I was incredibly excited about this book! The cover is stunning and it's a throw back to the Princess Diaries movies and books of my tween years. Plus, add a woman of color and I was in! I really loved the setting, the realistic feel of Oloro Ile, the descriptions of the scenery, the clothes, the palace, etc. I also liked Bri a lot and thought she was a good character. I really liked her friendship with Iris too.
However, I didn't love In Search of a Prince as much as I was hoping to. I thought that a lot of the book was dialogue and that got hard to follow, It also read like fan fiction quite a bit and felt a little disjointed in many parts.
Definitely check it out if you love a light hearted, clean romance with lots of faith sprinkled in but if you are looking more critically, I'd skip it.

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is a lovely Contemporary Romance. I loved every minute of this story. This was another book I never wanted to put down. There is so much to love about this story, but if I had to narrow it down to a few of my favorite things it would be the characters, the setting, and the depth. I’ll begin with the characters.

Brielle is wonderful and so relatable. I appreciate just how overwhelmed and stressed and confused and uncertain she is throughout most of the storyline. It’s so realistic. If someone told me I was a princess and I needed to leave my home state of CA and move to a foreign land I’ve never heard of and become their Queen, I’d laugh out loud at the absurdity and then run away. And Brielle has that moment. But she is tough and strong and courageous. So, she only runs away for a minute before she makes the right decision and becomes the woman God wants her to be. And this is my most favorite aspect of Brielle’s character — she loves God with her whole heart. It is very clear that God comes first in Brielle’s life. I found Brielle’s character to be very encouraging and a great illustration of what it means to be a woman after God’s own heart. Then there’s Tomori. Ladies, he is AMAZING! Shiloh’s leading man illustrates precisely what it means to be a hero. First, like Brielle, he loves God with all his heart. His foundation is solid. This leads to his excellent character. Mori is one of the best men I have ever seen illustrated in a novel. He’s the kind of guy you want to be around because he speaks the truth, he is kind and considerate, and he notices the important details. He is the perfect hero to Brielle’s heroine.

The setting of In Search of a Prince is breathtaking and magical. Shiloh does such a perfect job creating the setting that it becomes a character in and of itself. Ọlọrọ Ilé is so rich in culture and beauty. My mouth watered at all the food descriptions. I want recipes!!! I love the cadence of the Oloran language — I appreciate that Shiloh helps the reader pronounce words as Brielle learns them. I felt like I was learning right along with her. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape, too. I could picture the beautiful sandy beaches and smell the fresh ocean breezes. And the colors! This is one of the most vibrant stories I’ve ever read. I so badly want to pack a bag and hop a plane to vacay in Ọlọrọ Ilé!

Finally, I love the depth of this story. I get nervous when I see a book that is compared to a cutesy movie or Romance novel. I’ve heard many compare In Search of a Prince to The Princess Diaries. There is nothing wrong with The Princess Diaries. I read all the books and have seen all the movies multiple times. But I don’t consider The Princess Diaries deep reading. Is In Search of a Prince a princess story? Yes. Is it FULL of depth and complexity? Absolutely. This is a story a reader can sink her teeth into. It’s a story that forces the reader to wrestle with some things emotionally, and I LOVED every minute. I believe this book would make for an excellent book club selection because there is SO much to talk about. I know this review is pretty long, but I haven’t even covered 1/4 of what I could have if given the opportunity.

Whew! I know this review is extensive, and if you’ve read this far, I thank you. In all honesty, In Search of a Prince is a wonderful story that I HIGHLY recommend. If you are in the mood for an excellently crafted Contemporary Romance filled with timely themes, then this is definitely the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was such a sweet slow burn unique romance! The ending line was stellar and will stick with you ♥️ The cover is also to die for! Thank you to Bethany house for this copy to review for my library ✨💜👑

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is a contemporary romance set off the western coast of Africa. Besides the gorgeous cover and the author being one whose books I enjoy, the setting was one of the big reasons I couldn’t wait to read this book. And the author truly brings it alive.

Brielle is in quite the predicament, but I loved seeing how she handled herself. And while we don’t get the male hero’s point of view, his emotional depth comes through in a wonderful way. Not to mention the intrigue of who is making trouble for the new princess.

This is the type of sweet story I hope to reread again in the future, perhaps before the second book which features Iris, Brielle’s best friend. I can’t wait for that book!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

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 review: This was a great book. Brielle has to deal with her sense of betrayal by her mother for not informing her she was the granddaughter of a king. She is portrayed as a very strong independent woman. She is also a woman of faith and relies on God a lot for the strength she needs. When she is told she has to marry in order to become Queen she turns to God for guidance. The candidates that have been chosen for her are not suitable at all. This is the story of her journey to becoming Queen. The only negative thing I would say about the book, is that it repeats the history the country several times throughout the book.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Some books you go into with certain expectations and this was one of those. With this stunning and eye catching cover I was instantly intrigued and then sweetening the pot with it being a royal romance I knew I had to check it out! Adding to that the fact that I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this author and I was excited for my chance to read it.
Unfortunately this quickly became a case of expectations not being met. At the start I was interested and hopeful but then things started to go off the rails and it became a bit of a struggle for me to finish.
Brielle had a big heart and she handled the crazy life changes about as well as could be expected. I just wanted a little more maturity from her because she read a little more like a YA heroine rather than a 25 year old teacher.
The hero in a novel that is written in first person from the heroine’s perspective is always a little tricky to make stand out and sadly Tomori just read kind of flat in my opinion. I appreciated the way he supported and was there for Brielle but I still wanted him to have a little more of a backbone and personality.
As with most royal stories the author created a fictional country and she definitely spent a lot of time crafting it which was very evident. The unique names and language were a bit hard to follow and took me out of the story at times trying to pronounce them but they did add some authenticity.
The faith element was extremely strong in this book, but it felt more forced in there rather than being a natural out flowing. It’s a difficult balance to find between clearly displaying the faith thread and not hitting the reader over the head with it and unfortunately in this book it came across a bit disingenuous.
There was also a little bit of a mystery thread which was a fun surprise (though I totally called the whodunnit).
Ultimately I think this book will hit the right spot with other readers but for me it was a miss.

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is a stunning start to a new series that sends the reader to Oloro Ile, a fictional African Island nation. What happens when New Yorker Brielle Adebayo realizes she is set to inherit an African throne? Will she embrace a new life and nation, or will she return home to the known? I love how Shiloh explores the theme of listening to God’s voice and prompting when making life decisions. She seamless weaves this into the storyline that it feels natural instead of forced. Shiloh is also amazing at developing her characters and fully fleshing out the four main people. (I am so excited for Iris’s book later this year!!) Plus, her world building and the way she introduces the African language were so good! I appreciated how Shiloh weaves the pronunciation of names and places into the story. She allows the reader to be introduced to words at the same time as Brielle. Overall, this was an amazing read and a new favorite read!

Rounded up - 3.5

This book started off so strong and I loved the start of the journey… ending chapter one with chills.

Going on this journey with Bri was a bumpy and interesting ride. The plot of the book was unique and full of surprises.

The country of Oloro Ilé is such a beautiful place that I wish was real so I could visit! The author did a beautiful job of describing the country and it’s beautiful landscapes and people.

The relationship with Bri and her grandfather although new, held beauty. To have a new relationship and have to deal with big situations such as ruling a country… I wish for them they could have had more time.

Overall I did enjoy the book. The flow was a little choppy and some parts a little too cheesy for my taste, but I still would recommend to those who love Christian romance and royalty.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Bethany House Publishing for the copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.

Planning on posting to IG week of 2/20/22

No words can express the gratitude I have for this book! Such a profound main stream clean Christian contemporary romance with such strong black characters. I was in awe of the story and the beauty of the black power shared.

Brielle was a firecracker! She was perfect as heir. She learned, she observed. She never overstepped a line. She was full of love for her people.

The King seemed like a douche at first, but I enjoyed him as he bonded with his grand-daughter.

Mori was the perfect guy. I loved him from the very first time he appeared on page. His heart and mind were amazing. He reminded me of King David as a boy.

Iris was such an awesome best friend. Hard worker, loved Brielle, such a smart woman and she was a prayer warrior for her friend.

Oloro Ile was such a lush, rich place. I felt like I was there. Everything about this kingdom made me so happy.

The faith aspects gutted me! The prayers are all highlighted in this book. I adored the strong faith of the characters within this story. The romance was sweet, steamy without crossing the line and well written. The friendship that brewed was perfectly done!

Overall, this was perfection and I'm so glad I read this for Black History Month. Toni Shiloh is a new favorite author of mine. This is a solid favorite of mine. I highly recommend this story. Such a beautiful romance.

I am still speechless!

In Search of a Prince will keep me smiling for quite some time. The perfect mix of romance, duty and faith, Toni Shiloh’s first novel with Bethany House is a well-conceived and skillfully deceived story that will delight readers.

Can you imagine being told that the father you never knew was an African Prince, and that his father, a man who severed all ties with your family, is dying? These are the bombshells Brielle must face, but then something bigger comes to light. The dying King has named her as his successor. And perhaps worst of all, her mom kept this royal heritage a secret.

After prayerful consideration, Brielle and her best friend get on a private jet to the island she could one day rule. From teh minute they hit the runway, the transformation begins. From language and etiquette lessons, to learning about the history, culture and economic details of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Brielle immerses herself into a side of her life she never knew existed. Reactions from extended family are mixed, but Brielle grows to love her grandfather and is determined to succeed him.

A ROYAL DECREE…

Until the Royal Council orders she must marry before her grandfather’s death. They give her a shortlist of three tribal princes and despite growing feelings for a palace runner, Brielle embarks on a series of ‘interesting’ dates, but realizes she can’t marry any of the suggested candidates.

Meanwhile, she receives a series of threatening letters. Can her security team figure out who’s sending them, and will Brielle find a real prince before time runs out?

Where do I start – the brilliant characterization, the detailed world-building or the attention-grabbing plot? No, the thing I loved most about the book is the development of the characters. Brielle, in particular had a real journey of faith to go on. Faith in the Lord’s will, faith in her Prince and faith in herself. At every turn, the challenges Brielle faces change and she must learn to adapt in order to serve God and her new country.

This is a lovely story, and I can’t wait for the next offering. Bravo.

I'll admit that picking this one up was a bit of a 'shot in the dark' for me, but I was quickly captivated by this stunning cover, and upon closer look, the blurb really left me wanting to know more about Brielle and her story!

I'm happy to announce the I did find this to be an entertaining read! While there were moments where I started to question the MC and a time or two were I wondered when the 'prince' would show up. (I mean, this is a romance right?)

But then, once he did show up I almost feel like some of the romance was slightly rushed, and the story went into 'over-drive' in an effort to meet that 'happily ever after' quota and even pushed some things in that department a bit farther than I'd have preferred...
I haven't read any of this author's others l books, so that may be due to that, but since we don't meet the male love interest until a little later in the story, I did expect a bit of a whirlwind romance, but could have done with less talk and focus on sex and consummating the wedding... Especially in a 'Christian' book. Yes, I understand that as it's a princess story, royals and nobles are funny about such things... And in part, for good reason. But I didn't need details, even if most of them were just in the context of conversations...

I felt the last 20% or so was almost hyper-focused on this aspect of marriage and romance, and didn't really fit the theme and focus of the rest of the book. It went from an interesting story of a young woman realizing she was a princess and was about to marry a mystery prince, to... well all about the more physical side of things and all but stopped any other themes and messages in the story, as is being a great kisser and attractive partner is all that matters... The story was a fun read, and well done overall, but I wish the pacing and romance was a little more balanced and smoother throughout, instead of the jarring change so late in the story that suddenly switched gears on how the story transitions and concluded in a slightly unexpected manner.

I adore unique fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world.

“You’re the best part of the day,” I whispered. He stilled, then turned, scooping me closer. “And I thought your ice cream raids were your favorite.” “You know, I do believe I love you more than ice cream.” “I am honored.” His voice rumbled with amusement.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

This was an entertaining and enjoyable romance story. I loved reading about Bri, a NYC school teacher who discovers she's actually the next in line to rule an African nation. There was so much to enjoy about this book. It had great characters, great female friendships, marriage of convenience and forbidden romance. It also discusses matters of grief and faith with sincerity and beauty. You might expect this story to be complete once she finds her prince and finds her happily ever after, but the author still had a few tricks up her sleeve for the royal newlyweds to have to face. The twist towards the end was entertaining and unpredictable. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this sweet royal romance story. Many thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

This is the story of a woman, a middle school teacher in New York, who learns that her father was a prince from an African country. Her grandfather, the King, is now dying, her father was killed in an accident soon after she was born, and she is next in line for the throne. When she arrives in the country, she finds lots of things that delight her, lots of things that dismay her and a man who interests her. This is a delightful tale and I couldn't put it down! Recommended!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh is a unique novel with a stunning cover. This is Christian fiction where faith is central to the characters' lives, and also the plot includes nods to The Princess Diaries and The Bachelorette - it contains multitudes!

I appreciated this contemporary romance for many reasons:
- 'suddenly a princess' plot
- lush descriptions of island settings, palace living, and royal attire
- prayers are organically woven into the dialogue
- mystery to be solved
- exploration of the relationship after a marriage of convenience

After hearing rave reviews of her writing, I've wanted to read a Toni Shiloh romance for quite some time - now I'm eager to read her entire backlist.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

As a teenager, one of my favorite books was The Princess Diaries. There is just something about a regular girl discovering she is a princess that I've always really enjoyed, and as such I was excited to read this one. At the same time, because this is such a beloved favorite of mine, I was apprehensive that it would essentially end up being just the same story retold with nothing to set it apart. I definitely had mixed feelings going in. Clearly there are some definite similarities between the two stories--- there was in fact even a mention of Princess Diaries early on. Still, despite those similarities, the stories are really quite different, and I did find that In Search of a Prince certainly did set itself apart. Overall, a good read and one that fans of modern princess stories are sure to want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

What an absolute delightful read this was. I haven't read a princess story in quite some time and this one brought back all the feels of a couple of stories I read in the past and to this day they are some of the most memorable I have read. This one is no exception and I enjoyed not only getting to know the characters, but also the island nation and its people even though they are fictional.

Brielle is just an ordinary woman, a schoolteacher, a daughter, until she finds out she is not. Her mother has been keeping a pretty big secret from her. She is a princess to an island nation off the coast of Africa and her grandfather needs her desperately. Brielle understandably is in shock and has a little bit of bitterness grown in her towards her mother. I certainly understood her feelings, however bitterness needs to be rooted out before it grows any larger and destroys more of the relationship. Her parent's story was sad, and my feeling was that her mother suffered enough.

We walk along with Brielle and her best friend Iris as they get to know the rules, the island, the people, and her grandfather. There is some family and political drama going on and there are those who are not happy about these new circumstances. The romance, though, not dominant at first does pick up and is quite swoony and loving. I hope to visit there more in the future.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

25 year old Brielle Bayo is content with her life as a middle school teacher in New York City, when suddenly it is revealed to her that she is actually a princess in a country halfway around the world. Next thing she knows she is juggling royal duties, court intrigue and searching for a husband!

A modern day fairy tale full of faith, friendship, family and romance.
Brielle is shocked to find out that she is a princess in a foreign country, but is excited to learn more about her deceased father and the rich history of the land of his birth. I admired Bri for standing up for herself, and being open to the possibilities around her. Iris is an amazing friend and an excellent cheerleader, she has an infectious energy about her. Iris is passionate about her dreams and has a big heart for others.

This is a enjoyable read, with a sweet romance and a fun plot. I loved the interaction between Mori and Bri as they get to know each other, as well as how they are both strong in their faith. I think that the author did an excellent job of bringing to life the diverse and fictional kingdom of Oloro Ile, along with the intrigues and politics. But most of all I loved how Brielle was a strong, intelligent woman of faith, open to learning new things and gracefully navigating difficult situations. Excellent for fans of fairy tale romance, with characters you can cheer for.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a wonderful story, a young, smart lady, who is swept away into another world, one like she's never known. A handsome man who is her tutor in this exciting adventure that's unfolding before her.

A modern day royal romance! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.

Bri Bayo is a teacher on summer break when she receives some jaw-dropping news from her mother: She is a princess of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa, and the only heir to a throne. Bri is shocked to learn she has a grandfather, who is sick and who she has never met! Brielle is heartbroken that her mother never told her about her father's true identity but she goes to Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa to learn about her legacy,

Once there, Bri is told she has to marry if she is going to assume the Queenship. It is because of God's leading that she stays and considers the council'l list of bachelors. But there is an unlikely choice who wins her heart and who she hopes will be next to her when she dons the crown.

First, what. a beautiful cover! That cover is everything. I enjoyed visiting the make-believe country of Ọlọrọ Ilé, I loved how Bri had a personal relationship with God and how the author used her faith to help guide her. I enjoyed reading of her relationship with her grandfather--that was so heartfelt. I loved that she had solid relationships with her mother and best friend and how she was a career woman.

But, this is of course, a romance. And her love interest is not only handsome but his faith also helps him to bond with Bri. I loved how their relationship developed and I think so many will enjoy this sweet romance. On a side note, the fashion described in this novel had me ready for the best friend, Iris to get her own love interest!
Thank you, #Netgalley for this read.