African American characters – Diversity Between the Pages

Book Review: In Search of a Prince

Published on January 31, 2022January 23, 2022 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Monday everyone! I am so excited to share my review of In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, I highly recommend trying them out! I have been a longtime fan of her contemporary romances and chick lit, and I always look forward to her upcoming releases.

Have you read any books by Toni Shiloh yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell–Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

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MY THOUGHTS

In this modern-day fairy tale with a gorgeous African princess, set on the breathtaking African island of Ọlọrọ Ilé, author Toni Shiloh immediately draws readers in and keeps them fully invested in the storyline until the very last page.

Imagine living the first twenty-five years of your life as a typical American, then finding out that you are really an African princess, and your grandfather the King is dying and needs you to take over the throne. Sounds like a dream come true, but having to learn a new culture, a new language, and gaining the acceptance of Ọlọrọ Ilé’s citizens may be more difficult than Her Royal Highness Princess Brielle originally thought.

Toni Shiloh continues to bring a much-needed diversity to Christian fiction. She incorporates the characters’ faith authentically into the storyline throughout their daily lives and reminds us of God’s faithfulness and to always trust in Him.

In Search of a Prince is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Becky Wade, Denise Hunter, and Melissa Tagg.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW.

ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to encourage authors in the writing industry. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

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Book Review: The CEO’s Companion

Published on January 24, 2022January 23, 2022 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The CEO’s Companion, the fourth book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despair held him captive. Can her love break his chains?

After a deadly fire robbed him of his wife and children, billionaire Eric Stone clings to God and buries himself in work to distract himself from his grief. But when a mysterious illness takes away his ability to work, Eric must retreat to his childhood home to rest and recover. Grief-stricken and hopeless, he is irritated by his new care taker’s enthusiasm for life. But against his will, her sunny outlook makes inroads.

Joy Musana got a new lease on life after beating cancer four years ago. Now, she lives every day to serve God and others. In her opinion, the grumpy CEO she is caring for doesn’t need her sympathy—but making him smile is her priority.

When she asks him to attend a wedding with her to avoid the matchmaking efforts of her roommate, Eric surprises himself by agreeing to pose as her fake date to shield her from a pushy suitor. As unexpected sparks fly, Eric’s and Joy’s hearts are trapped between what’s fake and what’s real. Could this weekend be their chance for a new beginning?

This is the fourth standalone book in the caregiver series. Each book can be read in any order.

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3. The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Investor’s Wife

6. The Soldier’s Trainer

7. The Realtor’s Attendant

MY THOUGHTS

In The CEO’s Companion, author Rose Fresquez creates another beautiful faith-filled contemporary romance that will draw readers closer to their faith. With an engaging storyline and authentic characters, this heartwarming tale of finding one’s purpose and discovering true love is a delight to read.

After the struggles and heartache CEO Eric Stone has faced in his life, it would be understandable for him to doubt his faith. However, despite difficult times, his trials have eventually helped strengthen his faith and his desire to help others realize God’s grace. The romance between Eric and Joy develops at a realistic pace and allows readers to experience the journey along with them.

The CEO’s Companion is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW.

ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

First Line Friday: All the Moore

Published on December 10, 2021November 8, 2021 by Nicole1 Comment

Happy Friday everyone! You know what that means…it’s time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line!

Today we are featuring the first line of All the Moore by Toni Shiloh. This novella was previously a part of the Something Borrowed collection, a collaboration between several different authors. The great news is that All the Moore is now available to purchase individually!

and the first line is…

“Leilah Anderson stared at the text from her newly-engaged best friend, Hanady Ellsworth.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability. Everything she does can be done from the safety of her home in a remote setting. When she starts a friendship online, she never thought they’d see each other face-to-face.

Reggie Moore can’t believe he gets the chance to finally meet his online friend and fellow gamer, Leilah. Yet she seems happy with the distance between them. When a job promotion comes with an opportunity to close the distance, Reggie takes it as a yes from God.

All the Moore is book two in the Something Borrowed collection.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Let us know the first line of the book closest to you & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

Book Review: The Physician’s Helper

Published on October 25, 2021October 22, 2021 by Nicole3 Comments

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The Physician’s Helper, the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

He was in love with his best friend but she got engaged to his brother.

Just when Lucas Matthews was about to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend Britt, his brother beat him to the punch and proposed to her— forcing Lucas to take desperate measures.

Lucas rocked Brittney Young’s world when he challenged the status of their friendship. Sealing his confession with a melting kiss left no room for confusion, but by the time Britt got over her doubts, Lucas had left town. Not only had she lost a best friend, she ended her engagement. The only thing she didn’t lose was her job as Lucas’ Grandma’s caregiver.

With each passing day, Britt realized that her own feelings for Lucas went beyond friendship.

Ten years later, when Britt’s ex- fiancé’s wedding brings Lucas back into town, she’s not prepared for the way her blood sizzles in his company.

Could this be a second chance to renew their friendship and find something more? Can Lucas risk giving his heart again to the woman who crushed it?

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3.The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Soldier’s Trainer

6. The Investor’s Wife

7. The Realtor’s Attendant

MY THOUGHTS

Ever since I discovered Rose Fresquez’s books, I have enjoyed her sweet interracial romances and always look forward to her upcoming releases, but she really steps up her game in The Physician’s Helper. With engaging characters and a fun storyline of former childhood friends reconnecting, The Physician’s Helper is definitely my favorite novel of hers.

If you are new to Rose Fresquez’s books, you can definitely jump right in with this novel. The Physician’s Helper, book three in The Caregivers series, can be easily read as a standalone, but fans of the series will enjoy some cameo appearances from characters they met earlier in the series.

The spiritual thread was weaved perfectly into the storyline with the hero Lucas’s recently discovered faith and the heroine Brit wanting to learn more about God herself. I especially liked how the hero and heroine are forty and almost forty years old, now that I’m getting older myself (even though I hate to admit that I will turn forty next year)! Lucas and Brit are highly relatable characters and refreshing to read, when many other characters in Christian fiction are often in their twenties. Fans of kissing scenes will enjoy the romantic moments between Lucas and Brit.

The Physician’s Helper is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: Arms of Freedom

Published on October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 by Nicole2 Comments

Happy Wednesday, friends! I can’t believe it’s October already! This year has really flown by for me. Today I am thrilled to share my review of Arms of Freedom by Kathleen Neely. This is the first book of hers that I have read. I always love a good time slip (dual timeline) novel, and I was so impressed by her well-written storylines.

Have you read any books by Kathleen Neely yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

With each page of the age-old journals, Annie discovers all that unites her with a woman who once lived in her farmhouse. One lived with wealth and one with poverty, but both knew captivity. Both longed to be free.

Miriam yearns to escape her life as a super model. She drops the pseudonym and uses the name she gave up years ago—Annie Gentry. Then she alters her appearance and moves to rural South Carolina to care for her grandmother. Can she live a simple life without recognition? Can she hide a net worth valued in the millions? Love is nowhere in her plans until she meets a man who wants nothing more than Annie Gentry and the simple life he lives.

Charlotte lived in the same farmhouse in the tumultuous 1860’s. The Civil War was over, but for a bi-racial girl, freedom remained elusive. She coveted a life where she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. A life where she could make a difference. As she experiences hope, will it be wrested from her?

The journals stop abruptly with a climactic event, leaving Annie to search for information. What happened to Charlotte? Did her life make a difference? Did she ever find freedom?

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MY THOUGHTS

“These walls hold secrets.”

In Arms of Freedom, author Kathleen Neely has penned an incredible dual timeline novel that fans of both post-Civil War historical fiction during the Reconstruction period and contemporary fiction will immensely enjoy. The novel intertwines the historical storyline with the present as a young bi-racial girl’s journal from the 1800s turns into a search for family history and answers about the past. This powerful and emotional story demonstrates the strength and determination of the human spirit during the time of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Reconstruction period, and the rise of the KKK.

I enjoyed the present-day storyline as much as the historical storyline, which is often not the case for me when reading dual timeline novels. The light romance developing in the present-day storyline made my romance-loving heart happy. The faith threads weaved throughout the novel are inspiring to readers. Arms of Freedom is highly recommended for fans of time slip novels, historical fiction, and women’s contemporary fiction with light romantic threads. Such a wonderful novel!

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Neely is the author of THE STREET SINGER, BEAUTY FOR ASHES, THE LEAST OF THESE, and IN SEARCH OF TRUE NORTH. She is a former elementary teacher. Following her years in the classroom, she moved into administration, serving as an elementary principal. Kathleen is an alumnus of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and Regent University in Virginia.

Among her writing accomplishments, Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFWVA for “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance.” Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, THE LEAST OF THESE, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions. She continues to speak to students about writing. Kathleen is a member of American of Christian Fiction Writers.

She resides in South Carolina with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading. You can contact her at www.KathleenNeely.com.

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First Line Friday: Lessons in Love

Published on September 3, 2021September 2, 2021 by Toni6 Comments

Happy Friday!!

We’re joining First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line!

Today we are featuring Lessons in Love, Book 1 in the Newland Road series by Linda Leigh Hargove.

And the first line is . . .

My mama didn’t raise no fool.

That’s what Paula Raye Lawrence told herself when she saw the shiny orange sports car in her driveway up ahead.

About the Book

Smart country girl Paula Raye Lawrence can learn some important lessons about love if she’s hip enough to see them.

When Dr. Ed Anderson, a handsome young history professor moves in across the street, Paula Raye gets suspicious. What would possess a man with such fine threads and a BAD sports car to come little ole Cherry, North Carolina? She figures Ed for another skirt-chasing nobody like her late father. Man, was she ever wrong.
Turns out Dr. Anderson has as many skeletons in his closet as she does. She can’t avoid him though, as much as she tries. He holds the way of her escape to a better life in the big city… and the keys to her heart.

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author

I write fiction under the pen name of Linda Leigh Hargrove. I’m a native North Carolinian and I currently live near Charlotte, NC. I have strong opinions about biblical racial reconciliation, growing your family by adoption, and writing fiction. And oh yeah, I’m an engineer. Find out more about my books at http://www.thefaithtowrite.com/books/.

Post by contributor Toni Shiloh

First Line Friday: When Stars Rain Down

Published on April 9, 2021January 1, 2021 by Nicole1 Comment

Happy Friday everyone! You know what that means…it’s time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line!

Today we are featuring the first line of When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson-Brown.

and the first line is…

“The inside of Miss Peggy’s house was hot like the end of days the preachers preached about during summertime revival meetings.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

This summer has the potential to change everything.

The summer of 1936 in Parsons, Georgia, is unseasonably hot, and Opal Pruitt can sense a nameless storm coming. She hopes this foreboding feeling won’t overshadow her upcoming eighteenth birthday or the annual Founder’s Day celebration in just a few weeks. As hard as she works in the home of the widow Miss Peggy, Opal enjoys having something to look forward to.

But when the Ku Klux Klan descends on Opal’s neighborhood of Colored Town, the tight-knit community is shaken in every way. Parsons’s residents—both Black and white—are forced to acknowledge the unspoken codes of conduct in their post-Reconstruction era town. To complicate matters, Opal finds herself torn between two unexpected romantic interests, awakening many new emotions. She never thought that becoming a woman would bring with it such complicated decisions about what type of person she wants to be.

In When Stars Rain Down, Angela Jackson-Brown introduces us to a small Southern town grappling with haunting questions still relevant today—and to a young woman whose search for meaning resonates across the ages.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Jackson-Brown is an award winning writer, poet and playwright who teaches Creative Writing and English at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She is a graduate of Troy University, Auburn University and the Spalding low-residency MFA program in Creative Writing. She is the author of the novel Drinking From A Bitter Cup and has published in numerous literary journals. Angela’s play, Anna’s Wings, was selected in 2016 to be a part of the IndyFringe DivaFest and her play, Flossie Bailey Takes a Stand, was part of the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. She also wrote and produced the play It Is Well and she was the co-playwright with Ashya Thomas on a play called Black Lives Matter (Too). In the spring of 2018, Angela co-wrote a musical with her colleague, Peter Davis, called Dear Bobby: The Musical, that was part of the 2018 OnyxFest in Indianapolis, IN. Her book of poetry called House Repairs was published by Negative Capability Press in the fall of 2018, and in the fall of 2019, she directed and produced a play she wrote called Still Singing Those Weary Blues. Her new novel, When Stars Rain Down, to be published by Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins, is forthcoming in 2021.

WEBSITE| TWITTER | GOODREADS

Let us know the first line of the book closest to you & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

Book Review: Casket Case

Published on March 3, 2021March 16, 2021 by Allyson AnthonyLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday dear reader friends! Today’s book review is Casket Case, book 1 in The Cynthia Shade Mysteries, by Lee James. This is a great suspense story.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Cynthia Shade. That’s her name. She has ADHD and cynophobia. That’s just a fancy way of saying she’s terrified of dogs. Not all dogs mind you, just the tiny ones that come at you with their razor-sharp fangs and frenzied eyes. To make it worse, she can’t find a job, rather, she can’t keep a job, and she’s about to be evicted. Just when she gets a glimmer of hope she’s blackmailed into trying to solve a murder.
Wait-what?
Cue the handsome sheriff who awakens real interest in perpetually single Cynthia, and a cast of crazed suspects. One of whom is determined she doesn’t make it out of this adventure alive.

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MY THOUGHTS

Casket Case by Lee James is a good suspense story involving Cynthia being blackmailed into solving a mystery, a dead body, and a number of suspects. Because of ADHD, Cynthia can’t handle structured schedules, including a job with a set schedule. Her mother and younger sister want Cynthia to have a job with security instead of having Cynthia struggle and be unable to keep the electricity on in her apartment and pay rent. Lee James did a great job in having Cynthia realize that she doesn’t need to conform and be like everybody else but to find who she is without the structured schedules. I’m looking forward to seeing if there’s going to be a book 2 in this series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee James writes stories of hope and redemption. Whether it’s fantasy, mystery or historical fiction, her beautifully awkward characters traverse a dark labyrinth on their journey to a hopeful end. She is vehement about the importance of creating and preserving the sanctity of the written word. In that vein, she supports literacy programs and her local libraries. Most importantly, she supports her fellow writers. When not writing, she enjoys photography, watching The Simpsons, and of course, reading.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

POST BY CONTRIBUTOR ALLYSON

Throwback Thursday: A Cry for Independence

Published on February 11, 2021December 31, 2020 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Thursday! Today we’re throwing it back to 2017 with A Cry for Independence by Joy K. Massenburge. A Cry for Independence was originally featured in the novella collection titled Summer Fireworks, which was written by six multi-published popular authors and three debut authors. In 2018, A Cry for Independence was released as a separate novella.

First of all, I have to say that the cover of this novella is absolutely gorgeous! The cover immediately captured my attention and convinced me that I needed to read it. I love discovering new-to-me authors!

Have you read any books by Joy K. Massenburge?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Some cry wolf, Tammie Morris cries independence after surviving an abusive relationship.

Having Q’s baby out of wedlock and struggling to support herself and her child, she is determined to never depend on a man again. It has taken twelve months to gain her GED, employment, and the five-year-life-plan she is committed to live by to make it happen. When her apartment availability is delayed, she is forced into a temporary living arrangement with her son’s father that threatens the future she’s mapped out.

Quan Blanton Sr., Q, has found the freedom only salvation through Jesus can offer. All there is to do now is put his family back together and live the

Christian life. Only one problem, Tammie doesn’t want anything to do with him or his God. Is there anything too hard for God? Q and Tammie discover all things are possible with Christ.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author and Speaker Joy K Massenburge, is the voice to be heard. Her latest release, A Heart Surrendered, was a top seller in African American Christian Fiction. When she isn’t writing, Joy is inspiring, equipping, and providing a support community for authors who declare they have been called to publish a book.

A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Joy holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice after

leaving her theater scholarship at The University of Texas in Austin, to marry her husband. After twenty plus years of overcoming trials and second chances, she takes the stage at conferences, retreats, and during counseling sessions to challenge married couples to work through their problems and reignite lasting romance.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Book Review: An Unlikely Proposal

Published on January 25, 2021December 6, 2020 by Nicole3 Comments

Happy Monday, friends! How exciting is this??!! Toni Shiloh’s first Love Inspired book releases tomorrow, January 26th, in paperback!! First of all, take a look at the gorgeous cover of An Unlikely Proposal. As a longtime fan of Toni Shiloh’s books, I wanted to read this book even before I knew what it was about. Her books are all wonderful, and today I am so thrilled to share my thoughts about An Unlikely Proposal.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Their friendship can survive almost anything…

For two best friends,

marriage could be their greatest test yet…

Trinity Davis must not have heard firefighter Omar Young correctly. Did her handsome widowed best friend just suggest they get married? Omar needs a mom for his adorable little girls, and it’ll fix Trinity’s financial woes. But saying “I do” isn’t just business. Especially when the only vow they’re in danger of breaking is their promise to not fall in love…

From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

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MY THOUGHTS

An Unlikely Proposal by Toni Shiloh is a fabulous modern-day marriage of convenience story. Often novels with this trope, especially in contemporary storylines, seem unrealistic, but Toni Shiloh reveals convincing reasons why the two best friends should marry and creates a delightful tale that readers are sure to enjoy. The gorgeous cover draws readers into this book, but the incredible writing keeps readers invested in the storyline until the very last page.

Best friends Trinity Davis and Omar Young consider marriage as a solution to both of their problems, but soon realize that their feelings for each other take a surprising turn. Omar’s adorable young daughters and their toddler antics add humor into the story, while Trinity’s health issues are realistically portrayed.

Toni Shiloh continues to bring a needed diversity to Christian fiction, and her writing style is very appealing to readers of contemporary romance.

An Unlikely Proposal is highly recommended for readers of inspirational fiction and fans of Love Inspired Inspirational Romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS