Finally Accepted (Freedom Lake #3)

 

Title: Finally Accepted (Freedom Lake #3)

Author: Toni Shiloh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: August 17, 2018

About the Book:

There’s only one thing Chloe Smith has ever wanted: family. Yet the DNA results she’s received have thrown her life into a tailspin. Her utmost desire has ended up being the catalyst for shaking her faith. She doesn’t even know who she is anymore, and she’s certainly too messed up for her longtime crush to give her more than a second glance.

Darryl Jones is struggling between his past and the grace God so freely offers. His sins feel too big for him to handle, let alone expect the woman of his dreams to accept. Chloe is the only woman he’s ever wanted and the one he doesn’t deserve.

As they form a tentative relationship and examine their faith, Chloe and Darryl ache to know they are finally accepted and fully loved.

About the Author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian contemporary romance author. 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) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

My Review:

Identity is such a complex concept. There are innumerable puzzle pieces that somehow fit together to make up who we believe we are. When vital pieces go missing or are suddenly transformed in ways we no longer see fit, it can be devastating. Having someone close by your side who will walk you through those changes though? Priceless.

I think this is a book that different readers could have very different take-aways from. When Chloe learns that she is biracial, she deals with some identity-shattering emotions. I can’t understand this myself, but I appreciate the opportunity to get a glimpse of how it might feel. Three of my siblings-in-law are biracial. They were all adopted as babies and raised in a Caucasian home. Unlike Chloe’s character, they were aware from the time they were young. One of my sisters-in-law has shared some similar emotions to what Chloe expresses in the beginning of this story so I was very quickly sucked in hoping to understand more. It’s why this element to the story is stuck in my mind the most.

My favorite character in this book was Jamie, Chloe’s biological half sister. She adds just the right amount of spunk wherever she goes. She doesn’t care what the color of Chloe’s skin is but instead is simply excited over having another sister to add to the family. Not only is she Chloe’s encourager, but also her protector. She speaks up for her and refuses to allow others to look down on her or treat her disrespectfully. She’s the type of sister everyone wishes they had (if they don’t already of course).

This was the third book in the Freedom Lake series but it’s the first one I read. I felt that it was easily read as a stand-alone. I felt that the characters were well developed and realistic. The vulnerability they expressed was a lesson in empathy. I definitely plan to read more from the author in the future!

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

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