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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nice and Light, October 13, 2002
This review is from: The Proposal (The English Garden Series #1) (Paperback)
I honestly cannot figure out why everyone seems so set on hating this book. Certainly, "The Proposal" is very similar in theme to Lori's other books, but in my mind it is no different from the other books that everyone else loved. The direction in which the plot is going is totally obvious from the start, but as I said before, isn't that to be expected in a Lori Wick book? A brief plot summary-Jennings, a bachelor in Victorian England, has no intention on ever marrying or having children. However, when he unexpectedly finds himself guardian of his very young cousins Penny, James, and Thomas, all of that changes. Despite his stubborness, he sees his need for help and decides to visit his sister, who has four children of her own. Jennings finally discovers God along the way, and it seems that Marianne Walker, Jennings' sister's lovely neighbor, is taking up a large portion of his mind as well... If nothing else, this book is a great escape from reality. Wouldn't you love a world with sweet, always well-behaved kids and constantly harmonious marriages? With charming neighbors and beautiful country manors and cute comments abounding from the little ones....wouldn't it be lovely? :-) Well, Lori Wick is famous for portraying that kind of world in her books, and if that's what you're looking for, you'll probably relish the first book in this new series.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not her best, but still very good, June 9, 2002
This review is from: The Proposal (The English Garden Series #1) (Paperback)
I really enjoyed reading this book and hope that Lori's next one is just as good or better. It was a fun, easy read that took me to another place and time where my imagination could soar. I have read the other reviews of this book and I think that the other readers should stop and think a little before blasting such a talented writer. I have been a fan of Lori Wick for many years now and own every one of her books. I agree with some of the reviewers that the character development could have been better, and that everything seems hunky-dory. I have enjoyed some of her other books better than this one. But think about it. This is not, I repeat not, a devotional book. It is not really intended to be like modern life or else it would be written in modern times. One reader lambasted the author for trying to be like Jane Austin but falling short of the mark. Ms. Wick herself even goes so far as to say that in her own introduction. Also, anyone who has read or tried to read Austin will know that Wick will have to write for today's audiences since Austin is a hard read for MANY in today's world. Another reader (maybe the same one) stated that the characters seemed stiff and unemotional. Well, read contemporary authors of the early 1800's (Austin, Bronte, etc.) and one will see that the people back then WERE stiff and formal and they did not show their emotions as we do nowadays.
And as for everyone being perfect, including the kids, every once in a while I like to read such a story to inspire me as to how I should be. All of Lori Wick's books have characters who inspire me to be better than I am. This book is chalk full of them. And yes, I do know some kids who are as well behaved as the Jennings and Palmer kids. I was even one of them when I was their age. From a writer's point of view (being and aspiring one myself) this book had to have been fun to dream and write about. Who wouldn't want kids like the Palmers and Jennings kids. Who wouldn't want to have a relationship such as Lydia and Mr. Palmer (with the excetion of calling each other Mr. and Mrs., which was a cultural thing of the times)? And who wouldn't want to be like the energetic and sweet Marianne? After writing such an emotional ride as Bamboo and Lace, I'm sure that Lori needed an easier book to write. One cannot expect ANY writer to produce a brilliant book every time he or she writes. I expect that we will see more like her better ones in the future, but for now just be patient, look for the good in things, and enjoy The Proposal.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Sorely dissappointed, March 27, 2002
This review is from: The Proposal (The English Garden Series #1) (Paperback)
I am a big Lori Wick fan, and I know she can do better. I agree that she seems to be writing without real depth and storyline just to get a book out. Ironically I read Pride and Prejudice right before this and there is no comparison. Another problem is the total lack of real issues and problems in peoples lives. The men are gentlemen and never lust. They are loyal, good fathers and are never seen to have a bad day. The mothers are happy and not harsh with their children. The children are perfect and never squabble, which is not my experience as a homeschooling mother of four. And enough with the servants. Let us see a main female character who manages to do the dishes, laundry, meals, and still have great hair at the end of the day:) Also, once someone is saved they don't make any big mistakes, they say the right thing, and understand spiritual issues perfectly. Please. This is not real life. My main concern is for young girls reading this and developing an unrealistic view of motherhood and marraige. What happens when he shows himself to be a human being? Not to mention every mom in the world having huge amounts of guilt for having a messy house, not being rich enough for servants, and needing a little time to herself once in awhile. I, for one, would like to see a little more reality in the future.
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