It’s that time of year. Springtime! It’s a time when love is in the air and wedding season seems to take off. Perfect time for this sweet duo of novella’s from two awesome authors, Toni Shiloh and Melissa Wardwell. I was introduced to them both last year and haven’t looked back!
Make sure to click here to preorder your copy!
About the Book
Book: A Spring of Weddings: A Contemporary Spring Weddings Collection
Authors: Toni Shiloh & Melissa Wardwell,
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: March 30, 2017
A Proxy Wedding
Carly James values loyalty and friendship above all, so when her best friend calls asking her to be a proxy bride, she says, ‘yes.’ How hard can it be to say ‘I do’ so that her best friend can be with the one she loves? Only, Carly never counted on the feelings that began to swirl around with the proxy groom.
Damien Nichols likes life lined up from A to Z, but when his best friend calls in a favor, disorder begins to reign. Instead of taking a quick flight to the proxy wedding, he must take a road trip with the proxy bride. Carly’s free-spirit attitude bumps heads with his meticulous approach to life. As Damien discovers the woman underneath the carefree façade, his emotions become involved.
Will love become real at A Proxy Wedding?
Hope Beyond Savannah
Lily Allman and Nikotemo (Nik) Lagatuo were the poster children for the term “opposites attract.” He was an evangelist and CEO for a non-profit from Samoa who grew up in a large loving family. She was a blond bombshell with a funky style and no family to call her own. Two of the most unlikely people meet in the most unlikely of places, but God had a plan when He brought them together. They never let their differences deter them from the love they had for each other, but when Nik’s mother comes to the States for the wedding, the idea of wedded bliss is shaken. Can prejudices be over looked, insecurities overcome, and hope for a better future be restored so that these two can have all that was promised?
My Perspective
These two stories couldn’t be any sweeter! I loved them both equally, no need to choose a favorite. The overall theme in both was love conquers all. Not just our love for each other, but God’s love as well. Both of these authors do a fantastic job in showcasing God’s love and message in their stories which is why they are such a delight to read!
Let’s start with A Proxy Wedding. First of all, I have never even heard about this so it was an interesting read! Is this real? That’s what I was thinking the entire time I was reading. It sounds so weird, but such a fantastic way for these two people who could not be more opposite to come together. But I loved the way the author brought them together, and forged this unheard of relationship. Rather than their differences being a hindrance, they proved that sometimes differences can really be complimentary.
In Hope Beyond Savannah I was immediately drawn to the heritage of Nik. But the highlight of the story was when his tina (mother) came to town. I chuckled pretty much every time she was in a scene. She’s like that mother-in-law that every bride dreads and I felt so bad for Lily. But I think the author did a fantastic job in writing Nik’s reaction to every scene. It was the exact opposite of what I thought it might be (based on previous stories I have read with situations like this), and I found that extremely refreshing. Also, hats off to the author for the research in Nik’s dual heritage. It was a delight to read!
I received a complimentary copy of his book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Authors
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
Melissa Wardwell was born and raised in a small mid-Michigan community living there still with her Husband and three children. She enjoys taking pictures, reading, and leisurely rides with her husband on their motorcycle. All her stories revolve around women who are mothers. Single mothers, widowed mothers, young mothers, married mothers, and even women who have a mother’s heart but no children of her own.
Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life.
Guest posts from Toni & Melissa
A Proxy Wedding
By Toni Shiloh
Spring is here! I love it because I always think of new beginnings as the flowers bud and then bloom. The trials and tribulation of the winter season are no longer on my mind. My hope that the winter season would not linger begins to become visible as new life takes shape on the bare trees. The seeds I planted in faith of God’s faithfulness sprout up in hope and promise.
When I sat down to write A Proxy Wedding, I had to imagine spring time, because the dreary, overcast skies outside my window were a constant reminder that I was in a season of sickness. One person would get sick, then the next, and the next. By the time the last person got sick, the round would start over. Visits to the doctor were made. Miserable kids were constantly whining in their discomfort.
It. Was. Rough.
It made perfect sense for me to throw my characters into a new situation. One that would make the stretch, take them out their comfort zone, and search for God’s goodness. I wanted to give them a hint of goodness and throw in a trial or two so they could make the decision that sometimes, risk is worth it. Just as we all react differently to new situations, so did my characters.
Carly was intent on making lemonade from her lemons. She tries to get the handsome broker, Damien, to see the importance of smelling roses and lingering over new adventures. Of course, Damien wasn’t partial to the frivolity. He’s so intent on becoming a success that he had no time to slow down.
In order for them to see God’s handiwork in their lives, I had to remind them that they were not products of their past. That in God, they’re a new creation with new opportunities available to them.
I hope you enjoy A Proxy Wedding. May you think of the Father’s love as you take time to stop and smell the roses.
Hope Beyond Savannah
By Melissa Wardwell
I hope you enjoy this story of love, acceptance and new beginnings. It was a joy to write because there is much more to it than the hope of marriage. It is about the blending of two families who are from two completely different cultures. Researching the island traditions, beliefs, and customs was not only fun, but enlightening. Being able to return to my background in bridal as well as the most beautiful city in the United States was just an added bonus.
With Nik and his family being from another country, I gave you a glossary of words and phrases used so you knew what was being said. I found the language to be rather beautiful and to not include it would take away from who these people are. I also give a small explanation as to what Rock-a- billy is. Lily is a funky chick who dresses in a fun and exciting way. When I saw this couple in my head, I knew it would be quite the uncommon match. As you will soon see, they fit together quite nicely.
My point in using a bi-racial couple for this story was based on what we have been seeing in the news lately. It is unlike anything I have ever done but after talking to friends in similar relationships, I knew I had to step out on this limb. I think it is time we begin to look at people through the eyes of God and not man, then we would see how beautiful we all are. It doesn’t matter what color our skin is or what our past contains, we are all God’s creation and we are beautifully and wonderfully made.
Blog Stops
April 25: Blossoms and Blessings
April 25: Lighthouse Academy
April 26: A Baker’s Perspective
April 26: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
April 27: Blogging With Carol
April 27: Avid Reader Book Reviews
April 28: Moments Dipped in Ink
April 28: Mary Hake
April 29: Reading Is My SuperPower
April 29: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
April 30: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
April 30: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
May 1: Quiet Quilter
May 1: Kristin N. Spencer
May 2: Kat’s Corner Books
May 2: Karen Sue Hadley
May 3: Books. Books. And More Books.
May 3: History, Mystery & Faith
May 4: Jeanette’s Thoughts
May 4: A Greater Yes
May 5: Carpe Diem
May 5: Christian Bookaholic
May 6: These Splendid Sentences
May 6: Just Jo’Anne
May 7: God is Love
May 7: Ashley’s Bookshelf
May 8: Autism mom
May 8: Caffeinated Reads
May 9: Bibliophile Reviews
Giveaway
To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a Kindle! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b614
Thank you so much for the awesome review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Can’t wait for the next one!! Wink wink
These sound like fun books to read!
Happy Reading!
Yes they are!
Can’t wait to read these!
Thanks, Anne!
Really enjoyed the description of the book and I’m looking forward to reading the book.
Thanks, Dianne!
You’ll love it!
Hi ladies, you are both new to me, looking forward to following you
Thanks, Dina!
Great review and interesting books. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone.
Best of luck!
Good luck!!
Thank you for the wonderful review!