The Proposal

By: Mary Balogh

Narrated by: Rebecca De Leeuw

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Award-winning and New York Times best-selling author Mary Balogh delights fans with historical romantic tales that touch the heart. After her husband dies in a freak accident, Lady Gwendoline Muir never dreams she’ll love again. So when soldier-turned-nobleman Lord Hugo Trentham stirs feelings in her that have lain dormant for years, she can’t help but imagine his strong embrace. Hugo finds himself drawn to Gwen, but he’s never courted a woman before. Can he muster the right words to make Gwen open her heart and love once more?

©2012 Mary Balogh (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

IT PULLS YOU IN AT CHAPTER 1

This is a real change to the usual 'Historical Romance' type books about one titled Lady and one deeply troubled, and mentally scarred, Military Officer. It's witty and charming and you can't help but empathise with the two main characters and you end up routing for them both. Hugo should be a dislikeable character but all his shortcomings actually just make you like him all the more.

It made me wonder if there will be more books covering the other members of the Survivor's Club? Narrator was brilliant.

I'm a huge Mary Balogh fan and, in my opinion, no paper was waisted on producing this book for us.

Worth a credit? It's one of those 'addictive' type books - once you start it you just can't stop so it's a definite Yes.

Predictable and Contrived But No Less Enjoyable

I'm not a fan of romance novels and actually bought this book thinking it was a different genre. That said, it's an enjoyable story, if somewhat predictable and contrived. Unfortunately, the title gives the whole resolution away, so every time you think the two main characters -- Gwen and Hugo -- are going to get together and then something comes between them to stop their love affair, you just know that their "insurmountable" obstacles will be overcome by the end because of the title!

Hugo is from a staunchly middle class working family who had a lordship bestowed upon him due to his heroics in the Napoleonic Wars. Gwen is from a staunchly privileged class. They meet by chance on the beach (fighting overwhelming feelings of loneliness, she stumbles and sprains her ankle and Hugo is right there to rescue her from this disaster). They both have dark secrets that haunt them.

But, after many trials, errors and a refused proposal, their love endures.

The narrator does a lovely job reading this novel. She is clear and easy to understand.

More than just a romance novel

Where does The Proposal rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Proposal ranks right at the top. I loved the way Balogh shared every thought and word of Hugo and Gwendolyn. This is one of those stories that will stay with me for days. I can recall words of their conversations and feel their feelings. I wanted more....and epilogue.

What other book might you compare The Proposal to and why?

This book compares to many of Georgette Heyer's books, but is also compares to Balogh's book, Slightly Dangerous. That was the story of the Duke of Bewcastle and the accidental finding of his working class wife.

Which scene was your favorite?

Ahhhhh, it must be the scene in the stable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Love Conquers All

Any additional comments?

I really appreciated how Balogh gave the heroic Hugo a soft heart and a generous nature without diminishing his strength or masculinity.

Good story

This was a good and different story. I like when the men are not so arrogant and have honor, but the story was a bit drawn out. I love long stories that go deep but a lot of discussions and extra conversations. Good for relaxing. Did not like the weird accent the male had though.

Just o.k.

I read the reviews and was excited about this book. Must admit was somewhat disappointed. Overall it was a good listen not over the top for me, the repeats of advents was a little much for me and I know he was a military man but it took part 2 of the story just for him to smile I believe she the author made him a little to hard, for me just ok but Rebecca was awesome as one of the main reason I purchase it.

Wonderful Series by Mary Balogh

First book in the series, just bought last three. Listened to them several times. Very lovely books, with heart warming stories.

Cute A nice interval after the nonfiction reading

A nice interval after all the serious nonfiction books about what a horrible world we are living in.

Proposal

It was a good book. It started out without a love scene which was nice. It came out later in the book Needs to have second book for his sister

Loved it!

I’ve read some reviews that complain that Ms. Balogh’s stories are stretched out too much and repetitive. I think she does a wonderful job of letting us know the mental anguish that people go through when trying to make a decision and how we often make assumptions about what others are thinking. Her characters become very real. I wish she would write longer novels!

Beautiful romance

Another beautifully romantic tale from Mary Balogh. Hugo and Gwendolyn are so wrong for each other yet they fall in love and become the perfect match. Loved this book.