Thursday, May 28, 2015

Review + GIVEAWAY - The Proposal at Siesta Key


The Proposal at Siesta Key
By Shelley Shepard Gray
Amish Brides of Pinecraft, #2
Avon Inspire, 2015


Summary

A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery---the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author's new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series.

Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister's tragic death, they've wanted nothing more than to keep her safe...even if it means never leaving the house.

But tonight, she's bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family ---is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael---how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others---and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her own.

Though he speaks about living life to the fullest, Michael knows he needs to take his own advice. Life on the road is grueling and Michael wants to slow down, to rest...to perhaps meet someone who sees him as a man, not just a celebrity. So when a twist of fate allows him the chance to stay a little longer in Pinecraft, Michael knows God is showing him a new path, especially when he discovers how much he and Penny Troyer have in common.

But new friendships can't stop time. Soon, Michael's time in Pinecraft will be over and he'll be back on the road. Her time with Michael has brought her happiness, but will she be able to follow her heart? Or will she be faced with the one thing she's sure she'll never have the courage to do?





My thoughts

To put it simply, reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story is pure pleasure, and I have eagerly anticipated book #2 in The Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. The Proposal at Siesta Key is technically Amish fiction with strong romantic elements, but its strength is in characterization, relationships, and a vivid sense of place. Pinecraft, the small Amish community in the heart of Sarasota, Florida, offers a different, more relaxed atmosphere than most traditional Amish fiction. Shelley has made this community come alive and I'd love to have an ice cream treat at Olaf's, pie at Yoder's, and shop at the produce market. And much thanks to the design team for a cover that captures the essence of Penny Troyer and the Siesta Key setting.

This series revolves around the Orange Blossom Inn, capably managed by Beverly Overholt. I am intrigued by Eric Wagler, the inn's owner, and love watching the relationship between these two grow.  With all the story opportunities from relatives and guests at the inn, I doubt I would ever tire of this series.

_________________________

"The lure of having a home and stability and to
simply live? Those things are as valuable as diamonds
and gold to some people."  (Penny)
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Penny and Michael, both with traumatic experiences in their background, are so likeable and easy to relate to. Penny's parents are reclusive and have sheltered Penny, refusing to see her as a grown woman. As the story opens, Penny has come to realize that "everyone at some point in their life had to stop being someone's child and start being their own person." Michael, due to the popularity of his evangelistic personal testimony, has almost become a larger-than-life character to many people. To the world, he is "a symbol of invincibility, capable of withstanding pain and all kinds of human frailties" It was good to walk along with Penny and Michael as they gained insight into all that God had in store for them and the courage to reach for it.

Penny expressed a gem of godly wisdom when she said, "Sometimes, the hardest path to take was the only path worth walking on." That reminds me of another nugget I once heard, "You've got to get out of the boat to walk on water." As a person who loves her comfort zone, I can nonetheless testify that those expressions are so true of life.

I enjoyed the easy reading of The Proposal at Siesta Key and recommend it to fans of character-driven stories with sweet romance. Please click on the title, The Promise of Palm Grove, to see my review of book #1 in this series.


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Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Connect with Shelley online at shelleyshepardgray.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Litfuse Landing Page:

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for The Proposal at Siesta Key, please complete these two steps:

1) Please click on this Facebook link, http://on.fb.me/1AwyKyJ, share about the giveaway, then come back here and let me know that you have shared in your comment.
2) Answer the following question or leave a comment for Shelley:


Have you ever visited an Amish community?

If you'd like to receive e-mail notifications of reviews, author interviews and giveaways, please subscribe to my blog in the upper right corner. "Likes" on my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, are also greatly appreciated, as are followers on Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, and this blog.

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Friday, June 5. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.

Eligibility: US residents

54 comments:

  1. I would love to visit a Amish community but I have not had the opportunity to do it yet. I shared the contest on facebook.

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    1. I would dearly love to visit an Amish area also, Cynthia, but there aren't any close to where I live. Thanks so much for sharing, and best wishes in the drawing.

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  2. I forgot to put my email in cyn1063@aol.com

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  3. I have visited an Amish family when I was a teenager. My late Aunt who lived in Quarryville, Pa in Lancaster County was friends with a few Amish families. She took me with her when she had to visit one of the families. The horse and buggies would always be going by my Aunt and Uncle's home. I enjoyed watching them from the front porch. The home is now owned by a Memonite family.

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    1. Karen, I don't romanticize the Amish, but I do admire their lifestyle and find it so peaceful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and good luck in the drawing.

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  4. I shared on Facebook. Also, forgot to add my email address. kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  5. Since I lived in Ohio growing up, I had the pleasure of visiting several communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania area. I now live in NC and hope to visit the one and only settlement in our state this summer or fall. I shared the contest on Facebook. My email is rackylemaire(at) gmail(dot) com

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    1. Melissa, I live in Georgia and doubt we have any Amish here. Interesting that there's one in NC. Where is it located? Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  6. I have been to Clark Mo. Which I am writing to an old order amish lady I have bought 2 quilts from and have visited with her just recently. I've also been to many communities in Pennsylvania Ohio Indiana.

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    1. How wonderful that you've visited and are in contact with an Amish lady! Their quilts are beautiful and they seem to experience so much joy in making them. Thanks for sharing with us, shots57.

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  7. Forgot my email vamulligan@gmail.com also shared on Facebook

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  8. on a journey, but it was a Sunday and everything was closed. Did ride through the community and saw church in session in someone's home.

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    1. I would think the area is beautiful, even if no stores were open. Maybe you'll get another opportunity to visit them, Martha. Good luck in the drawing.

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  9. I have visited Lancaster, PA several times over the last few years and two years ago visited the Berlin, OH area. We are going back to Berlin, OH again this Fall. Love both areas. My email: dhazelton(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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    1. If I lived close to either of those areas, I would visit as frequently as possible. Thanks for sharing today.

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  10. I have not visited! Where I grew up there were lots of Menonite though in Northeast Missouri . :) I also shared on Facebook! My email : christinaz01(at)yahoo(dot)com
    Thank you! I love Shelley's books!! ~Christina Z.

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    1. Aren't Shelley's books fun to read?! Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the drawing, Christina.

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  11. Shared. Yes I have been to jamesport and lanesboro and one in Wisconsin. Loved it! Sonjadot Nishimoto at gmaildotcom

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    1. It's so good to see you here, Sonja! I know how much you enjoy the Amish and am glad you've had several opportunities to visit. Good luck in the drawing, Sonja.

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    2. Thanks, Carole! You are right, I do!

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  12. I remember when my family went to the eastern US a few years back and driving through an Amish community. It was fascinating.

    sydneyjames68@gmail.com

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    1. Maybe you'll get to visit again sometime, Sydney. I enjoy "visiting" through writers like Shelley. Good luck in the drawing!

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  13. Thank you for a chance to win. I shared. I have never had the chance to see an Amish community. I would love to. I actually live about an hour and a half from Pinecraft. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Kristina, I've never visited an Amish community either, except through books. Pinecraft fascinates me because they seem to be more relaxed and enjoying the vacation atmosphere. Thanks for sharing, Kristina.

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    2. Don't forget to leave your e-mail address for the drawing, Kristina.

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  14. I have never been to an Amish town but I live in Iowa and see some Amish shopping at the mall.
    I shared.
    Thereadmaster@me.com

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    1. You live a lot closer to the Amish than I do, Virginia. Maybe you'll get to visit sometime. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  15. Shared. I got to Berlin, OH every month for a quilting class.

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  16. Shared. I go to Berlin, OH every month for a Quilting class. At Helping Hands Quilt Shop.

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    1. Lana, I'd love to learn to quilt - or watch, at least! Hope you're enjoying your classes. Thanks for sharing. And don't forget to leave your e-mail address for the drawing.

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  17. I haven't had a chance yet, but I plan to. We have two Amish communities here in Oklahoma. I haves shared on my Facebook page.

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    1. I didn't know there were Amish communities in Oklahoma, Debbie. I'm sure you will enjoy visiting them. Good luck in the drawing, and please don't forget to leave your e-mail address.

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  18. I've never visited an Amish community but I would love to one of these days! I've read a lot of Amish fiction, so it feels almost like I have :-) I've shared this on Facebook as well, thank you for a chance to win a copy!
    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Trixi, I read a lot of Amish fiction also and it only makes me want to visit even more. Thanks for mentioning the pictures. Pinecraft fascinates me because of the more laid-back feel and searching for places/activities mentioned in Shelley's book was fun. Thanks so much for sharing, Trixi.

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  19. Forgot to add, I love the pictures of the Amish on this blog! It's neat to see them having fun :-)

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  20. I shared on f/b. Haven't been to the Amish community but want to. scotina55@yahoo.com

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    1. Same here! I'd love to visit sometime. Would probably buy too much, though!

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  21. I have become interested in the place Palm Springs. It sounds like a fascinating place. I have visited Holmes County and the auction at Mount Hope many times. We have a small sect of Holmes closeby. They came to Burkes Garden many years back but a lot of them left. Some families decided to stay and they run the store there. They are also active with our Farmer's Market. In a neighboring county, my husband does business with the group there. [animals/birds]

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    1. I love the interaction you described. Thanks for sharing, and please leave your e-mail address for the drawing.

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  22. Shared. I am in Berlin OH once a month for a quilt class at the Helping Hands Quilt Shop. lga2511 at yahoo dot com

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    1. I bet you're having fun learning from them! Thanks for sharing.

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  23. I live in Florida and STILL have not been to the Amish Community here. I seriously need to make it a point to go. I would love to win this book. My email address is jennifer.thomas426(at)(aol)(dot)com

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    1. Jennifer, if you ever make it to Pinecraft, be sure to eat at some of the places Shelley described in her book - Olaf's Creamery, Yoders, etc. I would probably be guilty of overeating!

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  24. I shared and I have been to Sugar creek and Charm Ohio for Charm days several times. Joyce Johnson

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    1. Joyce, I'm trying not to be envious! Would love to visit those areas. Thanks so much for sharing, and please leave your e-mail address for the drawing. Thanks!

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  25. I shared on FB, and I have visited Pinecraft, FL, as well as Amish communities in PA, OH, IN, and IL. I would enjoy winning your book.

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  26. Forgot to leave my email.
    GPK1946 at gmail.com.

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  27. I have never visited an Amish community, but I do live in Ohio and would like to. That might wind up on the list of plans for this summer! jnjfischer50(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. Shared...and no I haven't never visited an amish community but I would love too.

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  29. Shared on my Facebook news page ~ we pass Seymour MO and love the windmills and sometimes there are families traveling along the roadway. In fact, remembering my very first post, Do Less and Seymour, that opened my blogging world ~ http://lanehillhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/do-less-and-seymour.html Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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  30. would love to win your book and ive lived all my life around the amishs in new wilmington pa

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  31. I shared and would like to thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book! jynhoffman@yahoo.com

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  32. I shared. I have visited Pinecraft, FL - Lancaster County, PA - Shipshewanna, IN. I was born and raised in Central PA in an area where there were quite a few Amish families. One of my daughter's best friends was an Amish girl who attended the local elementary school and continued into middle school and when she could no longer attend school going into 8th grade, my daughter and her friends were heartbroken. My youngest son had an Amish child in his 1st grade class who could not speak English - thank goodness the teacher was a recent graduate who could speak German and taught this child to speak English. My husband and I had a produce stand when we moved to NY and bought most of our fresh produce from the Amish families in Central PA . . . we, of course, had to haul it 200 miles round trip. So, I love Amish books and anything Amish. Thanks for the opportunity for a chance to win a copy of your book. By the way we had dinner at Yoder's a few weeks ago - 100 miles round trip, but it was worth every bite of it!! jynhoffman@yahoo.com

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  33. I used to live in Florida and never heard of Pinecraft. I have never been to an Amish community either, but I do love to read Amish fiction books.
    KayLee from NY
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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