To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh

About the Book:

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 . . .

You can read an excerpt here.

My Review:

This is the second novel in a series and, while it reads relatively well on its own, one should read the previous book to totally appreciate this one. You can read my review of In Search of a Prince here.

Readers are taken to a fictitious nation in Africa where a royal is about to get a lesson in the consequences of wrong doing. Ekon's story is a good example of a snob, a man ungrateful for all the benefits he has from wealth. We wonder if God will change him. He would be a good man for Iris, a woman who wants to see the women of the country succeed. She is a good example of a person with the desire to be the hands of Jesus, helping others in the world.

The plot explores several issues. One is trying to see the best in a person, especially when they have really messed up their life. Another issue concerns the struggle one might face when admitting there is a God and coming to the point of belief. There is also the issue of having success and not wanting to admit needing the Lord at all.

While the plot is the typical romance and the outcome predictable, Shiloh provides a good setting with a different culture and social issues involved. The only thing I did not like about the novel was the multiple points of view, a writing style I just do not like and find disconcerting.

While this novel wraps up the immediate story, I could see a sequel as Iris' brother is now on the scene.

Ny rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince has been praised by OprahDaily.com, Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and the Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.

Bethany House Publishers, 368 pages

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)