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bookwormjourney's review
5.0
This book was even better than Buying Love (book 1 in this series) and I already highly enjoyed that book to start with! Delaney (which is such a pretty name) and Luke have such great chemistry. I loved it and totally could believe they were falling in love. Luke was a total sweetheart and Delaney was such a strong woman, raising two twin boys after the death of her husband.
The book starts off with Luke showing up in Maple Run to plead for Delaney's forgiveness for the part he feels he played in her husband's death. Both are instantly attracted to each other, but they try to fight it. Luke feels like he couldn't possibly move in on the widow of a solider he fought alongside. Delaney struggles with the fact that Luke is in the Army and she's already received one folded flag. Does love, and trusting in God, conquer all?
I was so excited to read a book featuring an interracial couple and how their families were so supportive since sadly that isn't always something you see. In my mind, the way I pictured Luke and Delaney were so cute together! Also, the underlying theme of trusting in God when things seem terrifyingly impossible really hit me in the heart and convicted me of the need to do the same in my own life.
I enjoyed that we got to see Nina and Dwight again and that we were introduced to the male lead for book #3, which I'm starting once I submit this review.
The book starts off with Luke showing up in Maple Run to plead for Delaney's forgiveness for the part he feels he played in her husband's death. Both are instantly attracted to each other, but they try to fight it. Luke feels like he couldn't possibly move in on the widow of a solider he fought alongside. Delaney struggles with the fact that Luke is in the Army and she's already received one folded flag. Does love, and trusting in God, conquer all?
I was so excited to read a book featuring an interracial couple and how their families were so supportive since sadly that isn't always something you see. In my mind, the way I pictured Luke and Delaney were so cute together! Also, the underlying theme of trusting in God when things seem terrifyingly impossible really hit me in the heart and convicted me of the need to do the same in my own life.
I enjoyed that we got to see Nina and Dwight again and that we were introduced to the male lead for book #3, which I'm starting once I submit this review.
insearchof_wonder_'s review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars!
Solidly written contemporary romance that addresses survivor's guilt and touches on grief and depression as well.
What I loved most was that the two main characters were of different races even though the book was not specifically addressing racism as an issue. I would love to read more books like this. I have quite a few friends as well as family members who have mixed-race marriages, and I would love to see it be more mainstream in fiction as well.
Solidly written contemporary romance that addresses survivor's guilt and touches on grief and depression as well.
What I loved most was that the two main characters were of different races even though the book was not specifically addressing racism as an issue. I would love to read more books like this. I have quite a few friends as well as family members who have mixed-race marriages, and I would love to see it be more mainstream in fiction as well.
fiction_aficionado's review against another edition
4.0
I love it when stories really go in deep and ask questions like, When it comes down to it, do you believe God’s got your back? Do you trust Him to be your keeper, whatever befalls you? This is the struggle Delaney, in particular, faces in this story. She’s already received one folded flag, so if she’s ever going to re-enter the dating scene, she’s determined it won’t be with a man in a high-risk job. Unfortunately, her heart didn’t get the memo. To make matters even more complicated, the man who’s caught her attention not only worked with her husband, but believes he was partly responsible for his death. Internal conflict doesn’t get much stronger than that!
Luke faces a similarly tough conundrum. He’s come to Maple Run to offer to make amends, however small, for his role in her husband’s death. How can he now turn around and say, “Oh, by the way, want to go out with me?” He knows his job is a deal-breaker, he totally understands why, and he still has two more years until retirement and the benefits that brings. How could anything work between them? Should he just ignore how much he wants to get to know her, or can they take it one step at a time and see where God leads them?
Taking it one step at a time, without knowing what’s ahead? It’s easy to embrace in theory, but when it actually comes to putting one foot in front of the other it can feel more like taking a leap over a gaping crevasse, and I loved that Luke and Delaney had to work through that in this story. Add in the cozy family atmosphere of the Maple Pit and Delaney’s twin boys Philip and Preston and you have an enjoyable read as well as a faith-filled one. I did feel that the physical attraction between Luke and Delaney was a little too much too soon, and was pointed out more often than necessary, but it was still a sweet romance, and that last part of the epilogue—well, I dare you to still have dry eyes once you’ve read that!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Luke faces a similarly tough conundrum. He’s come to Maple Run to offer to make amends, however small, for his role in her husband’s death. How can he now turn around and say, “Oh, by the way, want to go out with me?” He knows his job is a deal-breaker, he totally understands why, and he still has two more years until retirement and the benefits that brings. How could anything work between them? Should he just ignore how much he wants to get to know her, or can they take it one step at a time and see where God leads them?
Taking it one step at a time, without knowing what’s ahead? It’s easy to embrace in theory, but when it actually comes to putting one foot in front of the other it can feel more like taking a leap over a gaping crevasse, and I loved that Luke and Delaney had to work through that in this story. Add in the cozy family atmosphere of the Maple Pit and Delaney’s twin boys Philip and Preston and you have an enjoyable read as well as a faith-filled one. I did feel that the physical attraction between Luke and Delaney was a little too much too soon, and was pointed out more often than necessary, but it was still a sweet romance, and that last part of the epilogue—well, I dare you to still have dry eyes once you’ve read that!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
marylinfurumasu's review
5.0
I found Finding Love a story of second chances, loss, acceptance, and learning what faith really looks like.
This book written by Toni Shiloh is a sweet story of deep love. Not only physical love but a love which connects two souls in such a way, they couldn't stop it.
Delaney is just trying to stay grounded and not fall to pieces after her husband's death.
Luke just wants to find forgiveness for what he feels he caused in her life. Can they both find what they're seeking? You'll just have to read it to find out.
This story had many fun parts to it too. I loved the cute children and fun relationships between Delaney and her family. The Maple Run community truly is a place I'd love to visit. The restaurant sounds fantastic. I'd love to eat many of the foods which are mentioned in this book; they made my mouth water.
There's a quote I liked in this book:
"Stop trying to see your future and trust in a God who knows the future."
This is good to apply to my life.
I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend you pick it up and read it.
This book written by Toni Shiloh is a sweet story of deep love. Not only physical love but a love which connects two souls in such a way, they couldn't stop it.
Delaney is just trying to stay grounded and not fall to pieces after her husband's death.
Luke just wants to find forgiveness for what he feels he caused in her life. Can they both find what they're seeking? You'll just have to read it to find out.
This story had many fun parts to it too. I loved the cute children and fun relationships between Delaney and her family. The Maple Run community truly is a place I'd love to visit. The restaurant sounds fantastic. I'd love to eat many of the foods which are mentioned in this book; they made my mouth water.
There's a quote I liked in this book:
"Stop trying to see your future and trust in a God who knows the future."
This is good to apply to my life.
I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend you pick it up and read it.
tonishiloh's review
Hey Reader friends!
Thanks for visiting Maple Run again. I pray you enjoy Luke and Delaney's story. You'll see some characters from Book one, but this book can stand on its own.
Happy Reading!
Thanks for visiting Maple Run again. I pray you enjoy Luke and Delaney's story. You'll see some characters from Book one, but this book can stand on its own.
Happy Reading!
chautona's review
5.0
Finding Love did not disappoint. This book surprised me because I really thought it would be even better than the first, but I had no idea how much! And that fact? THAT is what delighted me.
What I liked:
First off, the characterization in this book—delightful. Delaney Jones and Luke Robinson are neither too perfect or excessively flawed. In fact, Ms. Shiloh did a fabulous job of creating people with personal demons that affect their lives but she didn’t make them overblown and obnoxious. Each character in this book is realistic and engaging—appealing in unique ways that prevent a cookie-cutter feel.
I also loved the writing. All of the issues I complained about in book one—gone. The writing balanced description and dialogue perfectly. And not once did I feel like it rushed or dragged.
What I didn’t like:
Well, I’m sure there’s something… Right? Oh, I know. Since I’m a confessed non-romantic, the mushy bits weren’t my cuppa, but come on. It’s a romance! It’s gonna be mushy. And at least there was none of that sticking your head in the freezer thing. Thank you, Ms. Shiloh!
What made me laugh:
Well, the antics of Delaney’s children. You can tell that Ms. Shiloh has boy or two of her own. She’d have to in order to write such realistic and adorable kids.
Ma Williams. I loved her in the first book and she kept me chuckling in this one, too. Odd that a character I hated at first (loved to hate, really) became one I just loved period! I'm so glad I requested a review copy. It was not a mistake. I gave the first book 4 stars, but this one was a full five-star book.
What made me cry:
Well, I'm not a crier, but if I was, I suspect I would have cried for Luke Robinson. Carrying that burden around had to be difficult—heartbreaking, even. I would have cried for Delaney and having to deal with all of it. Not to mention her family. They went through it all once. And sometimes healing requires reopening wounds to get them properly cleaned.
Then there was the maple bacon cheesecake. Now, I know many people adore that kind of thing, but I couldn’t help but wince. I tend to be an um… purist, if you will. Don’t adulterate my bacon with anything sweet. Hee hee. But, I suspect that those who adore this stuff will, if you give them half a chance, beg for the recipe.
And do I recommend Finding Love?
Absolutely. Finding Love has depth and richness that make for a great read. Perfect for lovers of romance and Southern cooking, this book is also fabulous for suckers for a great Army guy and for books including fun, realistic children. If you love faith woven through your fiction naturally, you’ll love this book.
What I liked:
First off, the characterization in this book—delightful. Delaney Jones and Luke Robinson are neither too perfect or excessively flawed. In fact, Ms. Shiloh did a fabulous job of creating people with personal demons that affect their lives but she didn’t make them overblown and obnoxious. Each character in this book is realistic and engaging—appealing in unique ways that prevent a cookie-cutter feel.
I also loved the writing. All of the issues I complained about in book one—gone. The writing balanced description and dialogue perfectly. And not once did I feel like it rushed or dragged.
What I didn’t like:
Well, I’m sure there’s something… Right? Oh, I know. Since I’m a confessed non-romantic, the mushy bits weren’t my cuppa, but come on. It’s a romance! It’s gonna be mushy. And at least there was none of that sticking your head in the freezer thing. Thank you, Ms. Shiloh!
What made me laugh:
Well, the antics of Delaney’s children. You can tell that Ms. Shiloh has boy or two of her own. She’d have to in order to write such realistic and adorable kids.
Ma Williams. I loved her in the first book and she kept me chuckling in this one, too. Odd that a character I hated at first (loved to hate, really) became one I just loved period! I'm so glad I requested a review copy. It was not a mistake. I gave the first book 4 stars, but this one was a full five-star book.
What made me cry:
Well, I'm not a crier, but if I was, I suspect I would have cried for Luke Robinson. Carrying that burden around had to be difficult—heartbreaking, even. I would have cried for Delaney and having to deal with all of it. Not to mention her family. They went through it all once. And sometimes healing requires reopening wounds to get them properly cleaned.
Then there was the maple bacon cheesecake. Now, I know many people adore that kind of thing, but I couldn’t help but wince. I tend to be an um… purist, if you will. Don’t adulterate my bacon with anything sweet. Hee hee. But, I suspect that those who adore this stuff will, if you give them half a chance, beg for the recipe.
And do I recommend Finding Love?
Absolutely. Finding Love has depth and richness that make for a great read. Perfect for lovers of romance and Southern cooking, this book is also fabulous for suckers for a great Army guy and for books including fun, realistic children. If you love faith woven through your fiction naturally, you’ll love this book.
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