Y’all, I’m so excited to talk about my upcoming release today! The Trouble With Love is the first book in my new series: Faith & Fortune. I’me doing something a little different with this series bringing the heroines’ pov only and writing in first person point of view (I, me, my, etc).
So far my early readers have given me great feedback and I can’t wait for it to launch into the world. I’m sharing an excerpt from the first chapter. I hope you enjoy!
Excerpt:
Chapter One
I strolled down the path through Central Park and exhaled. My tour was over and I was now free to be me, Holiday Brown, lover of all things Manhattan and self-proclaimed foodie. Not that I necessarily placed labels on myself. I spent the majority of my life trying to shed the ones the world affixed to me. Rick Brown’s daughter. Platinum-selling pop singer. Heiress to the Brown fortune.
But here on the streets of Manhattan, I was just another dot from a bird’s eye view. One of the throng, heading to a destination only I knew.
As if I actually had a clue. I was living one day at a time, filling it with music and friendship. Life was more than I expected but lacking in ways I couldn’t seem to pinpoint.
My best friends and roommates would say I was burned out. They’d be right. My music career had already gone on longer than most artists dared hope for. My fuse had lit at an early age thanks to my dad’s ambition. He swears up and down I came out of the womb singing. No nonsense babbling for Rick Brown’s child. He’d groomed me, hiring a vocal coach before I’d even entered formal education. He also taught me how to play the guitar and piano, delegating lessons to professionals whenever he left to tour the world for his own career.
At seventeen, I landed my first record deal—without my father’s help, despite what the press believed. Honestly, my last name probably did help in that arena, but I worked my tail off to prove I was more than just Rick Brown’s daughter.
Still, every time my name was printed in the press, Dad’s was always attached. I couldn’t shake him or the expectations that came with his legacy, and I was so very tired of it all.
I shook my head, tilting my chin and letting my hair fall away from my face. Now wasn’t the time to sink into the exhaustion that threatened to drown me. A stroll through Central Park would clear my head and hopefully, by the time I made it back to my Upper East Side townhouse, give some direction.
The summer humidity cast a sheen of perspiration across my brown skin, making my arms glow beneath my tank top. The urge to stop in the middle of the walkway, fling my arms out wide, and swing around in a circle tempted me for a startling moment. Of course, I’d totally look like a tourist or the opening credits for a rom com set in New York. I snorted and continued walking.
About the Book
I, Holiday Brown, have it all. A platinum record. Multi-million dollar home in Manhattan that I share with my two best friends. Life is looking fantastic until my roommate’s brother decides to bunk in our guestroom while his house gets renovated.
W. Emmett Bell has always been the bane of my existence. He’s annoying, stubborn, a know it all, and just might be the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. But I refuse to fall for him. Then his sister’s threatened by a stalker and dynamics change. His unwavering faith isn’t quite as self-righteous as I’d always thought, and maybe he has a good side I’ve overlooked all these years.
Or maybe it’s all too much trouble.
The Trouble With Love is the first book in the Christian Chick Lit series: Faith & Fortune.
Preorder eBook on Amazon and add to Goodreads shelf.
Giveaway:
I’m giving one lucky commentator a chance to win an eBook (ARC) copy of The Trouble With Love. For a chance to win, leave a blog post comment telling me your favorite song. Comment by May 14th, 2pm EDT, and I’ll pick a random winner.
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. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
Sounds like a fabulous book, congratulations on the release. My favourite song is River Deep, Mountain High, the music is amazing and Inspires me. Thanks :)
I love inspirational music!
I love any country song.
Yes! Country music is awesome! Who’s your favorite artist?
I was just looking at this series last night and thinking I’d like to give it a try. :) I love so many songs and it’s hard to pick a favorite. My favorite hymn is How Great Thou Art, my favorite Christian song is Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin, and my favorite country song (I think) is This Kiss by Faith Hill.
Ellie, me and you will get along just fine. I love those songs!
Congrats on your upcoming release!! How exciting!!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your upcoming release. Blessings
Thank you, Lucy!
Seasons in the Sun. Thank you kindly
I haven’t heard of that one. I’ll have to look it up. :)
Oh, your book sounds great!! Just a tease to give us this peek!! I have soooo many favorites, just like books! Lol! One that’s been a favorite since childhood is Charley Pride’s Kiss An Angel Good Morning.
So glad you enjoyed the peek! Thanks for sharing your favorite song!
Just Be Held by Casting Crowns is one of my favorites. I love the words of this song. I play it when I have to go to the doctors office for scans and results.
Yes! That song is so good. Gives me chills every time.
Just pre-ordered your book! I’m excited to read it. It sounds like your protagonist and I have the exhaustion thing in common. 😉
Thank you so much for preordering it!
Lately my favorite song has been Rend Collective’s Your Name Is Power. Their new album has so many good songs on it, especially for this time we are in. Thank you for sharing your excerpt and for the chance to win. It sounds like a great book!
I’ll check it out. Don’t think I’ve heard that one yet.
It’s very hard to pick just one song: I love Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, a lot of country songs, like Kiss an Angel Good Morning by Charlie Pride. How Great Thou Art. To name a few. Congratulations on your new release.
Thank you, Kathy!
A nice, engaging excerpt. As for a favorite song, I have enjoyed so much music over the years that I was surprised by what popped into my head: “In the First Light” from Glad’s Acapella Christmas album. The arrangement is so stirring. I highly recommend it.
Thanks! I’ll look it up.
U2’s 40. It’s related to Psalm 40.
Oh. Good choice!
Oh How He Loves by David Crowder Band
Love that one!
Hey Toni,
There are too many wonderful songs and bands out there to choose just one!
One lately that speaks to me is – Jamie Kimmett – Prize Worth Fighting For.
If you’ve never heard it you should!
This might be a good one to listen to while you’re writing the other books! ;)
Take care sweet lady!
BTW – Don’t put my name in the contest!
I’ll look that one up. Thanks!