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Seaside Proposal
BILLIE RADCLIFFE HAS A SECRET
And she isn't sharing it with anyone, including Zach Montford. Even though she feels an instant connection with the good-looking banker and youth leader, she's wary of rejection. Besides she's only in the close-knit beach community until she meets the one man who can fill in the blanks about her history.
Zach hopes his temporary stint with the church will help him decide whether to go into full-time ministry. Though his career plans are uncertain, he's sure about his growing feelings for Billie. When a shocking revelation throws everything into question, Zach and Billie have a chance to put the past to rest and walk into the future together.
And she isn't sharing it with anyone, including Zach Montford. Even though she feels an instant connection with the good-looking banker and youth leader, she's wary of rejection. Besides she's only in the close-knit beach community until she meets the one man who can fill in the blanks about her history.
Zach hopes his temporary stint with the church will help him decide whether to go into full-time ministry. Though his career plans are uncertain, he's sure about his growing feelings for Billie. When a shocking revelation throws everything into question, Zach and Billie have a chance to put the past to rest and walk into the future together.
Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Narelle Atkins
24 books87 followersA fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children.
A lifelong romance reader, Narelle found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Her contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
A lifelong romance reader, Narelle found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Her contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 29, 2022
This is the third book of the series and the one I loved the best. Billie is staying in Sapphire Bay for a short term work contract. She is hosting her sister and brother in law Julia and Sean. Her parents and Zach who is a friend of Julia and Sean’s and currently on leave from his job and temporary at a local church weighing up his options. Zach and Billie seem to hit it off well and the story flows well.
Bille has a secret we learn early on in the book but I won’t give any spoilers. She has a dilemma as the secret is hers but it isn’t really hers to share. It does come into play later in the book. I wanted to know about the secret and the reasons behind it and will say I was satisfied with the answer.
I love a book that I don’t want to put down even when I am tired. This was one of those reads. If you enjoyed the first two books in the series I am sure you will enjoy this book. You could read this as a stand alone book. There are characters from the first two books in this book but you wouldn’t be lost if you haven’t read them.
Bille has a secret we learn early on in the book but I won’t give any spoilers. She has a dilemma as the secret is hers but it isn’t really hers to share. It does come into play later in the book. I wanted to know about the secret and the reasons behind it and will say I was satisfied with the answer.
I love a book that I don’t want to put down even when I am tired. This was one of those reads. If you enjoyed the first two books in the series I am sure you will enjoy this book. You could read this as a stand alone book. There are characters from the first two books in this book but you wouldn’t be lost if you haven’t read them.
August 6, 2022
The final in the trilogy Sydney Sweethearts from Aussie inspirational romance writer Narelle Winter is a refreshing story of forgiveness and restoration of relationships.
Billie has been burnt by previous friendships and gossip in church circles so is reluctant to become involved again with her blossoming friendship with Zach giving her a reason to attend church.
A tightly held secret threatens to destroy the relationship between Billie and Zach until Zach’sbformer pastor steps in to help the young couple resolve their issues. But will it be too late for Billie and Zach?
Billie has been burnt by previous friendships and gossip in church circles so is reluctant to become involved again with her blossoming friendship with Zach giving her a reason to attend church.
A tightly held secret threatens to destroy the relationship between Billie and Zach until Zach’sbformer pastor steps in to help the young couple resolve their issues. But will it be too late for Billie and Zach?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
I loved to read this story and see how Billie deals with past church hurt. A relatable and sweet story I can recommend.
June 27, 2015
Billie Radcliffe has taken a temporary job in Sapphire Bay Beach, and is hosting her family for Christmas—and her sister’s friend from church, Zach Montford, who is running a youth camp at the beach over New Year. There’s an immediate attraction between Billie and Zach, but their different views on Christianity are an issue. She gave up on church as a teenager; he’s considering giving up his career and going to Bible college. But she has an ulterior motive in staying in Sapphire Bay, and while she’s secretly attending Riverwood Community Church, it’s not about her faith.
With a title like ‘Seaside Proposal’ and an engagement scene on the cover, there’s not a lot of doubt around the will-they-won’t-they of the romance. But Seaside Proposal managed to pack a lot more into the story. Those who have read the earlier books in this series may remember that Billie and her sister Julie are both adopted. Julie was reunited with her birth mother in the last book, and now it’s Billie’s turn. Of course, that’s not something she’s shared with her family … or with Zach.
As a result, the story was perhaps a little more complex than the regular Heartsong Presents, yet without skimping on the romantic elements. Sure, there was the romance plot, but there was also the adoption subplot, and a related subplot about Billie reconsidering her faith (or lack thereof). Zach might have been a little too perfect as a character, but Billie was very real, facing big decisions and learning again that life doesn’t always go to plan.
Yes, the ending was perhaps a little too perfect, but this is a romance novel, not real life. It’s meant to be entertainment, and it certainly succeeded in that. Recommended, for managing to be more than a simple Christian romance.
Thanks to the author for providing a free book for review.
With a title like ‘Seaside Proposal’ and an engagement scene on the cover, there’s not a lot of doubt around the will-they-won’t-they of the romance. But Seaside Proposal managed to pack a lot more into the story. Those who have read the earlier books in this series may remember that Billie and her sister Julie are both adopted. Julie was reunited with her birth mother in the last book, and now it’s Billie’s turn. Of course, that’s not something she’s shared with her family … or with Zach.
As a result, the story was perhaps a little more complex than the regular Heartsong Presents, yet without skimping on the romantic elements. Sure, there was the romance plot, but there was also the adoption subplot, and a related subplot about Billie reconsidering her faith (or lack thereof). Zach might have been a little too perfect as a character, but Billie was very real, facing big decisions and learning again that life doesn’t always go to plan.
Yes, the ending was perhaps a little too perfect, but this is a romance novel, not real life. It’s meant to be entertainment, and it certainly succeeded in that. Recommended, for managing to be more than a simple Christian romance.
Thanks to the author for providing a free book for review.
May 11, 2015
I loved this book by Narelle Atkins. Themes of forgiveness and hope are interwoven throughout her characters' struggles pulling me into the story.
Billie Ratcliffe has found her birth father. Fear of rejection and betrayal keep her doubting whether to approach him or not. Her birth mother died before she had a chance to meet her. but since Billie avoids church, how can she get to know her real father before telling him the truth? Her experiences in the past with church people have driven her away from the church. Will her birth father be like them and reject her?
Zach Montford is a merchant banker/youth leader. He is deciding to go into full time ministry and leave his steady job with great pay behind. Can he find a future with Billie who avoids church and doesn't seem to have much faith?
Church people are imperfect. Is Billie's father like her experience in the past or is he like the people Zach describes, kind and forgiving? Will he accept her as his daughter or want to hide her away so others won't judge him? What happens when Zach finds out she is hiding this secret from him?
Pick up this great book today! I loved the characters in this one and the story line. The setting is in beautiful Australia.
This story drew me closer to God as I read it. What I kept thinking about after I'd read it was: Don't do something because it is expected of you; do it because it's what you want to do. Like going to church.
Billie Ratcliffe has found her birth father. Fear of rejection and betrayal keep her doubting whether to approach him or not. Her birth mother died before she had a chance to meet her. but since Billie avoids church, how can she get to know her real father before telling him the truth? Her experiences in the past with church people have driven her away from the church. Will her birth father be like them and reject her?
Zach Montford is a merchant banker/youth leader. He is deciding to go into full time ministry and leave his steady job with great pay behind. Can he find a future with Billie who avoids church and doesn't seem to have much faith?
Church people are imperfect. Is Billie's father like her experience in the past or is he like the people Zach describes, kind and forgiving? Will he accept her as his daughter or want to hide her away so others won't judge him? What happens when Zach finds out she is hiding this secret from him?
Pick up this great book today! I loved the characters in this one and the story line. The setting is in beautiful Australia.
This story drew me closer to God as I read it. What I kept thinking about after I'd read it was: Don't do something because it is expected of you; do it because it's what you want to do. Like going to church.
July 22, 2015
Loved this cute story! I liked that through the book we really got to see hero and heroine dating, rather than the get together at the end of the story, which is normally how romances go! I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, it was so cute. It was great watching Billie get her faith again and realizing Christians are far from perfect, but people should never keep us from practicing what we believe. There are always going to be negative people-religious or not! That's just life and agency! Definitely a lesson for all of us. It's tough-but possible to not let others words and actions take control of us!
I loved the proposal, that's not giving anything away-it's in the title after all! ;) Sooooo perfect for this story! Sigh!!!
Loved the setting in Australia. That's a new location for me to read about. Too bad I couldn't imagine the accents I know they would have. Love me an Australian accent. ;) I for sure need to read the rest of the books that I know come first. I am sure then the secondary characters would mean even more to me!
I loved the proposal, that's not giving anything away-it's in the title after all! ;) Sooooo perfect for this story! Sigh!!!
Loved the setting in Australia. That's a new location for me to read about. Too bad I couldn't imagine the accents I know they would have. Love me an Australian accent. ;) I for sure need to read the rest of the books that I know come first. I am sure then the secondary characters would mean even more to me!
June 7, 2023
Another amazing book by Narelle Atkins. I loved the characters in this book and how they so naturally fell into a friendship that they built upon. Billie is an interesting character with her previous experiences of church people and the way she was treated. The story of her birth parents is amazing.
Zach is just a real sweetheart. He's trying to figure out what to do with his life and how to be the best he can be. Hard decisions to make and he has to make sure that it all fits in God's plan for him.
It was great to reconnect with other characters from previous books also. Always fun to see who is up to what.
Zach is just a real sweetheart. He's trying to figure out what to do with his life and how to be the best he can be. Hard decisions to make and he has to make sure that it all fits in God's plan for him.
It was great to reconnect with other characters from previous books also. Always fun to see who is up to what.
August 7, 2015
Seaside Proposl was a nice pleasant read that will bring a smile to your face in the end! Billie Radcliffe has a big secret about why she has been going back to church and doesn't have any plans on telling anyone but God does. Enter Zach Montford who's taking a break from his hectic banking job to explore youth ministry. He doesn't plan on having an instant connection with Billie, his best friend's sister in law. There's no room for secrets in any relationship, especially when hearts are involved. Can Zach and Billie's survive when the truth comes out?
July 23, 2015
Billies has escaped to the ideal beach property in Sapphire Bay to escape everyday life as she evaluates her life and faith in the pursuit of her birth father.
Zach is also evaluating his future prospects in the church, hosting a youth camp on the beach also in sapphire bay.
What a lovely story of love, loss and forgiveness finalising in the happy ever after we all dream of.
Big thanks to goodreads First Reads where I won a review copy of this book.
Zach is also evaluating his future prospects in the church, hosting a youth camp on the beach also in sapphire bay.
What a lovely story of love, loss and forgiveness finalising in the happy ever after we all dream of.
Big thanks to goodreads First Reads where I won a review copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews