About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Nature of Love (Love in the Spotlight, #3) by Toni Shiloh

The Nature of Love (Love in the Spotlight, #3)
ABOUT THE BOOK

A doctor feeling fractured

Dr. Erykah Kennedy, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, finds herself at a crossroads in life. At forty-one, she's achieved remarkable success in her career, yet when it comes to her love life, she feels hopeless. But when she meets Christian Gamble, a passionate wildlife conservationist, an unexpected bond forms between them despite their contrasting worlds.

A wildlife enthusiast ready for more

Chris has yet to find someone to share his adventures with, but as his friendship with Erykah starts to blossom, he begins falling for her in every way. When tragedy strikes and Erykah suddenly becomes guardian to her nieces, Chris helps her pick up the pieces.

Two hearts destined by nature

With their lives turned upside down, finding their way to a lasting love while putting their faith in God may be the biggest challenge they've ever faced.

The Nature of Love is a clean, African American contemporary romance with themes of friends to lovers and the healing power of love. This heartfelt happily-ever-after tale is the series finale of Shiloh's beloved Love in the Spotlight novels.



MY THOUGHTS.....

Author Toni Shiloh has saved the best for last! I've enjoyed the first two romances in the Love in the Spotlight series, but this final book is now my favorite. Erykah Kennedy and Christian Gamble are both older (early 40s), with satisfying careers but their personal lives are lacking, to say the least. Watching them become friends and seeing Erykah's gradual reliance on Christian is heartwarming but this book offers so much more! Erykah's gut-wrenching grief over the deaths of her sister and brother-in-law is powerfully depicted, along with Christian's unflinching support through Erykah's grieving process and her new role as "Mommy" to her two young nieces. How can a woman who's always been alone know how to help two children adapt to life without their parents? When will Christian realize he wants to be more than a friend to this newly formed family?

I'm always impressed by Shiloh's ability to write stories that resonate with so many, and I always treasure the powerful faith messages she shares. Her characters may be fallible, but they always experience a growing awareness of their need for God and the assurance of His ever-present love. At first, Erykah's faith journey is tentative, but oh, the joy when she finally understands the goodness of God. If you enjoy contemporary fiction with adorable children, supportive friends, witty dialogue, and romance that makes you swoon, grab a copy of The Nature of Love. There's also an epilogue that will leave you cheering! Toni Shiloh has truly outdone herself.

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There were no expectations of a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


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, and The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion 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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LOVE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Nature of Love

Monday, February 3, 2025

Whispers of Fortune (Golden State Treasure, #1) by Mary Connealy

Whispers of Fortune (Golden State Treasure, #1)
ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at Two Hearts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he finds them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His own options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of the ranch's doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.

With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of the ranch.

In her exhilarating series starter, Mary Connealy weaves an exciting adventure of courage, danger, and love in the Wild West.


MY THOUGHTS.....

What's better than a story filled with cowboys, adventure, and a little mystery? How about a swoon-worthy romance laced with wit and humor? That's what I've learned to expect from a Mary Connealy story and this book is no exception! Whispers of Fortune takes place in California, near the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the 1870s. Two young runaway boys arrive there to search for a buried treasure that they've heard about all of their lives. Their grandfather's old journal holds the clues to finding the treasure but breaking the code seems impossible for Lochlan and Thayne McKenzie. Will their older brother Brody force them to go back to Boston, or will his heart be captured by the beauty of California and the woman who lives at Two Harts Ranch? Buried treasure is the prize for Lock and Thayne but Ellie Hart may be the true treasure for Dr. Brody McKenzie!

Whispers of Fortune is the first book in Connealy's new series, Golden State Treasure. Obscure clues and determined villains may hinder the search but faith, family, and forgiveness help lighten the way. I loved that the sisters from The Lumber Baron's Daughters series are apart of the story, and I look forward to learning more about Ellie's brother, Josh Hart! I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Western romance!

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys that also have a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. 

Her most recent book series is Wyoming Sunrise.  Other series by Mary Connealy are: The Lumber Baron's' Daughters, Brothers in Arms, The Brides of Hope Mountain, Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing. along with many novellas. 

Mary is the bestselling author of 70 books and novellas and she has nearly a million books in print! 

Learn more at her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Golden State Treasure

Whispers of Fortune
Legends of Gold