Review of In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

 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?

For more information about Toni Shiloh and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

I still remember my delight as I sat in the theaters for the first Princess Diaries movie, utterly captivated as I watched all the romance, angst, humor, and joy unfold... In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh brought back all those feelings while whisking me to a topical kingdom in this contemporary world! 

In Search of a Prince was filled with whimsey, charm, romance, and girl power from cover to cover! Largely set in the fictional kingdom of Oloro Ilé, I loved how the author created this gorgeous setting through researching islands off the coast of western Africa, tribes of Nigeria, and the language of Yoruba. It made this fictional story wonderfully authentic. The story moved at a good pace, and it even included a mysterious element with a twist I didn't completely expect. I loved the romance between Brielle and her prince, and I was delighted with her choice of prince in this twist reminiscent of The Bachelor.

Brielle's journey took quite a ride, exploring many different facets and avenues for fear. Fear of failure, fear of our identity, fear of God's calling, fear of making the wrong choice, fear of physical harm -- just to name a few! I thought the author handled these different things well, incorporating them into Brielle's story in a realistic way while also pointing readers towards our loving God whose strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Five Stars ~ In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is an absolutely charming princess story! In Search of a Prince can be read as a standalone, and I am looking forward to reading the author's next book set in Ọlọrọ Ilé! The author also has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without the trappings and finery of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than make a career in his family's jewelry shop. The past has taught him to no longer believe in love and the "lies" the Claddagh ring supposedly promises. How can he peddle what he now finds offensive?

The war for Irish independence gains strength, and the De Lacy family is caught in the crossfire. As events take a life-threatening turn, Annabeth and Stephen will discover that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty can only be made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel reminds me of Leap Year with its snarky, bitter hero clashing with the highborn heroine meets Downton Abbey with Lady Sybil and Tom Branson's romance. Sprinkle in the history, culture, and the war for Irish independence, and you've got a vibrant romance waiting in The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel!

The Lady of Galway Manor was thoroughly engrossing! The author painted a lush and vivid description of Ireland. Despite the fact that this story is set in the 1920s -- another thing I loved! -- I felt like I could envision every detail in my mind's eye. Additionally, the culture and history were fascinating and immersive. I also really enjoyed how some of the secondary characters were challenged and grew throughout the story in addition to Anna and Stephen. 

I loved Anna and Stephen! I loved the way they reminded me of some of my favorite romances while still being their own characters. But most importantly, I loved the deep themes of love that the author explored in their romance. Not only did the author beautifully illustrate sacrificial, Christ-like love through the Claddagh ring while navigating the trenches of disbelief in love, but the author also challenged prejudices and hate that can burrow into the heart when one has declared everyone on the other side to be the enemy. Wonderfully done!

Five Stars ~ The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel was a vibrant, romantic, and cultured read! The Lady of Galway Manor is a standalone, and I look forward to reading other books by the author!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

 

About the Book ~

When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

For more information about Jen Turano and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano has loads of rollicking fun tucked between its pages!

To Disguise the Truth was absolutely delightful, witty, and romantic! Additionally, I loved the family drama that unfolded like an extended murder mystery party throughout the second half of the story. The characters were layered, and I appreciate how Eunice and her friends break the forced image of what it means to be a woman. I adored the banter -- the dialogue was probably my favorite part! The setting and pacing were different and surprising, and it kept the story moving at a good pace. I also really appreciated how one of those twists led to an asylum, showing some of the horrors of the day. This twist gave representation to a vulnerable portion of our population who continue to need love and support.

Eunice and Arthur had quite the compelling spiritual journey as well! Arthur had to let go of his plans, his pride, and even his well-hidden desire for revenge to discover what he really wanted in life. Meanwhile, Eunice had been battling fear for a long time. When she began to walk in the truth, the heart of freedom God has for us is beautifully on display!

Four Stars ~ To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano is a delightful, witty romance with an engaging family drama! To Disguise the Truth is the third book in The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Series, but it can be read out of order or as a standalone. 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!