A couple of years ago, I created a fictional country for the setting of my book In Search of a Prince. I never imagined how much I would come to love Ọlọrọ Ilé and the people there. When I wrote my book, To Win a Prince, I was happy to return to the country and the people. If you haven’t read my first book set there, you may not understand why it’s so great (of course, I’m biased). So let me help you out a little.
- Ọlọrọ Ilé is home to Ọlọrans. They are of African ancestry and were colonized by the French. There culture is rich and vibrant and I modeled them primarily off of the Yoruban tribe of Nigeria, with a few differences here and there.
- What could be better than a tropical island off in the Gulf of Guinea? Or an African setting? There’s food to enjoy, languages to learn, and tropics to take away the cold and help you imagine being in the perfect setting.
- Iris is a fashion aficionado so believe me, there is fashion in the novel. In In Search of a Prince we got to see her skills helping Princess Brielle Adebayo dress for prominent occasions. Now we get to see Iris run her own company and put on a fashion show.
- I’m going to toot my own horn and say that Ọlọrọ Ilé has great heroes. Some of them are princely in nature or royal by blood. Through their own journeys, they’ll find out what noble character truly is.
- Reader reaction. I know that might seem like a weird thing to point out, but reader reactions have made me love Ọlọrọ Ilé even more. It’s like those who have been understand it’s goodness and can’t wait to go back for more. That in turn makes me practically giddy when I get the opportunity to set a story in the location. Maybe I’ll be back in the future, until then be sure to enjoy In Search of a Prince and To Win a Prince.
I could explain more reasons why I love my fictional country. For now, I’ll corral myself. To Win a Prince releases tomorrow and I’m so excited for the book to land in the hands of readers. I’m hoping those who loved In Search of a Prince will return to Ọlọrọ Ilé with me. I’m also hoping those who haven’t yet dipped their toes in the warm waters of this African island, will venture there for a visit and fall in love as well.
I’m giving one lucky commenter a chance to win a paperback copy of To Win a Prince (US mailing address only) and a paper doll of Iris (comes with three outfits). For a chance to win, tell me your favorite thing about Ọlọrọ Ilé. If you’ve never been, tell me what you think you’d enjoy the most. Comment by 9/16/22 at 11:59 PDT for a chance to win.
Lori R says
I think I would enjoy the people and their unique culture. I have to check out your first book too!
Toni Shiloh says
Culture is definitely one of my fave things to experience in a new place!
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
I want to go there and experience the culture. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations!
Toni Shiloh says
Thank you so much!
Kendra Muonio says
Never been it would be a experience.
Toni Shiloh says
Agreed!
Trudy says
Oh, I haven’t read my copy of In Search of a Prince yet, but I’m really looking forward to it!! Seeing a new country and tasting it’s food would be exciting! And, getting to know it’s people!!
Toni Shiloh says
I love experiencing new foods!
Lori Smanski says
welcome today. this is very intersting. thanks for sharing where you got your inspiration from. this sounds like a wonderful culture to become immersed in. I enjoy trying new to me foods, and I love color and dance
Toni Shiloh says
Oh dancing sounds fun!
Paula Shreckhise says
I loved both books and could see myself visiting for an awesome vacation! The tropical setting calls to me. I want to see Iris’s fashions and of course the palace! And Ekun’s jewelry.
Toni Shiloh says
Yes! I want to see the fashion as well. :)
Kerri Norrod says
I think I would enjoy the beauty and culture of the tropical setting.
Toni Shiloh says
Same!
bn100 says
fashion
Toni Shiloh says
Definitely!
Jcp says
Tropical inland setting
Toni Shiloh says
Yes!
Courtney Lyman says
The beaches and food are always a draw on vacation.
Toni Shiloh says
I’d definitely park myself on the beach.
Priscila Perales says
For me, I think it’d be the food, the vistas, and learning their history as well as how the French influenced their culture.
Toni Shiloh says
History is always an intersting aspect imo.
RuthieH says
I’ve not read your books yet, but creating a while country sounds amazing, your attention to detail with it is awesome!
I’m always interested in culture and history of new countries so I think that’s what I’d like best, I can’t wait to read one of your books and ‘visit’! 😉
Toni Shiloh says
Thank you!
Alicia Haney says
Hi, I would love to learn all about this country , I would love to meet the people , their music and what they do and eat and all sorts of things, it sounds like a great little country. :) I love your book cover and your book sounds like a Great read!! Thank you for the chance. Have a great week and stay safe.
Toni Shiloh says
Music of a country is always fun to discover!
Thanks!
Elizabeth Litton says
I’m eagerly awaiting my coming copy of To Win a Prince (so don’t enter me in the giveaway). I loved meeting Iris in Brielle’s story. :D
Toni Shiloh says
She has definitely been one of my favorite heroines. :)
Kathy Blair says
I think what I would like most and to be able to see the outfits Iris made.
Toni Shiloh says
Same!
Bonnie Heringer says
I have not read your books yet, but I think I would love the setting of the story. It will be interesting to meet the characters, too. As a side note, when I was a little girl I loved paper dolls. They were my absolute favorite. I would create new outfits for them. ❤😊
Toni Shiloh says
I think the paper dolls are so fun!
Natalya Lakhno says
Rich and vibrant culture sounds wonderful!
Toni Shiloh says
Hooray!
Debra Pruss says
I never have been. I would say I enjoy learning about royal life. Is it that much different than the life that those who do not come from royal birth experience. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Toni Shiloh says
Blessings to you too!
Cindi Knowles says
I would enjoy meeting the people and learning from them.
Toni Shiloh says
Same!
Pam K. says
I think the food sounded very good. I’m so happy Iris is getting her own book! I really liked her and think everyone needs a friend like Iris. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of To Win a Prince.
Toni Shiloh says
Yes! Everyone does need a friend like her.
Ausjenny says
Hi Toni, I love this book even more than the first book. I think I would love the colourful fabrics and clothes. Also the different architecture and the scenery. I imagine it would have a bit of a tropical island feel like Hawaii with the mountains and the beaches and lots of other things in between without out the volcanos.
Toni Shiloh says
I’m so glad you did. Iris’s story definitely holds a special place in my heart.
Jessica B. says
I haven’t visited yet but the location sounds magical. It sounds like you had a lot of fun creating your country for these books.
Toni Shiloh says
I sure did!
Angeline says
I loved reading about Ọlọrọ Ilé. The people were so fun and the culture sounds amazing!
TONI SHILOH says
Thank you!
Melynda says
I pretty much never pre-order books and rarely buy them unless they’re on sale since I have kindle unlimited, but I pre-ordered this book because I enjoyed the first one so much.
TONI SHILOH says
Wow! I really appreciate that, Melynda!
Abigail Harris says
I haven’t been (YET) but I can’t wait to “visit” Ọlọrọ Ilé
TONI SHILOH says
Hope you enjoy!
Megan says
Please don’t enter me in the drawing as I already have a copy, but I have to say I really did enjoy this book. Getting to see how Iris’s story turned out and revisiting the characters and setting was really fun.
TONI SHILOH says
I’m so glad!
Aminata Coote says
I love the colors! I pictured Ọlọrọ Ilé as this vibrant colorful places with lots of exotic smells and enticing sounds.