The Proposal

Rating:
Summary: The Proposal
Review: A delightful, easy read. Definitely Kerl's best adult effort to date.

Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming...
Review: The Proposal
by
Mary Ann Kerl
Publisher: AmErica House
ISBN 1-58851-505-2
Genre: Christian Romance

Crystal McCourtney never expected to be sole provider for her eight-year-old son, nor had she expected to be a widow after only ten years of marriage. A drunk driver rearranged her life, causing her to refocus and rethink her expectations. Strengthened by faith, encouraged by her friends Crystal struggles to survive. Yet the pain of her loss is like a knotted fist of angry rage in her spirit because, she can never forgive the alcoholic whose irresponsible behavior cost her so much. Never.

Psychologist,Dave Alexander, never expected fatherhood to be so fulfilling, nor so difficult to claim rights to. But obstacles bar his path: he's not married to his daughter's mother, he courted and wed the wine bottle instead and by the time he found the redeeming grace of God and a sponsor in AA his credibility as parent material was tainted considerably. Still, Dave is determined to fight for his right to be a father to his daughter.

Crystal approaches Dr. Alexander because she needs his endorsement of her proposal for a program she designed to help teens develop the skills needed to cope with drugs, sex, and violence. Dave is far more interested in getting on with his own battles and plans to point out the weakness in Crystal's proposal and be done with her. Both forget to remember to consult the Master's plan, until a series of mishaps throw them together.

When Crystal's rebellious son runs away from home, a fiery crash threatens the life of Dave's daughter, and a face-to-face encounter with the unforgiven past, both find their faith tested and they are forced to reevaluate their expectations.

The Proposal is a heart-warming story, reinforcing the value of forgiveness in our lives...