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.

My oh my! What an enchanting book. I was instantly drawn in by Bri and her story. It took zero effort to connect with her, which is important to me. I want to sink into the main character’s head, relate to her and what she’s going through. That was easy to do. Many of the secondary characters were relatable too.

I’ll admit, the first thing that influences me to read a book is its cover. Yes, I know that’s judgy. (Is that a word?) Apparently, I’m not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I do—initially, anyway. Sorry, not sorry. Cover art is so important because it gives a glimpse into what the story is about. It evokes something from me—whether joy, sadness, intrigue, curiosity, nostalgia… And this cover is STUNNING and had me eager to find out this princess’s story.

Secondly, who writes a book is important to me. I read new-to-me authors all the time, but sometimes they become more than that. And author Toni Shiloh is now more than that. I love her writing style, her attention to detail, and the elements of faith she sprinkles throughout her writing.

And at last, but certainly not least, the story must keep my attention. In Search of a Prince had me up late, up early, and ignoring my cat, because I was immersed. I loved the emotion, faith, friendship, sweet romance, and royal and familial bonds, as well as the exploration of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa. And Bri’s prayers throughout are icing on the cake. With sprinkles.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

In Search of a Prince was a delightful story in the vein of The Princess Diaries. A young teacher doesn't know she is an heiress to a crown. Her grandfather's health takes a turn, forcing the truth that has been kept from Bri all her life. She travels to her new country with her friend, Iris and finds beauty and part of herself that she never knew.

I loved this story and Bri's journey. It was very much about her own journey as it was finding a prince. She found leadership skills she didn't know she had and she found a deeper reliance on her faith. I was enthralled in the faith journey that accompanied the change of scene for Bri and the grace that she had in the face of adversity.

I loved that she wouldn't let herself be pushed around by elders in the country that had their own interests at heart.

Woven within this magical tapestry was a mystery that could be solved as the clues were there, but it still caught me off guard the depth of the mystery.

This is a story of self-discovery, of family, of faith, and of love. There is so much here that just drew me in and left me breathless in the descriptions. I enjoyed every minute of this story. It was one of those that I couldn't wait to see what happened and was sad when it was over.

I received an early copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

There’s no denying that Toni Shiloh has done a great job of building a new world. It felt like a real place and one anyone would want to visit. The faith of the characters was front and center from beginning to end. The fact that this is a retelling of The Princess Diaries is evident right from the start. If you’ve watched both movies, most of this story won’t be a surprise to you. The story being told in first person was a plus for me.

For anyone looking for romance, I think it’s important to note that the romance is not strong throughout the first 50-60% of the story. I questioned whether we had met who would wind up being the hero.

While I liked the characters, they didn’t stand out to me. Most of them were predictable in their roles in the story.

There was one question that was unresolved in the end. Perhaps that will be addressed if this becomes a series? There’s also one storyline that wound up with a bit of a rushed resolution in the end.

This story is a classic spin on Cabot's Princess Diaries series. For me, it did not pack the same punch. The romance did not draw me in. The African princess, their culture, and the King were all fantastic portions of the book. It was pretty predictable, as well. Overall, I would not read this again.

I love a good royalty romance, and In Search of a Prince hit the spot! This is such a sweet story that deals with deep themes—forgiveness, grief, and trusting God when your future is uncertain. I love the characters and I’m so excited for the next book!

Move over Princess Diaries, there is a new "I didn't know I was a Princess" story in town! My word this story was so great. The plot, the characters, the setting, the EVERYTHING. Shiloh has truly outdone herself with this story. It has family drama, romance, beautiful settings, faith, a dying grandpa, a princess, and so much more. I'm going to be bold. If there is only one book you read in 2022 (and please let there be more!), make it this one. It is so worth your time. A dozen times over!

First let me talk about how well Shiloh moves the story along. It didn't drag for me at all, and what's even better is the way Shiloh ties up every loose end, and gives readers a complete story! I mean, I can't spoil anything by giving the ending away, but I was pleasantly surprised when the story didn't end at a certain point. We got to see the "after" of the story so to speak, and honestly I felt this story needed it, and I was happy to read it.

Brielle's character was so well written. Her thoughts and prayers throughout the book were just so effortlessly woven into the story. They didn't feel out of place, or forced. She had legit reasons for being upset with her mother and while some authors may have overlooked family drama in their stories, Shiloh didn't. She left it realistic, which added even more depth to the story. And seeing the growing relationship between her and her grandfather just tugged at my heart.

Let's not forget about the romance. I can't say too much on this, because spoilers, but let me say this.....Shiloh writes a good romance. She took her time with these two characters, even after a "major event" happens. Again, realistic comes to mind. I mean sure, not everyone is going to be forced to find a husband in a short amount of time. And sometimes authors take liberties when that is the case and make them just fall right in love and immediately so into the swoony phase. No so here. Yeah there was chemistry for sure, but it was slow. It was respectful. And it included their faith which is oh so important to this reader.

Here's the bottom line - you need to read this book. Read it to learn (the language in this book was exquisite and fun to read!), read it for the romance, read it for the family interactions, read it for the beautiful friendship between Bri and Iris (I need her story next!). Just read it. You'll thank me later.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you grew up enjoying the Princess Diaries as much as I did, you will LOVE Toni Shiloh's new book In Search of a Prince. I was completely absorbed by this story following Brielle Adebayo’s journey from New York City teacher to the crown princess of a fictionalized island off the coast of Africa. Shiloh created a richly developed world influenced heavily by her research in the cultures and languages of various African countries. Her vivid descriptions and kept me captivated until the final page. The romance is OH so gentle and beautiful. Though Brielle is in fact searching for her prince, she also heavily leans on God and her faith to search out what His plans are for her future and that of Ọlọrọ Ilé. This book is about romance, family, and trusting God to determine our steps. It is long in the best way and I’m so glad I got to read it! Also this cover-incredible. My first Toni Shiloh, but not my last!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of a complimentary copy of this book I received from the publisher. All views expressed above are my honest opinion.

Toni is a new-to-me author. I'd heard of her for years, but never got around to reading her work. Boy, am I glad this was my first. I'm not really into the fantasy kingdom in the real world contemporary stories, but I started this book last night and finished it today. It's been a while since I've read a book in just one POV and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It really helped to get me into the story, and while at first I was distracted by too many details, I was all in before too long. I think this book did such an awesome job of sharing culture and adventure and God's peace. There were a few heavy on the romance portions, but overall, I enjoyed reading this princess book, and now I think I need to go ask my parents some questions just in case there's some hidden royalty in my family tree. If you're looking for a sweet romance with a hint of whodunit, a best friend who's absolutely over the top, the sweetest grandpa ever, and some awesome Princess Diaries vibes, go for it.

In Search of a Prince is a Christian modern-day princess romance novel written by Toni Shiloh.

Summary: New York teacher Brielle Adebayo is confronted with a blindsiding revelation when her mother reveals that she is actually an African princess.

With her grandfather, the king, in declining health, Brielle leaps at the chance to discover her heritage and meet the family she never knew she had.

But as she takes steps to fulfill her new destiny, will her family and people accept her, or has she placed herself in danger?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I would buy it-something I don't say often about a book.

It was well-written, had fascinating characters, and was the perfect princess book to get lost in for a few hours.

I especially liked that Brielle was constantly praying for direction, and asking God for help as she faced the overwhelming challenges that came her way.

There is a great romance, some good twists and turns, and I really enjoyed the dynamics between the various family members and friends.

I would say this book is a little like a grown-up version of the movie Princess Diaries, combined a little bit with the customs and traditions you might see from Black Panther's Wakanda. At least, that's what it felt like for me.

It's a really great read, and one I definitely recommend.

I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

The plot of In Search of a Prince is a twist on the classic story of Cinderella. In this case, a young woman discovers she is heiress to a royal throne in a faraway country, travels there to explore her options, and falls in love. The country is a West African island nation, and In Search of a Prince offers a sweet story of a woman’s journey into her destiny.

Brielle Bayo lives in New York City and teaches 8th grade civics. Her father died when she was very young, and she and her mother Marie have had a close bond ever since. That’s why Brielle’s shock is overwhelming when her mother confesses that Brielle’s father was the heir to the throne of Ọlọrọ Ilé. Brielle might never have known the truth, but the king of the island nation is dying and reached out to Marie with a plea to bring his granddaughter and heiress to her birthright. The revelation and her mother’s thin excuses for keeping the truth from Brielle tear into their bond, and Brielle asks her best friend Iris to accompany her to Ọlọrọ Ilé to meet the relatives she’s never known.

In an instant, she jumps from coach to first class status. Travel by a private jet, a lush room in the palace, and the wealth, opportunities, and challenges of royalty are now part of her daily life. Around her swirl advisors, servants, and retainers. But one man, a handsome palace runner, attracts her attention in a visceral way.

Tomori Eesuola serves the palace as he is bid, content with his role, even though his family chides him for having no clear life path. He certainly has no intention of becoming part of the royal family, and no one expects it of him. When he is assigned the task of teaching the new princess the native language of Ọlọrọ Ilé, his loyalty and a strong affection for her grow, but he keeps his distance as is proper.

In Search of a Prince is Brielle’s story. With many in the kingdom unhappy that she has appeared, learning new customs and culture, getting to know her grandfather, and learning all she can in a short time, Brielle’s focus and ours is on her important choice. Will she become Queen… or not? Add a good-looking language teacher who makes her heart stutter, and this new princess has her work cut out for her.  The Commoner-and-the-Princess romance is important to the story but is tied tightly to Brielle’s journey.

In one respect, the author has made that journey easier. Ọlọrọ Ilé is a predominantly Christian country, so Brielle’s own faith upbringing fits nicely. The main characters in the book rely on God to guide their steps through life, and the theme of “God is with us” is a steady thread throughout the novel.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. The writing is smooth, the characters well-drawn and I particularly liked Brielle’s friend Iris for keepin’ it real and acting as a supportive sounding board. The author also gives us a good sense of the physical surroundings on the island. At the end of the book, Ms. Shiloh describes her process and research use to create this fictional island kingdom, and that research pays off in seamless, cohesive worldbuilding. My only quibble is the amount of page space the author gives to those physical details and the specifics of court life, to the detriment of the romance and Brielle’s emotional responses.

Nonetheless, I can recommend In Search of a Prince for providing a smoothly written, light read for those who love a good ‘rags-to-royal’ fairy tale with a touching romance.

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A wonderful story that gripped me from the beginning,. Such depth in the characters and a reminder of God's compassion towards each of us. An encouragement to continue listening to his voice in all things.

Who doesn't love a princess story? This novel is perfect for those who enjoy The Princess Diaries! A modern day fairytale, full of glittering royalty, this novel is written beautifully, with great descriptions of the setting and wonderful character development. The romance is sweet, albeit a bit predictable, but the story flows well and is fun to read. There is a strong thread of faith in the novel and I loved how the characters prayed before making major decisions and learned to trust God with the outcomes. This is my first novel by Toni Shiloh and I greatly enjoyed it. I cannot wait for her next one!

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

If you like The Princess Diaries 1 & 2, you will love this beautiful tale! When her grandfather is given a poor health prognosis, Brielle is finally told the secret of her family. Her father was a prince and she is next in line to rule the African country of Oloro Ile. We follow Bri as she learns to adjust to her new life as a royal with a few hiccups along the way. As the country grapples with the idea of a possible female ruler, Bri wonders if her subjects will ever accept her. The final major hurdle comes when it is revealed that a female ruler must be married to take the throne. With her grandfather's health at a steady decline, Bri must act fast to find a suitable mate to rule alongside her. If she cannot, she must abdicate the throne.
This book was beautifully written! The descriptions of Oloro Ile made me wish that it was a real place so I could visit. The theme of faith is interwoven throughout the entire book. Brielle's faith in God leads her in her decision-making time and time again. All of the characters in the book are outstanding. It is sometimes hard to keep up with the various palace staff because some of the names are similar, but you evenually learn each one's quirks and personality. I fell in love right along with Brielle, not only in her choice of husband, but also with the country.
I usually have a hard time giving a book 5 stars, but I honestly couldn't think of anything I would change about this one. Toni Shiloh had me feeling all the feels with this book! I will definitely read again one day. Highly recommend!

I absolutely loved this book! This is, in my opinion, what Christian fiction should be! I absolutely loved how faith and relationship with the Lord was so woven throughout this story and the characters' lives! Every decision and interaction they had was consciously submitted to the Father's will and they strove to live lives of surrender. I really just can't say enough good things about how this book was written so that it didn't feel like it had a "faith element" added in or tacked on. These were people of faith from start to finish, and it was excellent, encouraging, challenging, and inspiring to read.

I also loved the unique setting of this book. Having spent a little bit of time in West Africa myself, I felt the author did a wonderful job creating a fictional but believable West African island nation. I never felt a jolt of "that would never happen there" in the story, and I really enjoyed the unique aspects of culture she wove in and the way she showed aspects of both cooperation and tension between various religions and societal groups. I think she was very wise to make it a fictional country rather than trying to set it in a real place, but I am sad that that means I can never visit! :(

My only complaint about this book is that I don't think the title, cover, or synopsis really do it justice. It is about so much more than finding a prince and that really isn't even the main emphasis of the story as the need didn't even arise until over a third of the way into the book. I expected a fluffy, Hallmark-esque romantic story, but this was so much more. The romantic story is in there, and is swoon-worthy, but it is a small part of a greater story of how God worked in these people's lives as they surrendered to Him. This was a coming-of-age story of finding one's true identity in Christ and surrendering one's own will in order to serve others in the way He has planned to build His Kingdom and give Him glory. There are deep themes of forgiveness and letting go of the past to walk into one's future. Both main characters went through this type of journey, helped along by solid three-dimensional secondary characters who also were people of deep spiritual maturity. I would have entitled this book something more along the lines of The Making of a Queen or The Heart of a Queen/Princess. Anyway, that's not really a big deal. This is such a good book, and maybe the foofy title and cover will get more people to read it.

This is a fantastic, clean, spiritually-rich story that I will delight to read, re-read, and recommend to others. I think anyone who enjoyed Lori Wick's The Princess and/or Rachel Hauck's Once Upon a Prince will also enjoy this story for its similarities as well as its very unique setting. I am very much looking forward to a sequel about the princess' best friend Iris who played a big part in this story and deserves her own book as soon as possible!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

About this book:

“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 the mother of all bombshells--Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing.
Distraught by her mother's betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council's list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring.”


Series: As of now, no. A stand-alone novel.


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are read & remembered; Many, many Prayers; Blessings over food; Many Talks about God, His will, & forgiveness; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Brielle has a dream similar to the one Samuel had that is recorded in the Bible (“Here I am, Lord”); Church going & a bit of who they are discussing in the Bible; Many mentions of God, His will, & forgiveness; Many mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, a pastor, & worshiping; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of devotionals; A mention of a Bible study; A mention of sins;
*Note: When on a date, after the man says he will say the blessing, Brielle asks what if she wants to say grace, he replies that in a marriage the husband is the head of the household and the spiritual leader, she retorts back that they are not married; Another man tells Brielle that he doesn’t believe in love, so she questions his allegiance to God because God is love; Mentions of a Muslim population in the country, mosques, and the elder of their community mentioning that if a man doesn’t “follow the God he claims to profess, his word means nothing”; A mention of Hala carts in New York; A mention of Santa.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘bah’, a ‘gah!’, an ‘OMG’, an ‘oh my word’, a ‘shut up’, two ‘dang’s, and four ‘stupid’s; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Eye rolling; Grieving the death of a loved one; Mentions of a drowning & death; Mentions of slavery & past protests about slavery and the oppressions of Blacks and other racial unrest in the States (Brielle has seen some of these protests and says it stirred an anger she didn’t know what to do with); Mentions of threats; Mentions of a divorce; Mentions of rumors; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & feeling betrayed; Mentions of smoking & cigars/pipes; A few mentions of social drinking (at dinner or parties); A couple mentions of vandalism; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of a hostage situation; A mention of jail; A mention of depression; A mention of blood; A mention of thinking about getting a tattoo;
*Note: Mentions of TV shows (Punk’d, Undercover Boss, The Bachelorette, Friends, and Law & Order); Mentions of social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest); Mention of other pop culture references and celebrities (Michael Jackson, Usain Bolt, the Grinch, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hermione from Harry Potter, the Narnia series, and Uber); A few mentions of movies (Pride & Prejudice, Return to Me, Lord of the Rings, & The Hobbit); A few mentions of brand names (Apple products, Wikipedia); A few mentions of a car brand (Mercedes).


Sexual Content- A hand kiss, two cheek kisses, four forehead/head kisses, a not-detailed kiss (married), a barely-above-not-detailed kiss (married), three semi-detailed kisses (all married), three detailed kisses (1 unmarried, 2 married), a very detailed kiss (married), and a kiss (semi-detailed) leading into a fade-to-black scene (no true details, but the leading up to it is barely-above-not-detailed); A bit of staring at someone’s lips; Embraces, Touches, & Hand holding (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & be embraced (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Flutters, Sparks, & Heat (barely-above-not-detailed); Winks & Blushes; Noticing & Smelling (boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); *Spoilers* [Brielle needs help unzipping her dress & her husband helps her (though she grabs the top of the dress so he doesn’t have a view of anything that could lead to something neither of them are ready for); On the wedding night, Brielle is conscientious of her short pajama shorts; After a very detailed kiss, her husband breaks it off and goes to shower before they do something they’re not ready for, she thinks of the “heat pooled in her middle” and his eyes “glistening with desire”; As mentioned above, there is a kiss that leads into a fade-to-black scene with barely-above-not-detailed mentions of the beginning *End of Spoilers* (hide spoiler)]; Mentions of a wedding night, being prepared, sharing a bed (it’s an awkward conversation for Brielle and the man, but she thinks that they could share a bed and respect each other’s boundaries), being ready, & consummating a marriage; Mentions of illegitimate children, a father doubting a child is his, cheating, & women “comforting” (sleeping with) married men to get something they want (the woman who brings this up says women in her family have been sleeping with men in power for generations and that it is not something to be ashamed of, that she can help him in ways his wife cannot); Mentions of a man’s harem-like commune & his multiple baby mamas; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of fertility & popping out a child; Mentions of dates; Mentions of crushes & blushes; Mentions of summer romances & boyfriends; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of flirting & flirts; A couple mentions of a man saying he’s slept with a woman before marriage and is not proud of it; A couple mentions of Brielle being suggested to keep her office door open with meeting with a man so nothing untrue is accused; A couple mentions of a lady’s man (player); A mention of something happening between men and women for centuries (intimacy); A mention of a husband’s knowing look & saving the thought the wife is having for later (at night); Love, attraction, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: *Trigger Warning for miscarriages* [Brielle’s husband has a dream that she was pregnant and miscarried, he describes their grief and how they drifted apart *End of Trigger Warning* (hide spoiler)]; Mentions of misogynistic views from some men believing that women should only be wives & mothers (not rulers of a country); A mention of a man’s eye roaming Brielle’s figure.

-Brielle Bayo, age 25
1st P.O.V. of Brielle (Prologue in Tiwa’s 3rd person P.O.V.)
352 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star

I went into this book only knowing that it was about a girl who founds out she’s a princess. I have never read any of the author’s other books, so I wasn’t sure what to expect on content levels.

I was enjoying this book—the beginning 75% of it—so much. The faith content was excellent, how Bri’s faith was so second-nature to her, it was obviously a large part of her, and I loved seeing that represented throughout the story. It was an easy four star for me at that point because of that and how light the romance was in the book.

But then at 74% in (reading on Kindle, roughly 260 pages in (?)) the romance kicks up quite a bit and leads to a (married couple) fade-to-black scene. I’ve said it more than once and, unfortunately, I’m pretty sure this won’t be the last time I say it: I do not need to know that a couple—real or fictional—consummated their marriage.

The kisses and emotions got heavier than I was comfortable with and I’m truly so sad about this. I was ready to go buy my own copy because I was enjoying the story so much at the beginning with the faith content and diversity, but this sexual content is disappointing and lowers all the ratings for this book.




*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this (Advance Reader Copy) e-book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review. Having read an ARC, there are some details listed in this review that may have been changed in the final print edition.

4.5 Stars

If you haven’t seen the gorgeous cover for Toni Shiloh’s In Search of a Prince (published by Bethany House), where have you been? The story under that cover is just as wonderful.

Brielle is a normal woman living a normal life…until her mother reveals the truth about Brielle’s parentage. Everything Brielle believed about her life, her father, and herself are brought into question.

Readers explore this unknown life as a princess along with Brielle, and Shiloh’s writing shines in the setting and characterization as we get to know Brielle (which happens quickly as the book is told in first person from Brielle’s point of view). I appreciated how Brielle leaned on her faith when overwhelmed and her best friend, Iris (please tell me she gets her own book!) speaks truth into Brielle’s life.

The journey to princess is more than just the laws and expectations. It’s falling in love, learning graciousness to those who oppose Brielle’s rule, and loving the land and the people. And of course, there is some mystery as to who is threatening Brielle, too.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

"In Search of a Prince" is a bit of a fantasy romance. Brielle is 25 years old and angry with her mother who has only just now told her the truth about her dead father. Her grandfather is king (of a made up African island country) and dying, and he wants to meet her and see if she'll be willing to be his heir. She immediately loves him and the island and the handsome, encouraging palace runner. But to be Queen, she's expected to marry a local man that the Royal Council will approve.

If you like your romances to be low in conflict, this will appeal to you. Possible problems were easily overcome. Most of the story was spent learning about the island and spending time with the handsome love interest who also encouraged and built her up. She also built him up since his own family thought so little of him. Both prayed to God for guidance (and actually waited until they felt God had answered before acting). I found it odd that the council's "potential husband" picks showed so little respect for Brielle to her face, though that did make things much easier for her. Anyway, the main characters were engaging, and the romantic pair was a good match. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this princess romance.

I read this book because of the cover. I hadn't read this author. It is really good. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists in the plot.

This was such a wonderful book! I really enjoyed the author's writing style and how she brought the characters to life. I appreciated the details of the setting, food and clothing. I especially loved the strong faith thread throughout the book. Throw in a bit of danger and mystery, and you've got a fantastic story. I highly recommend this book.

**I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.**