marcus and Jaslene finding out about Janey and Solomon (the couple from the 1800’s) and them trying to find ways to keep the museum running. Their romance felt like a side plot. They did so much research on Janey and Solomon, their connection to a ring that Solomon stole and how it ended up in his possession, Marcus trying to convince his grandpa to give stuff to the museum, throwing a fundraiser for the museum and then Jaslene throwing a wedding for a friend also at the museum. A lot going on that isn’t romance.
My review is so negative but I didn’t HATE the book. It just read more as women’s fiction with a side of romance. And then once they finally get together, it’s not even satisfying!!!
Tw: both characters experienced the death of a sibling, one was a child death and the other was as an adult. Mentions of a shooting at a church. Brief mentions of slavery.
I’d say the two main plots are, Marcus and Jaslene finding out about Janey and Solomon (the couple from the 1800’s) and them trying to find ways to keep the museum running. Their romance felt like a side plot. They did so much research on Janey and Solomon, their connection to a ring that Solomon stole and how it ended up in his possession, Marcus trying to convince his grandpa to give stuff to the museum, throwing a fundraiser for the museum and then Jaslene throwing a wedding for a friend also at the museum. A lot going on that isn’t romance.
My review is so negative but I didn’t HATE the book. It just read more as women’s fiction with a side of romance. And then once they finally get together, it’s not even satisfying!!!
Tw: both characters experienced the death of a sibling, one was a child death and the other was as an adult. Mentions of a shooting at a church. Brief mentions of slavery.
October 30, 2022
This is my first time reading a book by Preslaysa Williams. This is such a heartfelt warm reading filled with so many emotions that kept me enthralled with a great plot and the characters were simply amazing. Jaslene and Marcus seemed to have it all and things changed before the two were able to say I do. Marcus works as an archivist and he and Jaslene were all set to marry when Jaslene’s sister died in a car accident and Jaslene called off the wedding. Jaslene’s life changed the day her sister died leaving her to care for her niece. Jaslene and her sister ran a wedding planning company and now her days are filled working and caring for her niece. Jaslene and Marcus never stopping loving each. Jaslene never thought that she would see Marcus again; but when event happens she and Marcus come front and center again.
Can these lonely souls find love again and final say I do to each other?
I received an ARC via NetGalley Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Can these lonely souls find love again and final say I do to each other?
I received an ARC via NetGalley Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 14, 2022
'A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal' is the follow up to 'A Lowcountry Bride", which I read several years ago. I was fascinated by the premise of Jaslene and Marcus losing their HEA from the first book and what could bring them back together again. I will admit that this book was not what I was expecting, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I definitely don't feel like this is a traditional romance per say. What I mean by that is in discovering the tragic circumstances of Jazz & Marcus's parting, we expect to delve into a lot of the grief, loss, and sadness there while setting up for a proper romantic rebuild. I was surprised that that wasn't what we got out the gate.
The writer, Ms. Williams bypasses much of it and focuses on the forward momentum. We know that Jaslene is still mourning and guilty, but many of the plot points within the book aren't completely explored and satisfactorily completed. I still am a bit fuzzy on the angle of Hope exploring the family tree and Jazz's guilt there along with the niece and her trauma. I wish I knew more about the separation with Marcus as well.
What we do get is an intense and passionate examination of how the past can tie into the future and fulfilling what your ancestors worked so hard for. I felt the history with Soloman and Janey could be its own gorgeous book. I knew more about the museum and the history of Soloman and Janey than I did our protagonist.
A well written book and an interesting premise, but I did feel the reunion and relationship was too simplified and not enough for me to feel like this was a romance. I felt my mind wandering a bit and though I love Charleston, and it is almost a character in the story, I felt some of the relationships and issues were glossed over and rushed, while other aspects went on a little longer than necessary.
If you loved the last book, jump in and enjoy this one, but temper your expectations a little and allow this to be a fictional story that embraces history and doesn't rely on the romantic aspect to sell it.
This ARC was provided to me, from Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an honest review
The writer, Ms. Williams bypasses much of it and focuses on the forward momentum. We know that Jaslene is still mourning and guilty, but many of the plot points within the book aren't completely explored and satisfactorily completed. I still am a bit fuzzy on the angle of Hope exploring the family tree and Jazz's guilt there along with the niece and her trauma. I wish I knew more about the separation with Marcus as well.
What we do get is an intense and passionate examination of how the past can tie into the future and fulfilling what your ancestors worked so hard for. I felt the history with Soloman and Janey could be its own gorgeous book. I knew more about the museum and the history of Soloman and Janey than I did our protagonist.
A well written book and an interesting premise, but I did feel the reunion and relationship was too simplified and not enough for me to feel like this was a romance. I felt my mind wandering a bit and though I love Charleston, and it is almost a character in the story, I felt some of the relationships and issues were glossed over and rushed, while other aspects went on a little longer than necessary.
If you loved the last book, jump in and enjoy this one, but temper your expectations a little and allow this to be a fictional story that embraces history and doesn't rely on the romantic aspect to sell it.
This ARC was provided to me, from Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an honest review
November 13, 2022
There was a lot going on in this one, but the tone of it was a quiet one and things moved slowly. It sounds weird, but it made sense for what was going on. This was about second chances, about really talking about what went wrong, what was a possibility and what happened in the long past and where a person stands today and how much they would give one something that was important to their family history.
I liked that Jaslene and Marcus were able to talk again, to talk about their past and find a way through to a future. I also loved how Jaslene supported Marcus's work and how all that could/did change. It sounds like as solid as their relationship in the past was, it maybe wasn't. They now talked through things and by the end of the book are on a much better footing.
I liked how things went with Marcus and his grandfather. Some big issues these 2 had to work through, along with the Grandfather drawing a line in the sand that very well affected Marcus. I liked how things ended with these two as well.
My one big disappointment in this book is we never found out what happened with Solomon and his love. Really wish there would have been some last minute big find that we could have been clued in on, along with the characters.
I liked that Jaslene and Marcus were able to talk again, to talk about their past and find a way through to a future. I also loved how Jaslene supported Marcus's work and how all that could/did change. It sounds like as solid as their relationship in the past was, it maybe wasn't. They now talked through things and by the end of the book are on a much better footing.
I liked how things went with Marcus and his grandfather. Some big issues these 2 had to work through, along with the Grandfather drawing a line in the sand that very well affected Marcus. I liked how things ended with these two as well.
My one big disappointment in this book is we never found out what happened with Solomon and his love. Really wish there would have been some last minute big find that we could have been clued in on, along with the characters.
November 13, 2022
This second chance romance is the second installment of the Lowcountry Bride series. The way Jaslene and Marcus' wedding was stalled and ultimately called off because of the tragic death of Jaslene's sister was heartbreaking and it still lingers well into the story. I love how much of a mature relationship they have. The love was always there but I think the tragic event made them realize that there were things that they didn't know about each other, even though they had been together for a long time. Jaslene's grief overwhelmed her, and Marcus also had unresolved issues from his past. Through the rekindling of their relationship, they built a deeper bond within one another, and I don't think it would have happened if they had gotten married the first time.
Although I enjoyed the story, it wasn't a strong follow up to A Lowcountry Bride. I think that some of the plot overshadowed the romance factor.
TW: grief
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Although I enjoyed the story, it wasn't a strong follow up to A Lowcountry Bride. I think that some of the plot overshadowed the romance factor.
TW: grief
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 18, 2023
Well deserving of 8 stars!!! ⭐️
"They found their happily ever after amid the regret, amid the pain, amid the hope. By dwelling and diving into the depths of history, they found each other."
This is my favorite book that I have read so far by Preslaysa Williams. The Historical storyline heightened this series with so much intensity. It actually left me wondering about one particular character, Mary...
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!
"HEAVENLY ♥️ LOVE"
"They found their happily ever after amid the regret, amid the pain, amid the hope. By dwelling and diving into the depths of history, they found each other."
This is my favorite book that I have read so far by Preslaysa Williams. The Historical storyline heightened this series with so much intensity. It actually left me wondering about one particular character, Mary...
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!
"HEAVENLY ♥️ LOVE"
October 31, 2022
CW: mass shooting, death discussed on page.
Jaslene had the worst thing imaginable happen to her she lost her best friend, business partner, maid of honor on her wedding day. Following her wedding day, she calls off her engagement to her longtime boyfriend and takes over guardianship to her 17-year-old niece. When Marcus and Jaslene reunite to plan a wedding, it was brought to their attention that neither one of them grieved their past losses properly. Neither one of them learned how to open up to each other, therefor their marriage was doomed from the start. As they start making these realizations, they start healing old wounds and becoming friends again.
I really enjoyed how the author didn't shy away from any of the Black American history in this book. It was really insightful and was probably the main thing I enjoyed from this story.
My only qualms from this book were the fact that everything happened very quickly and that there didn't seem to be much chemistry between the main characters. Besides that, books like these are needed out in the world.
Thank you to Net Galley/Avon Publishing for and ARC in exchange for an honest review, as always, all words are my own.
Jaslene had the worst thing imaginable happen to her she lost her best friend, business partner, maid of honor on her wedding day. Following her wedding day, she calls off her engagement to her longtime boyfriend and takes over guardianship to her 17-year-old niece. When Marcus and Jaslene reunite to plan a wedding, it was brought to their attention that neither one of them grieved their past losses properly. Neither one of them learned how to open up to each other, therefor their marriage was doomed from the start. As they start making these realizations, they start healing old wounds and becoming friends again.
I really enjoyed how the author didn't shy away from any of the Black American history in this book. It was really insightful and was probably the main thing I enjoyed from this story.
My only qualms from this book were the fact that everything happened very quickly and that there didn't seem to be much chemistry between the main characters. Besides that, books like these are needed out in the world.
Thank you to Net Galley/Avon Publishing for and ARC in exchange for an honest review, as always, all words are my own.
October 24, 2022
Having recently read A Lowcountry Bride I had hopes that this would be another sweet emotional little book placed on the background of African American Cultural preservation and the aftermath of a community tragedy. Unfortunely, this had all the weaknesses of its predecessor with none of its true strengths. This book was boring, clearly didn't care at all for the romance it was proposing (heh) to tell and while it wanted to engage the reader about the mystery of one of the main characters ancestry it lacked skill in pacing or emotionality to make me care. This is a book where characters have a life time of trauma, and grief, haven't talked in two years after a very close family members death and then without even really talking about it solve all of their issues and move past their grief and trauma in less then 3 months. What?!
I think reading these two books that author Preslaysa Williams wants to tell stories of black history and how those stories of the past interact and impact the percent. These are important stories and she should be encouraged to do so. However, my issue is she claims to have written a romance and does not seem to want to or care about writing romance as her characters have no spark or romance to see. For me I think this is the last one of hers I will give a chance, I would rather read books written by people who feel like they want to be here.
Also the summary mentions our leads end up working together cause Jaslene needed cheap office space which is just factually incorrect to the plot of the book. So that's a thing.
Thank you to Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyage for a E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think reading these two books that author Preslaysa Williams wants to tell stories of black history and how those stories of the past interact and impact the percent. These are important stories and she should be encouraged to do so. However, my issue is she claims to have written a romance and does not seem to want to or care about writing romance as her characters have no spark or romance to see. For me I think this is the last one of hers I will give a chance, I would rather read books written by people who feel like they want to be here.
Also the summary mentions our leads end up working together cause Jaslene needed cheap office space which is just factually incorrect to the plot of the book. So that's a thing.
Thank you to Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyage for a E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2022
Hate to start off on a negative, but, I was so bored with this one! 😐 It wasn't clear if this was supposed to be a romance between jaslene and Marcus, a save the museum focus, jaslene healing from her sisters death or the mysterious love story of Janey and solomon. There wasn't really any backstory on any of these options so the reader is left wondering and really in the dark. The overall plot was lacking and really unclear. There isn't any flashbacks pre wedding thst wasn't so we didn't even get a glimpse of what we were supposed to be rooting for, there's no spark, and not a spot of romance between the hero and heroine.
This had the potential to be a cute and quick read but too many plot options led to a story without real substance and missed a lot of important plot details.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my review!
This had the potential to be a cute and quick read but too many plot options led to a story without real substance and missed a lot of important plot details.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for my review!
August 23, 2022
I just don't feel this storyline and certainly the characters weren't as fully fleshed out as the previous book, A Low country Bride. It fell a little short of expectations and seemed a bit bland.
Jaslene Simmons is raising her niece, after her sister's death. She called off her wedding to Marcus, a local historian. She's in full grieving and has made some changes in her life when she meets Marcus again, planning a wedding for her friend. Marcus is having grief and guilt issues of his own and hermits in his work at the Black history museum, trying to put together a display for his grandfather's church.
I felt the story focused more on the museum and it's display way more than this "romance" between the main characters. They turned around quickly from not even talking to getting engaged again, it just didn't feel believable.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review. Really enjoyed the first book, just didn't enjoy this one as much.
Jaslene Simmons is raising her niece, after her sister's death. She called off her wedding to Marcus, a local historian. She's in full grieving and has made some changes in her life when she meets Marcus again, planning a wedding for her friend. Marcus is having grief and guilt issues of his own and hermits in his work at the Black history museum, trying to put together a display for his grandfather's church.
I felt the story focused more on the museum and it's display way more than this "romance" between the main characters. They turned around quickly from not even talking to getting engaged again, it just didn't feel believable.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review. Really enjoyed the first book, just didn't enjoy this one as much.
September 13, 2022
This book is set in the South Carolina by an author of proud African American and Filipino descent. This matters as many of the heroines written by Williams shares this joining of cultures. I think that including this detail can be a wonderful opportunity to showcase this blend and the inner workings of living and loving in America. However, outside of a few mentions of Filipino dishes and wedding traditions, this deeply cultural romance delves mostly into African American culture and the aftermath of chattel slavery. The story presented was fine but felt incomplete.
Having said that, the story had heart. Like Emezi's "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty," this book explores love after grief. I enjoyed taking the journey alongside the couple to understand the world the reader was dropped in to.
Having said that, the story had heart. Like Emezi's "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty," this book explores love after grief. I enjoyed taking the journey alongside the couple to understand the world the reader was dropped in to.
November 3, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal is a case of there being the bones of a good book here, but it gets bogged down under the many ideas it tries to juggle. Presleysa Williams’ prior book with Avon had a similar issue, but I ultimately felt that book at least made up for it by having somewhat better execution of its multiple ideas. This one just feels a bit all over the place and not delivering on what was promised.
On the one hand, the most interesting part is the Black history museum. There’s protests against it from people who think it shouldn’t exist, as if their “protests” are remotely the same as the rightful removal of Confederate statues. I loved exploring the history of Charleston through these modern characters’ eyes and wouldn’t have minded if the book been reframed with this as the main focus, especially since it took up so much page time.
And Jaslene and Marcus are decent people and characters I’d likely root for in a stronger story. Jaslene’s grief at the loss of her sister, and how she struggles to keep things together for her niece, while trying to keep her sister’s spirit alive is super sweet in particular.
But while I do like them together somewhat, there’s no…”spark.” Even if it’s low heat, it should convey some sense of stakes and it doesn’t. The romance felt like a side plot (and a very tepid one), despite the blurb explicitly promising a “second chance romance.”
While I didn’t love this book, there are others who enjoy it more, and it’s likely an issue of preference. If you don’t go in expecting the romance to be the main plot, perhaps you might enjoy it a bit more than I did.
A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal is a case of there being the bones of a good book here, but it gets bogged down under the many ideas it tries to juggle. Presleysa Williams’ prior book with Avon had a similar issue, but I ultimately felt that book at least made up for it by having somewhat better execution of its multiple ideas. This one just feels a bit all over the place and not delivering on what was promised.
On the one hand, the most interesting part is the Black history museum. There’s protests against it from people who think it shouldn’t exist, as if their “protests” are remotely the same as the rightful removal of Confederate statues. I loved exploring the history of Charleston through these modern characters’ eyes and wouldn’t have minded if the book been reframed with this as the main focus, especially since it took up so much page time.
And Jaslene and Marcus are decent people and characters I’d likely root for in a stronger story. Jaslene’s grief at the loss of her sister, and how she struggles to keep things together for her niece, while trying to keep her sister’s spirit alive is super sweet in particular.
But while I do like them together somewhat, there’s no…”spark.” Even if it’s low heat, it should convey some sense of stakes and it doesn’t. The romance felt like a side plot (and a very tepid one), despite the blurb explicitly promising a “second chance romance.”
While I didn’t love this book, there are others who enjoy it more, and it’s likely an issue of preference. If you don’t go in expecting the romance to be the main plot, perhaps you might enjoy it a bit more than I did.
November 2, 2022
This was a sweet second chance but it seemed like the romance/relationship came out of no where? Like they just seemed to be friends and then a few pages later they were in love. I flipped back thinking I missed something. The same thing seemed to happen with the conflict in the story. It was a certain way and then all of a sudden it switched.
The backstory was great and I loved the cultural inclusions.
I did not read Lowcountry Bride and I didn't feel like I was missing anything in this book so I think it can be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer: I received a free finished copy of this book.
The backstory was great and I loved the cultural inclusions.
I did not read Lowcountry Bride and I didn't feel like I was missing anything in this book so I think it can be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer: I received a free finished copy of this book.
October 26, 2022
I read The Lowcountry Bride last year and enjoyed the setting of Charleston and the POC characters so I jumped at the chance to read Preslaysa Williams' 2nd book, The Lowcountry Proposal. I started the book a bit confused because I thought perhaps it would link back to the first book more than it did. There were one or two characters that made a reappearance, but overall it was a completely different story. So it took me some time to settle into this story.
I also wanted MORE backstory than what was given in the book. I wanted to know more about what happened to Jaslene's sister, Hope. And a bit more about the mass shooting that occurred in the back story. I just felt like there were some more details that could make the book a little more fulfilling to read. I think a quick prologue with descriptions of the two devastating events that affected the main characters so much would have made for a much stronger book. Even written as newspaper articles or something.
Definitely not a bad book at all, there is simply room for it to be a better, more finished product.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. It is always appreciated!
I also wanted MORE backstory than what was given in the book. I wanted to know more about what happened to Jaslene's sister, Hope. And a bit more about the mass shooting that occurred in the back story. I just felt like there were some more details that could make the book a little more fulfilling to read. I think a quick prologue with descriptions of the two devastating events that affected the main characters so much would have made for a much stronger book. Even written as newspaper articles or something.
Definitely not a bad book at all, there is simply room for it to be a better, more finished product.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. It is always appreciated!
August 6, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Avon and Harper Voyager and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This will satisfy even the most cynical romantics out there.
This will satisfy even the most cynical romantics out there.
October 12, 2022
Jaslene and Marcus had their wedding cut short when her beloved sister died in a car crash. After a two year separation, they are reunited and find the love is still there but hidden behind walls in their hearts.
A beautifully woven tale of African American history with enduring love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A beautifully woven tale of African American history with enduring love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2022
The covers for this series keep getting more beautiful every time.
This story held so much promise. 1/4 revolved around second-chance romance between Marcus and Jaslene; 1/4 revolved around saving the African American Museum, wedding planning, and 1/4 (historical fiction) was about researching the history of an engagement ring left by Marcus’ ancestors.
I loved the historical fiction component; I wish the entire book was about researching the history of the “Solomon and Janey” ring and the mourner’s bench. This richness could’ve easily made for a 5 star read.
I also loved the fundraising efforts and push to save the museum. It also made me want to visit the African American museums in my area. I also loved the main & side characters, along with the renewed relationship between Marcus and his ornery grandfather.
The romance is where everything fell flat. Looking at the cover and the title you’d be expecting romance. But there was none. Jaslene and Marcus’ wedding was halted 2 years prior when her sister died. Then they broke up. Now they’re reconnecting since Jaslene is planning a wedding at the museum he works at.
The best way I can describe their interactions with each other was: polite. No sparks, no chemistry, no true connection. Just lots of polite words and maybe one small, closed lipped kiss. I liked that they began to build an even deeper connection with more communication, but I just wasn’t woo’d.
I was hoping to get a bit more Filipino detail and culture added in since Jaslene was bi-racial, but there was none.
Overall, the book didn’t deliver what I expected, but there were bits and pieces within that I adored.
This story held so much promise. 1/4 revolved around second-chance romance between Marcus and Jaslene; 1/4 revolved around saving the African American Museum, wedding planning, and 1/4 (historical fiction) was about researching the history of an engagement ring left by Marcus’ ancestors.
I loved the historical fiction component; I wish the entire book was about researching the history of the “Solomon and Janey” ring and the mourner’s bench. This richness could’ve easily made for a 5 star read.
I also loved the fundraising efforts and push to save the museum. It also made me want to visit the African American museums in my area. I also loved the main & side characters, along with the renewed relationship between Marcus and his ornery grandfather.
The romance is where everything fell flat. Looking at the cover and the title you’d be expecting romance. But there was none. Jaslene and Marcus’ wedding was halted 2 years prior when her sister died. Then they broke up. Now they’re reconnecting since Jaslene is planning a wedding at the museum he works at.
The best way I can describe their interactions with each other was: polite. No sparks, no chemistry, no true connection. Just lots of polite words and maybe one small, closed lipped kiss. I liked that they began to build an even deeper connection with more communication, but I just wasn’t woo’d.
I was hoping to get a bit more Filipino detail and culture added in since Jaslene was bi-racial, but there was none.
Overall, the book didn’t deliver what I expected, but there were bits and pieces within that I adored.
August 11, 2022
Grief is a tricky situation one day you could feel completely fine and the next you could be stuck in bed overwhelmed by it. I feel like Jaslene falls somewhere in the middle, her life changed in the blink of eye. She became a guardian to her niece, lost her sister, and fiancé in all at once. I felt her pain, her apprehension when being asked to step out of the self preserved comfort that she built around herself to survive. I would recommend to experience the emotional journey but would only read once because of how emotional the story made me feel.
November 8, 2022
Wedding planner Jaslene is haunted by the death of her sister two years before. In her grief, she ended her engagement to museum curator Marcus. When a client wants a wedding at the museum, Jaslene and Marcus are forced back into each other's company. Can they rekindle their love?
This is an emotional story of two broken souls learning to heal. There's also an interesting subplot of the efforts to save the African American history museum. The feel of the Charleston setting is vibrant throughout.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is an emotional story of two broken souls learning to heal. There's also an interesting subplot of the efforts to save the African American history museum. The feel of the Charleston setting is vibrant throughout.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 14, 2022
I received a copy of this book for free in a Goodreads giveaway.
Well I guess the one positive thing I can say about this book is that despite being #2 in a series, I was not lost by not having read #1 before this (though when I entered the giveaway, I had read the blurb and saw that the first one didn't involve the same main character). The basic story is that Jaslene, a wedding planner, years ago called off her wedding to Marcus when her sister died on the day of the wedding. But then of course, she's hired to plan a wedding at the Lowcountry African American Heritage Museum where Marcus works, and she has to see him again. So she has to confront all of those feelings from the past to work close to Marcus, and predictably, they fall in love all over again. Except I didn't really feel the struggle there, and the years that passed between that horrible day and the present seem to mostly just vanish after mere weeks of being close to each other once again. The book vaguely alludes to Marcus feeling responsible for Jaslene's sister's death multiple times, but everything in the past is just vague, brief flashbacks, so there's little chance to really explore that past trauma. The romance goes unbelievably smoothly, and yet it all felt so tame, just a few kisses here and there, but there's not really much passion, and no sex at all, it seems. There's another plot about the museum that Marcus works at being on the verge of closing because a major sponsor is threatening to pull out because of ties to someone else who is threatened by the existence of the museum because they were offended by the removal of Confederate statues, but the resolution of the plot felt very neat and tidy in a way that felt unrealistic, an almost deus ex machina moment near the end that of course results in a happy outcome. There's also mention of the bride-to-be's Filipina heritage, but this seems to just be thrown in when the centerpieces are mentioned a few cultural things are thrown in during the wedding, but otherwise that heritage felt completely arbitrarily thrown in, with it only affecting literally accessories to the wedding. Throughout the book, characters' emotions and motivations are described in detail so as not to leave any doubt, and everything is just spelled out with no subtlety. It's all telling and very little showing, and that left very little to the imagination. By the end, I really didn't care about Jaslene and Marcus getting together, since it seemed like a forgone conclusion anyway, and there was very little beyond superficial exploration of their past trauma.
Well I guess the one positive thing I can say about this book is that despite being #2 in a series, I was not lost by not having read #1 before this (though when I entered the giveaway, I had read the blurb and saw that the first one didn't involve the same main character). The basic story is that Jaslene, a wedding planner, years ago called off her wedding to Marcus when her sister died on the day of the wedding. But then of course, she's hired to plan a wedding at the Lowcountry African American Heritage Museum where Marcus works, and she has to see him again. So she has to confront all of those feelings from the past to work close to Marcus, and predictably, they fall in love all over again. Except I didn't really feel the struggle there, and the years that passed between that horrible day and the present seem to mostly just vanish after mere weeks of being close to each other once again. The book vaguely alludes to Marcus feeling responsible for Jaslene's sister's death multiple times, but everything in the past is just vague, brief flashbacks, so there's little chance to really explore that past trauma. The romance goes unbelievably smoothly, and yet it all felt so tame, just a few kisses here and there, but there's not really much passion, and no sex at all, it seems. There's another plot about the museum that Marcus works at being on the verge of closing because a major sponsor is threatening to pull out because of ties to someone else who is threatened by the existence of the museum because they were offended by the removal of Confederate statues, but the resolution of the plot felt very neat and tidy in a way that felt unrealistic, an almost deus ex machina moment near the end that of course results in a happy outcome. There's also mention of the bride-to-be's Filipina heritage, but this seems to just be thrown in when the centerpieces are mentioned a few cultural things are thrown in during the wedding, but otherwise that heritage felt completely arbitrarily thrown in, with it only affecting literally accessories to the wedding. Throughout the book, characters' emotions and motivations are described in detail so as not to leave any doubt, and everything is just spelled out with no subtlety. It's all telling and very little showing, and that left very little to the imagination. By the end, I really didn't care about Jaslene and Marcus getting together, since it seemed like a forgone conclusion anyway, and there was very little beyond superficial exploration of their past trauma.
May 25, 2023
Quick Summary: Realistic fiction with an emphasis on history, mystery, and reconciliation
My Review: A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal by Preslaysa Williams was a Southern comfort novel set in Charleston, SC.
Amidst heavy page to life issues, two hometown people with an interrupted past are granted a second chance at love.
My Favorite Quote: "Love is a reflection of heavenly love."
My Final Say: This story had many layers. Heartbreaking losses, grief, growing pains, unresolved feelings, and family brokenness/dysfunction existed in the lives of the main characters. Beyond their relationship, racial and cultural challenges were featured.
Other: Readers who enjoy fiction with a tie in to history will likely go for this read.
My Takeaway: It's important to keep history alive. It holds a wealth of knowledge that can lead to very necessary healing.
A Final Theme: New Beginnings
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: A
Status: G
Level: 💗
Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for granting a review opportunity. The words I have shared are my own.
My Review: A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal by Preslaysa Williams was a Southern comfort novel set in Charleston, SC.
Amidst heavy page to life issues, two hometown people with an interrupted past are granted a second chance at love.
My Favorite Quote: "Love is a reflection of heavenly love."
My Final Say: This story had many layers. Heartbreaking losses, grief, growing pains, unresolved feelings, and family brokenness/dysfunction existed in the lives of the main characters. Beyond their relationship, racial and cultural challenges were featured.
Other: Readers who enjoy fiction with a tie in to history will likely go for this read.
My Takeaway: It's important to keep history alive. It holds a wealth of knowledge that can lead to very necessary healing.
A Final Theme: New Beginnings
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: A
Status: G
Level: 💗
Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for granting a review opportunity. The words I have shared are my own.
February 25, 2023
“𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚠 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚠𝚘 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚐𝚘.”
“𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚢.”
Book: A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal by @preslaysa
🍷🍷🍷.75
🌶️ / 5
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the author and Harper Collins 360 for gifting me a free copy of this fantastic book for an honest review!
I am not a person of colour and while I’ll never be able to fully understand the injustices and horror they have suffered through, this book did a brilliant job at scratching the surface of the horror of injustice. As you probably know by now I’m a huge lover of learning, and I thoroughly enjoy learning as much as I can about everything; especially while I read. I loved that the author included parts of black history and other cultural elements through Jaslenes work as a wedding designer. Like usual I was constantly googling the names of different people, especially the musicians mentioned, and events that took place; I think this knowledge really set a tone for the book allowing a brief glimpse at the injustice.
Jaslene was struggling with making big decisions that would shape her future as well as letting go to allow life to figure itself out. This really resonated with me as I am struggling with making big life decisions and that fear of making the wrong choice is holding me back. Jaslene is encouraged to take the leap and when she does life worked itself out; this has definitely encouraged me to take the plunge and reminded me that life is short and while tomorrow is never a given you’ve always got today. Jaslene uses this as motivation to achieve all she wants and continues to be a kick ass boss woman slaying life.
Check the trigger warnings before you read this book as slavery, racism and a mass shooting are discussed along with bereavement and its aftermath.
For lovers of:
- Black & Biracial MCs
- Second chance romance
- Insights into different cultures
- Small town romance
“𝙸 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚘𝚘. 𝙿𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚢.”
Book: A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal by @preslaysa
🍷🍷🍷.75
🌶️ / 5
»»————-✼————-««
Review:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the author and Harper Collins 360 for gifting me a free copy of this fantastic book for an honest review!
I am not a person of colour and while I’ll never be able to fully understand the injustices and horror they have suffered through, this book did a brilliant job at scratching the surface of the horror of injustice. As you probably know by now I’m a huge lover of learning, and I thoroughly enjoy learning as much as I can about everything; especially while I read. I loved that the author included parts of black history and other cultural elements through Jaslenes work as a wedding designer. Like usual I was constantly googling the names of different people, especially the musicians mentioned, and events that took place; I think this knowledge really set a tone for the book allowing a brief glimpse at the injustice.
Jaslene was struggling with making big decisions that would shape her future as well as letting go to allow life to figure itself out. This really resonated with me as I am struggling with making big life decisions and that fear of making the wrong choice is holding me back. Jaslene is encouraged to take the leap and when she does life worked itself out; this has definitely encouraged me to take the plunge and reminded me that life is short and while tomorrow is never a given you’ve always got today. Jaslene uses this as motivation to achieve all she wants and continues to be a kick ass boss woman slaying life.
Check the trigger warnings before you read this book as slavery, racism and a mass shooting are discussed along with bereavement and its aftermath.
For lovers of:
- Black & Biracial MCs
- Second chance romance
- Insights into different cultures
- Small town romance
February 27, 2025
3.5✨ this book had the same softness and grief that book one had I just didn’t connect to the characters as much as book one.
November 8, 2022
I loved that this was a second chance romance for our main characters Jaslene and Marcus. Preslaysa Williams use of saving the Lowcountry African American Heritage Museum as a tool for reuniting Jaslene and Marcus was really beautiful and inspired especially in combatting good ole Southern boys in trying to prevent grant money in saving the museum.
I also liked that saving the museum and becoming friends with each other wasn't the only growth that Jaslene and Marcus had. I liked that jastene was learned to let her niece Imani grow up and go off to college in New York. I thought the biggest relationship improvement was Marcus and his grandfather and their settling of differences and truly trying to help each other out and protect each other.
Thank you so much to Avon for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4/5 ⭐️
I also liked that saving the museum and becoming friends with each other wasn't the only growth that Jaslene and Marcus had. I liked that jastene was learned to let her niece Imani grow up and go off to college in New York. I thought the biggest relationship improvement was Marcus and his grandfather and their settling of differences and truly trying to help each other out and protect each other.
Thank you so much to Avon for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
4/5 ⭐️
November 4, 2022
A tragedy derailed Jaslene’s and Marcus’s nuptials and they haven’t interacted for two years. Now Jaslene is the wedding coordinator for a friend who wants to have the ceremony in Marcus’s musuem, which is in jeopardy of closing.
It’s a tender story, fraught with lots of unresolved emotions and angst.
It is time for Jaslene to process her feelings and open herself up again and Marcus needs to fix things with his grandfather.
I liked that his field was history and the setting Of Charleston, SC.
I love the cover art!
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the early read.
It’s a tender story, fraught with lots of unresolved emotions and angst.
It is time for Jaslene to process her feelings and open herself up again and Marcus needs to fix things with his grandfather.
I liked that his field was history and the setting Of Charleston, SC.
I love the cover art!
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the early read.
October 30, 2022
Know that the romance takes a back seat in this second chance romance novel to the quest to fund the museum where Marcus works, Jaslene's struggle with grief, and the story of a couple from long ago. Jasmine cancelled her wedding to Marcus when her sister died in order to concentrate on her niece. They've never forgotten the feelings between them though. I very much enjoyed Williams first novel but this one was less magical. It hits important issues to be sure and perhaps knowing these are at the forefront would have made it a better read for me. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more from Williams.
January 11, 2025
"A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal" is book two of "Brides of Lowcountry" by Preslaysa Williams. It's such a sweet read of a second chance at romance. Jaslene and Marcus were going to get married, and then an accident left Jaslene devastated at the loss of her sister. Now, she is the primary care provider of her niece and called off the wedding. Years later, she runs into Marcus and realizes that she still has feelings for him. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline in this book. Preslaysa did a great job with this story. My favorite scene is when Jaslene and her niece were in the kitchen. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
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