One of the main things we do here on InspyRomance is promote Contemporary Christian Romance. One way to do that is, of course, to review books we’ve read. And today is one of those days.
In a week where my timeline was filled with pics from Canada where Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, were visiting with their children, a romance set in a palace seems fitting!
Ginger is a dear friend of mine and my fantastic proofreader to boot. Usually, I get to read her stories before release, but the time to read this one came right as I had my eye surgery and so I didn’t have the chance.
As always, Ginger is a fantastic storyteller. She takes the characters we’ve come to know and love in One Choice and Second Choice and spins a wonderful new story.
Matthias is still the serious, over-protective head of security. He’s tasked with the safety of the royal family and all of those living and working under the palace roof.
Like Aileen. When her boss married Princess Anaya, she moved to the palace and began working in the kitchen. Despite innate talent, she finds herself on the outs with most of the kitchen staff.
When the two finally meet, sparks begin to fly both between them and when the part of the palace is burned. Together, they try to come to terms with what’s happened, with a madman on the loose, and the search for a spy and a traitor.
The answers will come, but it will test their faith – in God, in each other, and in their own judgment.
Ginger also deals with things like depression, loss of a parent, and feelings of being truly alone in this world. And she deals with them well.
As with most books we read, there are a couple things I would have liked to see or change, but they were minor at worst.
The biggest thing wrong with Love’s Choice? It was too short ;). But aren’t most good books?
This book brings the Belikarian Weddings series to a close, but I can’t wait to see what else Ginger has to offer. And I really hope there’s another country or two in her universe that has some royal family members in need of a little romance ;).
Overall rating? 8.5 out of 10 stars (and its notoriously hard to get more than 8 out of me in a blog review ;))
Have you read any of Ginger’s books? Today I’m giving away a one copy of the winner’s choice of books from the Belikarian Weddings series! Be sure to comment and let me know which book you’d like!
Aileen Najjar joins the royal household when her boss marries the princess. She loves working in the kitchen, but when the head cook allows her to prepare most of the meals, trouble finds her. The handsome head of security turns out to be her ally as she struggles to fit in.
Matthias Firat wants to find the mole who leaked information leading to the attempts on the princess’s life. His attraction to the new kitchen helper prompts him to ask for her help.
When she discovers the truth, it might very well break both their hearts.
When she's not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband and four kids in the big yard of their southwest Missouri home, teaching American Government at a community college, reading, or watching NCIS. She's a member of ACFW and RWA, President and founding member for the MozArks ACFW group, and a category coordinator for ACFW's First Impressions.
Hi Carol, I have read all three of the Belikarian books and enjoyed them all. It was great to read Matthias’ story. Bring on the next book Ginger!!
Right?! I’m hoping she has more royalty up her sleeves ;).
Hi Carol! I adored seeing the pictures of Prince George and Princes Charlotte visiting Canada with Prince Willian and Kate. The parents and children looked happy making family memories. Reading your Monteraro Monarchy series was delightful with its European setting. Thank you for sharing your review about Ginger Solomon’s Belikarian series, which unfortunately I have not had time to read. I was fascinated by her Broken Holidays romances. I understand why you would be her proofreader. You both enjoy castles and royalty. Best wishes and Happy Writing to all the Inspy Romance writers.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Ginger’s is more of a Christian near East I think vs European. Maybe SE Europe, but I’m not sure I ever clarified with her where it is…
I confess I’m not big into reading royal stories as they seem so disconnected from reality, but ..(1) I’ve read other books from Ginger Solomon that I like and I’ve been considering reading the Belkarian series for a while, and (2) this particular book featuring the staff seems a lot more interesting and probably a good place to start and meet the characters. Often meeting the characters makes me want to read their stories too. Thanks for sharing.
That makes perfect sense :). No book is for everyone!!!
Hi Carol, The photos of the little prince and princess were adorable, and too cute not to share, lol. Thanks for sharing Ginger’s latest book with us :)
And little Princess Charlotte looked so much like her great-grandmother in some of those pictures! So sweet!!!
Hi! This is the only one I have not read. I can hardly wait. ?
Praying for Ginger to recover quickly.
Much love,
Linda
It was so good!!! I hope you enjoy it when you have the chance!
I’ve yet to read the Belikarian series, but it sounds like one I would greatly enjoy! I always prefer to start a series at the beginning, so I’d go with the first book.
That was the first thing I’d read of Ginger’s and LOVED it! It was totally right up my alley ;). I hope you enjoy it too!
I have not read anything by Ginger Solomon but the Belikarian Weddings series sounds great. I would love to read Second Choice.
They’re all fantastic!!! It’s a great series to be introduced to Ginger’s books!
Thanks for sharing Ginger’s book, Carol. My prayers are with her.
I know she appreciates it!!!
I haven’t read the Belikarian series, but it sounds like a good one. Love the cover! Have a great week!
All of the covers are fantastic – but I especially love SECOND CHOICE!
I loved One Choice. Haven’t gotten to read Second Choice but it is definitely on my TBR list and now this one is too!
Oh they should be!!! They’re great!
I loved Carol Moncado’s royalty series. I’ve been meaning to read the Belikarian series. I would start with book one.
I suddenly have Maria Von Trapp in my head… “Let’s start at the very beginning… It’s a very good place to start…” ;)
Hi Carol,
Hope this week is a great week!
I don’t believe I’ve read any of Ginger’s books. I did read her blog post story that I really liked. I remember making sure I saved all the posts so I could read it. She’s a good writer.
She’s fantastic! I love her and her books! You will too I’m sure!
Because of you I fell for royal books.
Nice blog post.
Thanks, Linda!!
I have not yet read any of the books in this series, but they sound wonderful!! I just love royalty books!!! I think it’s that little girl in me that still likes to read the princess fairytales. Keep them coming!!?
I think a lot of us feel that way ;). I think it’s one reason I write them :D!!
Sounds like a great series!
Oh it is!!!
I love reading “royal” stories. I haven’t read one of Ginger’s book before but I hope to have a few of hers in my “about” to read list.
Oh they should be! I fell in love with them very quickly!!!
I enjoyed seeing all the photos of the royal visit to BC last week, too. Love’s Choice is on my Kindle! Sadly (?) so are many other books!
Isn’t that always the way it is?! Too many books, so little time!!!
If I should win, you pick. I haven’t read any of them.
tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the shout out, Carol.
I haven’t read any of Ginger’s books, but One Choice has been on my “To Read” list for a while…..
Have not read any of Ginger’s books in the Belkarian series. I think I would love to read Loves Choice.