diverse 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?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

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.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

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!

First Line Friday: After She Falls

Published on November 5, 2021October 25, 2021 by Nicole2 Comments

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 After She Falls by Carmen Schober.

and the first line is…

“Adri doesn’t turn on the radio or pull up Eva’s playlist on her phone.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s always had that fire in her. She just needs to find it again.

Strong-willed Adri Rivera nearly achieved her goal of being a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who knocked all the fight out of her. When their abusive, tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together again.

A hardened Max Lyons can’t believe Adri is back in town after abruptly cutting him and everyone else off years ago. Despite the distance that grew between them, he feels compelled to help her regain her independence and offers her a job at his gym. But regaining each other’s trust is another matter, made even more complicated by the lingering spark between them. As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, she trains for a big tournament with Max’s help, but they’ll both have to confront their own doubts in order to rise victorious.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carmen Schober (www.carmenschober.com), author of After She Falls, is a wife, mom, and design show enthusiast! Growing up, she experienced two fascinating worlds, thanks to her mother’s Cuban heritage and her father’s ties to the American South. When she’s not writing fiction, she curates lifestyle content for fans interested in faith, food, fashion, and everything in between. Carmen earned a master’s degree in English literature and creative writing from Kansas State, and she currently lives in Manhattan, Kansas.

INSTAGRAM | 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: Last One Still Standing

Published on November 3, 2021October 25, 2021 by Allyson Anthony1 Comment

Happy Wednesday dear reader friends! Today’s book review is of Last One Still Standing by Lisa Phillips. This is an excellent romantic suspense novel featuring Asian characters. Have you read any of her suspense novels?

ABOUT THIS BOOK

The fight never let them go.

Plucked from a life on the streets and trained as a covert agent, Karina chose loyalty until the secret organization she worked for pushed her too far. Falling for the target on a mission was never the plan. When he turned out not to be the good man she loved, Karina faked her death and built a safe life for their child.

Eas never wanted to wear a mask, but his life is the tragic tale of a boy born into a family at war. Raised in secret, he’s the answer to taking down a powerful company. At the helm is the cousin who murdered his parents, and the sister he needs to rescue from that life.

Now the secret organization has found Karina, and they won’t let her go. His family’s company wants him out of the way, but Eas never wanted to take over.
Between them is the child that represents everything they meant to each other.

Which one of them will be the Last One still Standing?

Book 3 in the explosive new Last Chance County spin-off series featuring Zander and his team of protection specialists.
**Christian romantic suspense**

AMAZON | GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS

I love this series as it keeps on getting better and more interesting. I was curious as to why Eas had to wear a mask since he first appeared in book one. Now that the reason why has been revealed, I enjoyed getting to know Eas and Karina, along with Aria, in Last Man Still Standing. As always, Lisa kept me glued from the first page to the very end. Fast paced and clocked full of surprises, this story will keep you entertained and wanting more. I also enjoy the cameridian and banter of the Chevalier Protection Specialists team.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa also writes supernatural thrillers under the name JL Terra.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Posted by contributor Allyson Anthony

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.

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.

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?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

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.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall 2021 Diverse Reads on my TBR

Published on September 21, 2021September 21, 2021 by Carrie7 Comments

Happy Tuesday, reader friends! Today’s topic for Top Ten Tuesday is our Fall TBR lists, so I naturally decided to feature the diverse reads releasing in Fall 2021 that I can’t wait to read! These books have diverse characters and/or are written by authors of color. Fair warning: there are a few more than 10 because there are quite a few great looking books releasing this Fall!

click on the cover to go to the book’s Amazon page!

What about you? Which of these upcoming diverse reads are on your TBR list too?

Throwback Thursday: The Soldier’s Surprise Family

Published on September 9, 2021September 8, 2021 by CarrieLeave a comment

Happy Throwback Thursday, friends! Today we’re featuring The Soldier’s Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro.

About the Book

Texas state trooper Garrett Kincaid is a lone wolf—until he becomes an instant father of two young children. The former solider never knew he had a son…or that his little boy has a baby sister with nowhere to go.

His landlady, lovely widow Anjelica Ortega-Garza, offers to help, and suddenly Garrett’s life is all about nap schedules and baby bottles and trying to make his traumatized son smile.

Falling for Anjelica isn’t part of the plan.

Yet even Garrett can’t deny that love has begun building a family of four right around him.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

Jolene’s life, much like her stories, is filled with faith, family, laughter, and all of life’s wonderful messiness. A seventh generation Texan and PW bestselling author, Jolene Navarro knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that dancing in the rain never gets old. She uses her art degree to teach inner city kids about the world and they teach her about life.

Connect with Jolene: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

What makes you want to read The Soldier’s Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro?

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