Reviews

Buying Love by Toni Shiloh

rich2023's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. It is such a sweet and heartwarming story.I loved how Dwight prayed about everything.
This Prayer summarizes the theme of the book:“ Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us together as a family. Thank you that we belong to you and therefore are never alone. “

riellareads's review

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4.0

This was cute! Ms. Shiloh is one of Angeline’s favorite authors, so I wanted to read more of her books! It was a shorter read and it did feel a bit quick at times. I enjoyed the faith elements and how both characters learned and grew both individually and together. I did feel like I did not know the characters that much though. It was also a fun introduction to other characters, who I think have their own stories!

rusticreadingal's review

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4.0

Buying Love was a perfect fall read. It was so full of heart and I enjoyed every second of it. Maple Run was such a charming small town and all the food featured in this book sounded so delicious! It made me super hungry!

I really liked the twist to the traditional mail order bride scenario. Nina places an ad in the paper seeking a husband. Dwight answers it, hoping the money offered will help save his family restaurant.

I really felt for Nina and her struggles with abandonment and longing for a family to call her own. Dwight was such a kind, strong, and steady guy. And I can't forget to mention Beast. I'm a dog lover, so, of course, he was awesome.

There was such a strong faith-filled message woven seamlessly throughout the entire story that I loved. This was the first book I've read by Toni Shiloh, but it definitely won't be the last. I'm really excited for book two!

I won this book in a giveaway. I was not asked to write a review. This is my honest opinion.

_abikewrites's review

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5.0

I enjoyed this book. The premise was beautiful and I loved how Nina and Dwight learned to love each other. It was a beautiful story.

natashat74's review

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5.0

I loved this book and actually read it in a day. I couldn't put it down. A great love story that does not start off in a conventional way. This book captured my attention the entire time. I like how the book focuses on how we should seek Christ before we jump into major decisions in our lives. I loved the sweet love that developed between Dwight and Nina. This is my 2nd series by Toni Shiloh. I am looking forward to getting into the rest of the books in the series and see what will happen to some of the other characters that were introduced in the first book.

meezcarrie's review

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4.0

I have one word to start out with – Dwight. Another word – yummy. And I’m not JUST talking about the delicious mouth-watering recipes he cooks up at his family’s restaurant The Maple Pit. Dwight himself is quite the swoonworthy hero. Not just because he looks like Laz Alonso but because he’s a man of solid character and a kind heart.

Dwight’s mama and I had a few words during the course of this novel though! lol.

Nina is a great character! A little bit sassy, a little bit sweet – I enjoyed getting to know her as the story progressed. Her background is not as idyllic as Dwight’s, far from it in fact, but her relationship with Dwight is made all the more poignant because of these differences. While she may be rich monetarily, she’s all alone in the world – no friends, no family, no legacy. On the other hand, Dwight may have some financial difficulties in his business but he’s the rich one where it matters. This disparity between them – on both sides – gives depth to what could otherwise be a typical marriage-of-convenience tale.

The theme of adoption and belonging in Buying Love really touched me. Such a beautiful picture of God’s love for us, and our relationship with Him.

Buying Love is a great start to a new series! The supporting characters set the stage nicely for future books, and I’m looking forward to more from Maple Run and Toni Shiloh. Dwight and Nina’s romance is sweet and even though it’s somewhat of a slow burn buildup it’s got plenty of sizzle and spark! This would be a wonderful choice for book clubs with many possible discussion threads throughout.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

betherin02's review

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4.0

I couldn't put this modern marriage of convenience down so I read it in one sitting! I especially enjoyed the way the two main characters' lives contrast yet compliment. City versus country living, a life of virtual solitude compared to a community of friends and family, opposites often attract yet this story delves deeper into the issue of love as a choice, action, and commitment. This is a great little storyline with interesting and authentic characters.

erin_j's review

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5.0

Since growing up as an orphan, Nina Warrenton wants a family – a husband and 2.5 kids. She hasn’t been able to accomplish this yet, so she takes things into her own hands, She places an ad in the Washington Post. Dwight Williams is struggling to keep his restaurant afloat so when he sees an ad for a husband that includes a dowry, he’s intrigued. By the woman who would place that kind of ad and how the money might help his family business. The attraction clicks right away for these two, but marriage is a lifelong commitment. Nina and Dwight decide to date for two months to see if they are compatible. Will their motives for marriage change to love?

This was such a sweet romance. Toni Shiloh is a wonderful storyteller. The pacing was good. The premise was very well done. A modern marriage of convenience is not easy. Nina and Dwight as the main characters are great. Dwight’s family and friends are a fun addition. (Looking forward to some of their stories to come.) The romance is sweet and feels surprisingly realistic even with the short amount of time that goes by. This is heavy on the Christian aspect, but it fit with the characters and the story. It can also be very relatable to those who aren’t always sure how to treat God as Father and Lord. A wonderful story of found family, finding your identity in God, and love.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet, heartwarming romance to lift your spirit then pick this book up.

michellef's review

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5.0

`Buying Love` is a Contemporary Christian novel written by author Toni Shiloh. Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer.

The female protagonist in this ebook wanted to be married and have a child before she turned thirty-five. So she made an online questionnaire and began interviewing men to find her husband. Although her way was unconventional she believed God would guide her. Nina had grown up in an orphanage and aged out. She mentored a young lady who was also coming of age.

Nina met Dwight through her online questionnaire and they agreed to date for two months and then decide about marriage. Dwight is a handsome, courteous man, unlike Nina's ex-boyfriend. Nina is a beautiful African American lady. So maybe marriage would feel right for both of them. However, Dwight's mom was not enamored with Nina.

I found this ebook to be light-hearted and entertaining. I finished this 451-page book rather quickly. My takeaway is that as humans we all want to be accepted by someone. When we have no one we still have God. He will never leave us or forsake us. Whether they married or not Nina had a family with her fellow believers.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own."

anke_books's review

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4.0

Charmant verhaal met een originele inslag. Verstandshuwelijken aka marriage-of-convenience verhalen zijn lastig geloofwaardig te maken in een hedendaagse roman. Maar Toni Shiloh weet de aanleiding overtuigd neer te zetten. Nina is een interessante heldin met diepgang en een verleden die haar huidige leven bepaald. Dwight zit vast in familieverwachtingen en een teleurstelling in de liefde. Kunnen zij elkaar de toekomst geven die ze zoeken?