Romance Book Review: To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh

What it's About:
Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

My Thoughts:
I love Shiloh's books set on the island of Ọlọrọ Ilé. In this second book which follows In Search of a Prince, we find Iris, a delightful, dedicated lady, setting up a new business to help local artisans. Ekon Diallo's story continues from book one, and now he is making penance for his wrong doing that happens to mean he is working with Iris in her new business. Sparks fly in this story of redemption, forgiveness, and romance. Shiloh has written another lovely story set on an amazing island with interesting characters. If you enjoy romance that is sweet, fun, and a bit fiery you'll love To Win a Prince.

Contemporary Romance Review: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

Book Description:

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?

My Thoughts:
I can't say enough good things about this delightful book, In Search of a Prince. Can you imagine waking up to find out you're a princess and you had no idea? Brielle did exactly that. Her mom reveals a secret she's kept for over twenty years, and that's where the story blossoms. The island Brielle travels to is lush, beautiful, and filled with interesting characters, including the grandfather she's never met. Shiloh's writing is stellar. She takes the reader into life on the island with perfect description, wonderful characters (and some not so wonderful,) a satisfying romance, and the incredible journey of faith Brielle takes as she seeks God's plan for her. If you enjoy excellent writing and a wonderful story, you'll want to read In Search of a Prince.

Fiction Suspense Book Review: A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble

Book Description:
This gripping new novel from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

 A wealthy hotel heiress.

Even though Torie Bergstrom hasn’t been back to Georgia since she was ten, she’s happy to arrange a job for her best friend at one of the family properties on Jekyll Island.

A suspicious death.

But when Torie learns that her best friend has drowned, she knows it is more than a tragic accident: Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone swimming by choice.

A fight for the truth.

Torie goes to the hotel under an alias, desperate to find answers. When she meets Joe Abbott and his daughter rescuing baby turtles, she finds a tentative ally.

The more Torie and Joe dig, the more elusive the truth seems. One thing is clear: someone will risk anything—even more murder—to keep their secrets buried.

My Thoughts:
Gripping is right. Coble is a master at writing suspense that keeps you reading and sticks with you after the story ends. Torie takes on her own undercover assignment, even though she's not law enforcement. Joe, without knowing her true identity, helps Torie search for the reason her best friend died; all while protecting his daughter. I enjoyed A Stranger's Game and the twists and turns that finally led to the killer. Colleen Coble's writing wraps you in the story and leaves you breathless by the end. If you enjoy great suspense, you'll want to read A Stranger's Game. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Contemporary Fiction Book Review: At Lighthouse Point (Three Sisters Island Book #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:
Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands. 

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined. 

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the coast of Maine for a story that reminds you to release what doesn't matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and friendships.

My Thoughts:
At Lighthouse Point is my favorite of the Three Sisters Island series. Blaine has grown up and come home, bringing along Frenchman—Jean Paul—a delightful, accident prone young man. While her best friend, Artie, doctors Jean Paul underlying tension builds. Her sisters are both expecting, other family members are dealing with health issues, and her dad has a secret. Peg Legg and the other townspeople are back and they are not happy with oldest sister Cam’s push to update the island. The story’s many layers play out into a delightful story of family, friendship, faith and love. I enjoy the setting on a Maine island with a lighthouse and camp. If you enjoy family stories with a spiritual thread, you’ll love At Lighthouse Point. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle

Book Description:
Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved. 

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning—alone—through his work and role in the community. 

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move. 

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

My Thoughts:
I adore The Shell Collector. This is one of those rare novels that drips with wisdom in the midst of living and appreciating life. Set on Whelk’s Island, much of the novel takes place along a gorgeous beach with sea gulls swooping and sea glass washing to shore. Widowed two years ago, Amanda is raising two delightful children in a cottage near the beach. She cherishes the memories of her husband’s love even as she tries to start over. As she and her children play on the beach, she meets Maeve, a lovely 80 something woman, who has dealt with her own sorrow. Mauve is the mentor Amanda needs to help her move forward. I love the respect Amanda and Mauve have for each other. It’s wonderful to read a book portraying an older adult with such dignity. Then comes Paul. His story will melt your heart along with his kind personality. The Shell Collector is a beautiful story of friendship, faith, love, heartbreak, and joy. Naigle has written a story to be savored and read again and again. 5+ stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical Fiction Book Review: The Nature of a Lady (The Secrets of the Isles Book #1) by Roseanna M. White

Book Description:

1906

Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished. 

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady, he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

My Thoughts:
I found the Isles of Scilly in The Nature of a Lady an interesting setting. When Libby escapes the rule laden society she lives in and takes her lady’s maid with her to the islands to explore the flora and fauna, she’s awakened to a life where she can be herself. This book is full of mystery, adventure and romance. With many layers and fascinating characters, Roseanna White has created a tale to savor. The descriptions gave me a feel for the islands, creating an image of life on the sea. The characters, from Oliver’s Mamm-wynn to Libby’s bossy brother, Bram, interlace to make a lovely story of family, faith, and love. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: On a Coastal Breeze (Three Sisters Island book 2) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can't wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island--they're all too young, too old, or too weird--Maddie feels like she's finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.

And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.

Time to panic.

My Review:
The Three Sisters Island series continues. In book two, Maddie is finding her footing and setting up her counseling practice. She loves God and her family and wants balance to her days. But, Ricky O'Shea, a boy she had a love/hate relationship with, for years, drops back into her life. Maddie's not perfect, she's made mistakes and those memories, just might take her over the edge. But has Ricky changed? I enjoyed visiting Three Sisters Island again, Suzanne Woods Fisher catches us up on what's going on with the rest of the family and how Camp Kicking Moose has improved. This is a great series, set on an island off the coast of Maine. Maddie's story is one of doubts and pain, forgiveness and fresh starts. Kick your feet up and visit the island for a few days of relaxation. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.