The Proposing Tree: A Love Story [Hardcover]

James F. Twyman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2003

The debut novel from acclaimed new age voice James Twyman is an unforgettable tale of love, friendship, and devotion told with passionate lyricism and spellbinding imagery. The Proposing Tree takes its impetus from a real tree that grows in Santa Monica, an actual Proposing Tree where young men pour their hearts into eloquent and timeless proposals of marriage to the women they love.

Beginning in 1960s Los Angeles, and charting a course up to the present day, The Proposing Tree follows the arcs of one such star-crossed pair of lovers. As Fredrick kneels under the tree declaring his love to Carolyn, he hears the words all men dread: she wants to remain “just friends.” Yet, despite his heartbreak, he does remain steadfast in his friendship, even as she closes the door forever on their romance by marrying another man. But forever can be a long time, and the power of true love can lead to extraordinary outcomes. What will become of the love of Fredrick and Carolyn?

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

There is a tree. An actual tree. A tree so beautiful, so magical, that lovers go there to sit beneath its leaves and branches and speak the feelings in their hearts. Some even propose marriage under its branches, passionate proposals given timeless eloquence by the magic of the Proposing Tree. This is the story of Fredrick and Carolyn, from their youth in the sixties until the present day. They meet under the tree and enjoy "practicing" proposals of love and marriage, until Fredrick realizes that he has fallen deeply in love and really means what he is saying. But she wants to remain "just friends." Here is a love story for all time, about the true meaning of love, about selflessness, and the patience sometimes necessary to realize our dreams. The lyrical prose of this deeply moving story of star-crossed lovers will capture your heart forever.

From the Back Cover

"There is a place deep within me that has waited to hear a certain sound, a particular tone that has the power to transform my shattered existence. I have searched the whole world for that sound, hoping that one day it would drift past my ear and be caught in the net of my awareness, then sink into my soul where it would resonate with the vibrating strings of my heart. And what would I feel that fateful moment when grace descends upon me? It is easy to say now for I recognized that music the moment I heard your voice. A song began that I longed to hear from the moment of my birth, and it continues as I stand here before you ready to say the words that may save us both." (from The Proposing Tree)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing (August 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571743944
• ISBN-13: 978-1571743947
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warmed my soul..., September 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Proposing Tree: A Love Story (Hardcover)

I received my copy of "The Proposing Tree" in the mail last night and started reading it this morning. I finished it in no time at all...so eager to see how the story played out. It really touched something inside me, reassuring me that love is out there, even though it may not come to us when we want it to or in the way we expect it to.

Although it's just a little book, you really get to know and care for the characters Frederick, Carolyn, and Colin.

Thanks to James Twyman for sharing this wonderful story with his fans.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Read!!! Romance and Spirit in One., September 5, 2003

By 

diane heart (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Proposing Tree: A Love Story (Hardcover)

I have read all of James Twyman's books, but this one surpasses the reast. It is simple and profound, yet touches the spirit and heart in a way he never has before. Women especially will treasure this story. You'll pull it to your heart and read it over and over. Take my advice. You're going to love this.
Diane

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful, Heartfelt Story!, September 15, 2003

By 

Wendy Harrison - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Proposing Tree: A Love Story (Hardcover)

Wow, what a magical love story! So glad I found this story - it is a beautiful and romantic love story, one I will treasure forever. Ranks up there with The Notebook by Sparks and Shade of the Maple by Kirk Martin, two of my all-time favorites! You will love this!