Carol Moncado

Witness as Shiloh’s new life in Virginia crumbles around her. The house she inherited from her mother is much more than a place to live—it represents Shiloh’s changed life and what little financial security she has. But her half sister is contesting their mother’s will and the IRS is threatening to take it for back taxes. She’s also discovering God’s ideal when it comes to love and romance. When Mr. Right shows up will she recognize God’s hand or let circumstances and prejudices blind her heart to the love of her life?

This is my first book by Ms. Spinola and the second book in the Southern Fried Sushi series.

It seems like many series these days are such that you don’t need to read book 1 to enjoy book 2, etc. A minor character or set of characters take the lead in the next book, and so on.

That isn’t the case with this series. I’d not read book 1 and I think that would have been crucial for my enjoyment of it. I felt a bit out of sorts as I read it, like trying to start a TV series in the middle of season 4.

I tried to sort it all out, but mostly I just accepted what Ms. Spinola said and just sort of went with it.

The characters were creative and lovable. I’m not quite sure how to write this without spoilers – for some reason, it’s escaping me this time. Shiloh’s new friends at her new home, including Adam, could have come off as caricatures but didn’t. Her friend from Japan was the same way.

I did enjoy the book, but felt I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read book 1. My TBR pile is insanely tall, but I will keep book 1 on my list of books I want to read when I have time, or when the mood strikes.

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10 [though it probably would have been more like 8.5 or 9 if I’d read book 1]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.