Historical Fiction > England
16th-19th Centuries
The Proposal
Back of the Book:
London, 1810. William Jennings has never known the love and companionship that marriage brings—and doesn’t want to. So when a relative dies, leaving three young children to his care, Jennings’ world is turned upside down. As the last male of his generation, he’s thrilled to have two boys to carry on his name. Yet what is he to do with a little girl? Jennings sets about pouring his life into the boys, and the brothers tolerate their kind but demanding guardian—until they discover their younger sister is at the mercy of a cruel nanny. Turning to his sister for help, Jennings becomes acquainted with her lovely and intelligent neighbor, who soon shows him the world in a different light.
My Review:
This was a charming story. I enjoyed the way Jennings had to sort through so many thoughts and feelings before he was able to have things happen right. The time it took for him to warm up to Penny was believable and heart-warming when he actually did.
Jennings didn’t start out being a Christian. He had a lot of doubts and didn’t think he even needed God. The way Palmer coached Jennings and answered his questions was enlightening. It might help another reader as he/she tries to come up with ways to witness to friends or family.
And then there was the love story. The book isn’t titled "The Proposal" for nothing. The way Jennings proposed, and the number of times he did it was comical. I greatly enjoyed reading the book.