Brielle discovers that she is a princess of an African nation and must surrender her life in New York to begin anew in a country she had no knowledge of. I don't really read Christian lit, but the religious tones in this book was not too overbearing. I could still enjoy the story of a young woman discovering her heritage and family while also demanding her place in the face of misogyny. The romance is sweet and cute, but it took way to long to get to. Brielle is sent on dates that the reader knows are pointless because she already has her love interest. There was also a pointless side plot about threatening notes sent to Bri, but it sputtered out to nothing. It's otherwise a cute read for those looking for Hallmark romance without the ~spice~.

Brielle Bayo is happy in her life as a middle school civics teacher in New York. But one day her mother shares a bombshell: her long-dead father was the Crown Prince of Ọlọrọ Ilé, a small island kingdom off the coast of Africa. And that means Bri is actually Princess Brielle Adebayo, heir to the throne.

Bri and her best friend travel to Ọlọrọ Ilé to meet Bri’s grandfather and decide whether she will accept her role, or abdicate. But when she decides to step into her heritage and future, there’s one more challenge ahead … finding a husband.

The setup and the characters got me engaged from the very first page. I’m not usually a fan of princess stories or made-up kingdoms, but the author has done a great job in creating a believable setting and history of Ọlọrọ Ilé.

I liked the fact that the story also had a minor suspense thread, which was enough to add interest to the plot without turning it into a nail biter. (I also liked the fact that I didn’t guess the identity or the motive of the evildoer, but that it still made perfect sense).

I especially liked the fact that the characters were all strong Christians. Bri prayed about her problems and did her best to seek and follow God’s will in making her big decisions.

One thing that bugged me was the odd speech tags (stated, ordered, censured, requested). I will admit that I started skimming the tags.

This novel would be a great choice for anyone who likes princess stories like The Princess Diaries and is looking for a Christian version.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Enjoyment level was high in this African Princess Diaries-esque story. Brielle is twenty-five, educated, and pretty mature, which helps the reader accept her move into the surprising role of princess and then queen of a small island nation. The Christian thread is woven very well and thoroughly into the story. Brielle and the other main characters make their relationship with God a central part of their lives. Prayer comes as readily as breathing, and they turn to God for wisdom and peace in every situation. And the romance was pretty perfect.
The awkwardness of the wedding night wasn't super believable, since it was between two adults who were obviously attracted to each other and their hesitancy seemed strange to me. There was also a very strong feminist message that I didn't love, not because I don't love women, but because it was hammered over our heads and made me concerned for Brielle's ability to submit to her husband biblically. I didn't understand why it needed to be such a main thrust of the story, as if women still have so much to prove.
The culture of the made up country did feel very African (I have been there), which gave the whole story a cool flavor. I'm loving seeing books like this in mainstream Christian fiction and hope the trend continues.

I received a copy of In Search of a Prince from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

In Search of a Prince
By Toni Shiloh

Brielle Bayo always thought she was your average American. Her mother raised her as a single parent following her father's death, all while putting herself through medical school. Impressive! Right?

But now the truth is about to come out. Brielle's mother has been keeping a secret from her for 25 years! Not only did her father have a family BUT they are the ruling family of an island nation in Africa. Worse her grandfather is dying and Brielle has just months left to connect with what was denied her all these years. But the biggest shocker of them all is that she, Brielle Bayo middle-grade civics teacher, is next in the line to the throne!

Cue a major time-out to wrap her mind around the mere possibility if not the fact that she is in line to be queen.

But does she want to be queen? She has to make a decision and to do so she must visit Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa, and get to know the people, the culture, the language, and the history. No small task for her summer break. And if she accepts the future before her, she must marry before she can assume the throne.

In Search of a Prince is a story of faith and trust. Brielle spends time in prayer, seeking the Lord's will. This is one choice that she doesn't want to make on her own. While dealing with the shock of learning who she is, Bri is also dealing with her feelings of betrayal at her mother's silence for 25 years. I can't even begin to imagine how I would be handling such a situation.

When all of this first unfolds Bri wonders if she is about to find herself in a Princess Diary situation. I have not read the books but I did see the movies and in no way is this a redo. There is a depth to the characters as they navigate and adapt to their changing world.

I enjoyed this in both the print version and the audio. The audiobook is excellent. I like how Tamika Katon-Donegal narrates the book. The different characters are identifiable and I really appreciate the pronunciations of the names and places in Ọlọrọ Ilé so I did not have to struggle through it and probably mangle it thoroughly. I can't say I have a preference for one over the other - audio with the pronunciations while the print version has the spelled-out words. Both together is the ideal in my opinion but this is one book you don't want to miss no matter how you enjoy it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the print book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

"I had to let my heart and mind meet and have faith in God's calling."

The sweet and lovely book cover definitely matches the beautiful story of finding home and love in this newest offering from Toni Shiloh. Set on a fictional island off the western coast of Africa, the atmosphere is delightful, the culture and language engaging, and the struggles of a small monarchy trying to catch up to the 21st century while maintaining its heritage and historical dignity are palpable. It has hints of Princess Diaries, Bachelorette, and Coming to America (except in reverse of going to Africa) and has great fun moments but serious moments as well when addressing poverty, slavery, women's rights, and grief. A bit of mystery, suspense, and plot twist also is thrown in when Bri's presence and position are threatened.

Since it's narrated purely in first person from Bri's eyes, it is easy to fall in love with her sweet, tender, and loving nature. Tomori, though, really stole the show. He is such an honorable, noble, kind, thoughtful man dedicated to Bri and her well-being. His support of her brought tears to my eyes. Their relationship is slow and steady and so so romantic. Every one of their interactions made me smile from the sheer joy and cuteness of it all.

If you're looking for a fun contemporary romance to take you away for a few hours, this is it. I received the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

In Search of a Prince was my first novel from Toni Shiloh, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed escaping to the island of Ọlọrọ Ilé and following Bri’s journey of discovering she was born into a royal African family and what that obliges her to do. The setting of this story. Wow! A tropical island kingdom. Gorgeous! I enjoyed the surprise ending! 

If you love fairy tales and contemporary sweet romances, then you’ll love In Search of a Prince. There was only one thing I didn’t like about the story. (no spoilers) She kept assuming something wasn’t possible without asking. I said to the book, “Just ask!” That is how Bri and I are different. Haha, I would just ask. I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it!

A sweet story of a middle school civics teacher who finds out one day that she's a actually a princess. Brielle and her best friend Iris share not only a delightful rapport but a wonderful way of encouraging and praying for each other, something that is not always easy to portray in fiction. And then there's Bri's prince...

I enjoyed the nods to the Narnia books and could most definitely empathize with our heroine's penchant for stress-eating ice cream. But what I really loved was Bri's grandfather, Bàbá àgbà, and the part he played in the story. I finished the book wishing we'd had more time with him--and yet, I think that may have been intentional on the author's part.

In Search of a Prince is the perfect read for anyone who loves Lori Wick's The Princess, Pepper Basham's The Mistletoe Countess, or of course, "The Princess Diaries" and other modern-day royalty stories. I've enjoyed every one of Toni Shiloh's books that I've read, but this is my new favorite!

This is my first book by this author and I thought it was great. It starts out feeling very similar to the movie "Princess Diaries" and Brielle and Iris even acknowledge the movie. It does have some of the same features but has its own things that set it apart as well. I was glad it wasn't just a remake. It has a strong current of faith which I liked. Faith is crucial for getting through life changing circumstances and making decisions, like whom to marry.

I liked Bri and Mori quite a bit. It was fun watching them navigate their doomed attraction to each other. I appreciated the bond Bri developed with her grandfather. There was one mishap that made me think there might be more culture clashes but I didn't miss it.

There was a great flow to the book, a bit of mystery, a sweet romance, some poignant moments. I would recommend it. I hope there'll be another book about Iris. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Tokyo Ever After meets American Royals set in a fictional island off the coast of west Africa.

When Brielle Adebayo discovers she is the daughter of a prince, she travels to the home of her deceased father to find out about the life she knew nothing about. She must decide if she will step into a role she was never prepared for to take over for her ailing grandfather or abdicate the throne to settle back into her comfortable life in the U.S.

There’s just one hitch. If she chooses to remain as royalty, an antiquated decree states that she must marry before she can become coronated. The council has a list of eligible bachelors but she secretly has feelings for someone else. Brielle relies heavily on her faith and prayer to make the decisions she needs to make.

I did a combination of reading the physical and digital copies along with listening to the audiobook. The audio is fantastically narrated, which does help for the pronunciation of some of the names.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review

This book was beautifully crafted and the tropical culture had me wishing it was summer and I was dining at my local Caribbean restaurant. If you love an American finding out she’s a princess, learning to run a country, and picking out a handsome suitor then this book is for you. I was immersed in the culture that Brielle was learning and the author did an amazing job at creating a culture that felt authentic while making it seamless to follow and learn along. Brielle is the POC princess we have been waiting for and I’m so glad that it was Toni Shiloh that delivered. * I received a copy from the publisher to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

(3.5 / 5)

Content as a 25-year-old middle school teacher in New York City, Brielle Bayo never planned to move to an island off the coast of Africa and rule a nation. But that's just what she's asked to do when her mother informs her that she's heir to a throne, and that the king, her grandfather, doesn't have long to live. Uncertain about whether she can be a queen, or even wants to, she is then also faced with a requirement to marry before her grandfather dies, in order to be legally allowed to reign. It's too much to handle alone, but maybe it's a chance for Bri to learn to let God be in control.

This story shows that finding out you're a princess isn't always the fairy tale little girls might dream it to be. But it can be a blessing, especially if you can see God's hand at work throughout. Though it takes Brielle a while to fully trust that "God's got this," it's one of the biggest themes in the book. I'll admit, it was a little disheartening to see the main character be reminded of God's sovereignty often, and continue to be stressed and question whether she's made the right decision. I also feel that she puts way too much stock in the world's definition and view of love, which is more about passion, attraction, and the feeling of "falling in love," even when she's reminded that that's not what love really is, especially from a biblical standpoint. Fortunately, another character was a lot more grounded overall, but I'm not sure it ever fully rubs off on Brielle.

I think the title of the book does an injustice to the story, as it focuses on Bri's requirement to marry, and the romance side of the story, when there's really so much more to it than that. Or at least, it seemed like there was trying to be more to it than that. Bri's desire to help the people of her ancestral home, the fictional island of Ọlọrọ Ilé, to bring them into modern times, and to be the ruler God designed her to be, is the primary plot, with the romance a large side plot. And I liked that part of the story overall. The love interest (only not mentioning his name in case it's a spoiler to anyone) was almost too good to be true, with only perceived faults that the reader can see aren't really true. However, he was still one of my favorite characters.

Contemporary romance books are often less enjoyable for me, due in part to me feeling fairly detached from the modern world, and this was no exception, as dialog was very modern and full of slang (even from some of the Olorans). My bigger frustration with the writing, though, was the tendency for the main character and one major side character to talk almost solely in murmurs to each other for a good chunk earlier in the book. For one thing, it was a gross overuse of a single verb in a small space (seems like it should have been caught by editors), but for another...well, how often do people really murmur in normal conversation? It made me feel like there was just a lot of mumbling going on for a while, and was peppered here and there later in the book too. This is more personal preference, though; overall, the story was good, and I think most fans of contemporary Christian romance will enjoy this book.

In Search of a Prince transports readers to the African island nation of Ọlọrọ Ilé and into a modern-day fairy tale. Toni Shiloh has created a world full of rich culture and a beautiful setting, where Brielle is thrust into both her royal role and a marriage of convenience. I loved how Brielle's authentic, heartfelt faith was her foundation as her life was upended and she faced several difficult decisions. Her best friend, Iris, brought richness and depth to the story with the wisdom she spoke into Brielle's life. I'm hoping there might be another book coming so we can read her story!

I hadn't read any of Toni Shiloh's books before, but now I'm definitely a fan! This sweet romance with hints of The Princess Diaries and The Bachelorette is a delightful addition to the Christian fiction world. Fans of Rachel Hauck's Royal Wedding series, as well as fans of contemporary romance authors like Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg, will enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a beautiful Christian fiction contemporary romance! In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh, a story about a New York middle school teacher who finds out she's a princess, is delightful. Brielle embarks on a trip to Africa with her best friend Iris to meet her dying grandfather. A story rich in heritage, walking in faith, and a touch of mystery made this story so very enjoyable. It is this first book I have read by this author and I am excited to read more by her.

I loved everything about this book, the storyline, the romance, the friendships, the grandfather/granddaughter relationship, the characters are relatable, real, people of integrity, and I enjoyed the witty banter.

I highly recommend In Search of A Prince by Toni Shiloh.

Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow! I don't even know where to begin. This was such a beautiful story and just an absolute joy to read. Author Toni Shiloh has a real gift. I've loved everything I've read by her and this is my favorite one yet.

This story was full of wonderful characters who were easy to root for. Brielle had such a kind soul. I admired the way she handled being thrust into such an overwhelming situation. She did it with such grace and poise. And I loved how she leaned on the Lord and prayed over every decision, big or small. It was so inspiring. The first-person narration felt so natural and inviting, like I was listening to a good friend tell me her story.

I really appreciated the strong element of faith that was woven throughout this whole novel. It's always so special when a story can make me feel closer to God, and this one did just that.

This was a sweet read with a lot of depth and a great message of faith. It has everything I look for in a good contemporary romance and so much more. It's just an all-around fantastic story that I highly recommend. I really hope there are more stories to come set in the gorgeous island country of Oloro Ile. There are so many secondary characters that I'd love to read more about.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

This is the fourth Toni Shiloh book I've read (after the "Faith & Fortune" series), and it's hands down my favorite! (I love how another review put it--"The Princess Diaries" meets Wakanda. #facts!)

I loved the worldbuilding and how I could really deep-dive into Oloro Ile life in this well-thought-out and -developed read. Its beach descriptions were very timely, as well, as I'm anticipating a Mediterranean vacation someday soon! Bring it on! (Especially with the overcast weather where i live, which will likely stick around for the next few months.) Virtual Vitamin D? Yes, please!

It's been a while since I highlighted as much of a Christian-fiction read as this one. Truly refreshing (and convicting, and thought-provoking!). Brielle went through some major life adjustments (and processing accordingly), not to mention life simply not going to plan--and I loved how the author chronicled that and incorporated faith into it. I came away challenged and encouraged in my own faith walk!

Excellent, excellent read. 5/5.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I’m always interested in a novel featuring a princess! There is something so enticing about reading about royalty! Oh let’s be honest, I may have gotten up at early hours to watch a few royal weddings over the past decade or so! This book has a gorgeous cover and I could not pass up diving into a princess story for reasons discussed above. Things that stood out to me in this book were a strong heroine, a strong faith thread, and a hint of a mystery. I will admit that there are a lot of names that are hard to pronounce and for me that was a challenge! The descriptions of the Island made it seem like a place I would happily visit and honestly the characters ate a lot of crab in dishes which is my favorite food, so I think it sounds like the perfect vacation spot! I won’t give spoilers, but there are fancy gowns, proposals, betrayal, romance, and a bold faith thread.

I knew as soon as I saw the cover of In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh that I was going to read it. It is eye catching and just gorgeous! Add in that the story is about a Princess (who just found out she is a Princess) who needs to find her Prince (asap) set it in an exotic island location and I’m in!

I enjoyed how Brielle grew throughout this story and how she completely trusted the Lord with all of the changes in her life. If you’re looking for a fun fairytale read with a strong faith thread, a bit of suspense, humor, and some bachelorette type dates, this may be the story for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is prominent.

In Search of a Prince is one of those rare books that will absolutely stay with you long after you reach THE END. The characters are top-notch and it's wonderful to enter into this world that the author created. There is a shortage of Black heroes and heroines and Brielle brings so much to the page. She's everything a reader could want and the entire premise of the story leads the reader into a breathtaking world. I loved the faith that Brielle showed. It came through as genuine and heart-felt and made the story sing. Highly recommend.

If we judge a book by its cover, this is hands-down one of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen. Of course, a book is far more about what's inside the cover, and author Toni Shiloh does a good job of weaving this story together. It's hard to imagine finding out at age 25 that one is a princess and heir to the throne of an island nation she's never heard of, but this sweet store sells it well. Mori was a sweet, humble hero. Both characters were committed to their faith. This is definitely Brielle's story, as told in first-person.

I was absolutely blown away by this book! In Search of a Prince has to be one of Toni Shiloh's best works yet. I was so excited to hear she was releasing a book with Bethany House because they are hands down one of my favorite publishers, known for producing some amazing works of literature (not that she wasn't already doing this before going to Bethany House! Let's make that clear!). I knew from the moment I saw this stunning, gorgeous cover that I had to read this book. Plus, come on! I am a sucker for royalty books. Super unrealistic to think a girl would ever randomly find out she is heir to the throne of some random kingdom but I do not care! I will read it anyway.

One day, Brielle goes from being Bri Bayo to Brielle Adebayo, THE princess (and heir!) of Ọlọrọ Ilé, a tropical island nation off the cost of west Africa. And if that isn't enough to send her mind spinning, she has to decide if she wants to go and rule this country she knows nothing about because her grandfather, the king, is dying. And as if that wasn't enough, she finds out in order to even rule, if she even decides to, she has to be married because of an old royal degree that many of the council members are not in a hurry to change. Whoa. She is presented with three eligible bachelors and sets off to find out which one she might be able to marry. Unfortunately, her head has been turned by a palace runner who has been giving her language lessons. But there is no way the council would approve of him. Would they?

I honestly felt like I was sucked into the world of Ọlọrọ Ilé, almost to the point where I felt like I had to put on some sunscreen so I wouldn't get burned while visiting what sounded like a tropical paradise. Brielle had a lot of hard decisions she had to make and she had to make them quick, so while she certainly wasn't perfect (who is though?), you could definitely tell she was such a strong character. She wasn't going to let anyone push her around. And while she may not have known much about her country, these strong characteristics that shone through definitely helped it feel believable that she could one day be queen. Also, the leading man she picks (I won't tell you who!) is totally just sigh worthy. Like, what a guy. Now, off to pack some sunscreen and buy my ticket to Ọlọrọ Ilé!