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mbethel24's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
I like Regencies and Victorian novels so I purchased all 4 books in this series on Kindle a couple of years ago when they were on sale. I've just finished listening to the Audio of this first one on Scribd.
Its not the worst novel in the world, and the concept was interesting- but- I didn't care for the execution. To say its preachy would be an understatement. Indeed, I felt that the synopsis is misleading to some extend.
Much of the second half of the book read like an extended sermon, or as it if was written as a teaching tool for a church group.
The characters at times seemed to be unable to commit to any action without 'praying about it' first and some chapters were taken up mostly by extended discussions a sermon they'd heard in Church or a Bible passage they'd read.
I understand that the author wanted to write a story about the Christian life, but it wasn't subtle at all. Maybe the author didn't intend it to be, but I really don't think this worked as a historical or a Romance novel. In fact, there was very little romance, and at times not much storyline. It would have been better off as non-fiction, perhaps.
There's also some assumptions about the non-Christian characters that I found rather absurd. The idea that someone raised in Victorian Britain would have not known that the Holy Trinity was, but not even heard of the concept almost beggared belief. Seriously, just because a person is not a believer it does not mean they have no grasp of Biblical teachings or theology whatsoever.
I mean Jane Austen was a vicar's daughter, and her faith was important to her life, but this is NOT Jane Austen by any measure. Its really a bit dull, to be honest.
The other thing which annoyed me were the Americanisms. I don't mind a few of them, but they really stood out in this novel, and they gave the impression that little attempt was made to make the character's language authentic to the setting of Victorian Britain. Among them were 'baking cookies' (Brits would call these biscuits), 'eating too much candy' (what Brits call sweets) talking about 'fall term' at school and characters saying 'okay' several times. A term that was coined in Boston a couple of decades after this was set.
I may read or listen to the other books in the series at some point, and I understand that many people have found them beneficial. I won't disparage them, and by all means read this book and pass it on. It just wasn't my cup of proverbial tea.
Its not the worst novel in the world, and the concept was interesting- but- I didn't care for the execution. To say its preachy would be an understatement. Indeed, I felt that the synopsis is misleading to some extend.
Much of the second half of the book read like an extended sermon, or as it if was written as a teaching tool for a church group.
The characters at times seemed to be unable to commit to any action without 'praying about it' first and some chapters were taken up mostly by extended discussions a sermon they'd heard in Church or a Bible passage they'd read.
I understand that the author wanted to write a story about the Christian life, but it wasn't subtle at all. Maybe the author didn't intend it to be, but I really don't think this worked as a historical or a Romance novel. In fact, there was very little romance, and at times not much storyline. It would have been better off as non-fiction, perhaps.
There's also some assumptions about the non-Christian characters that I found rather absurd. The idea that someone raised in Victorian Britain would have not known that the Holy Trinity was, but not even heard of the concept almost beggared belief. Seriously, just because a person is not a believer it does not mean they have no grasp of Biblical teachings or theology whatsoever.
I mean Jane Austen was a vicar's daughter, and her faith was important to her life, but this is NOT Jane Austen by any measure. Its really a bit dull, to be honest.
The other thing which annoyed me were the Americanisms. I don't mind a few of them, but they really stood out in this novel, and they gave the impression that little attempt was made to make the character's language authentic to the setting of Victorian Britain. Among them were 'baking cookies' (Brits would call these biscuits), 'eating too much candy' (what Brits call sweets) talking about 'fall term' at school and characters saying 'okay' several times. A term that was coined in Boston a couple of decades after this was set.
I may read or listen to the other books in the series at some point, and I understand that many people have found them beneficial. I won't disparage them, and by all means read this book and pass it on. It just wasn't my cup of proverbial tea.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this story. It was a little preachy at times, but on the whole a good story. The only thing that really irked me was the use of modern language! This is supposed to be Regency England, yet the author used language from the present including Americanized scriptures. Please, please, please, if you are writing a Regency story, please have the decency to stay as true to the time period as possible and at very least use the King James version of the Bible. (Okay, off my soap box for now! :))
brittneedsbooks's review
5.0
"The Proposal" by Lori Wick is the first book in "The English Garden" series. Set in the charming English countryside, this historical romance introduces readers to William Jennings, a kind-hearted and wealthy young man, and Marianne Daventry, a spirited and independent woman. When Marianne's father passes away, she is left with a challenging decision regarding her future, and unexpected circumstances lead her to accept William's proposal of marriage.
One of the highlights of this novel is Lori Wick's skill in creating a vivid and picturesque setting. The descriptions of the English gardens, manor houses, and countryside transport readers to a romantic and idyllic world. The author also excels in developing the relationship between the main characters, emphasizing the growth of their love and the challenges they face along the way.
"The Proposal" is a delightful blend of romance and faith, as Lori Wick incorporates Christian themes throughout the story. The characters' spiritual journeys and their reliance on God add depth to the narrative. However, readers who prefer secular romance novels may find the religious elements to be more prominent than desired.
While the book delivers a satisfying romance, some readers may find the plot predictable, following a familiar structure commonly found in historical romance novels. Additionally, the pacing can be slow at times, especially during the initial setup of the story. Nevertheless, for fans of wholesome historical romances with a strong Christian influence and a captivating English setting, "The Proposal" is a pleasant choice that promises an engaging love story and a glimpse into a bygone era.
One of the highlights of this novel is Lori Wick's skill in creating a vivid and picturesque setting. The descriptions of the English gardens, manor houses, and countryside transport readers to a romantic and idyllic world. The author also excels in developing the relationship between the main characters, emphasizing the growth of their love and the challenges they face along the way.
"The Proposal" is a delightful blend of romance and faith, as Lori Wick incorporates Christian themes throughout the story. The characters' spiritual journeys and their reliance on God add depth to the narrative. However, readers who prefer secular romance novels may find the religious elements to be more prominent than desired.
While the book delivers a satisfying romance, some readers may find the plot predictable, following a familiar structure commonly found in historical romance novels. Additionally, the pacing can be slow at times, especially during the initial setup of the story. Nevertheless, for fans of wholesome historical romances with a strong Christian influence and a captivating English setting, "The Proposal" is a pleasant choice that promises an engaging love story and a glimpse into a bygone era.
rbmommareads's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
icygrl7's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others who enjoy reading Inspirational Christian fiction.
crystalmbookshelf83's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rachel93's review against another edition
5.0
A great start to a series.
The Proposal is the first book in Lori Wicks English Garden series. Jennings goes from a bachelor to family man over night when a relative leaves his three children to him. With the help of family and his sisters neighbor, he learns how to take care of them and along the way even comes to find Christ. This was a great historical fiction read. I enjoyed Jennings growth and the growth of his relationship with Marianne. Mrs. Wick wrote a page turning story with very like able characters, with the exception of Mrs. Smith. I will be checking out the next book in this series when I’m able too.
While I do recommend this book I also realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
The Proposal is the first book in Lori Wicks English Garden series. Jennings goes from a bachelor to family man over night when a relative leaves his three children to him. With the help of family and his sisters neighbor, he learns how to take care of them and along the way even comes to find Christ. This was a great historical fiction read. I enjoyed Jennings growth and the growth of his relationship with Marianne. Mrs. Wick wrote a page turning story with very like able characters, with the exception of Mrs. Smith. I will be checking out the next book in this series when I’m able too.
While I do recommend this book I also realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.