Book Review: The Proof Is in the Paddle

Title: The Proof Is in the Paddle

Author: Emily Dana Botrous

Date: 2022

Quote: "Lucy...moved to the front seat, careful not to step on a spare paddle resting on the bottom of the boat."

When she picks up the paddle, she will discover the diamond ring. This is not a real book. It's the epilogue to Forever Yours Lucy, circulated as an e-book as publicity for that novel.

Single chapters as prologues, epilogues, or excerpts are not a way of marketing a novel that works for me. It may work with nonfiction. The chapter about 1845 in a history book may make me want to read what the writer has to say about 1844. The pattern for the cable stitch sweater may make me want to own the pattern for the lace stitch sweater. But short fiction is like getting to know the "neighbors" in a hotel when you're staying in the city less than 24 hours: why bother?

If, however, you like short fiction,  this micro-book might be a good introduction to a writer whose Christian romances go beyond the usual boundaries of the genre. Characters take their faith seriously, and show their faith by their works, not by continual preaching. They're not drowning in hormones, but they feel their attraction to each other. Their romances do not necessarily end with the big proposal scene; Botrous knows how love fades and reappears within marriage, so although the PDF format told me this was a short story, coming from this writer it might have been the beginning of a long story. 

I noticed Botrous' work especially because her romances set in a fictional small town near mine ring so true. I'd like to find out how well people think she's done at capturing a true sense of other places in those of her novels that aren't set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Forever Yours Lucy and The Proof Is in the Paddle are set in Michigan. I want to know what people in Michigan think. 

Botrous' own stated goal is, however, to use fiction to tell true stories of how people experience "spiritual growth" while living in the real world. That's quite a challenge but I think she's done well with it. Unfortunately, it doesn't really show in this epilogue; Lucy and Silas have already had their adventures, including but not limited to "falling in love," and although they may have other bookworthy adventures later, for now all they hav left to do is make it official.

If you like to linger in the happy ending of a romance, this micro-book is for you. Check it out, but you'll enjoy it more if you've read Forever Yours Lucy.