As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse racing world. Raised on a thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper’s dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.
In an effort to win Piper’s heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper’s horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner’s circle–and each other.
Award-winning author Toni Shiloh makes a run for the roses with this heartwarming novel that reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories are found within our own hearts.
My Review:
“Let go of your plans and let God order your steps.”
First off, let me start out by saying how much I appreciate the strong faith elements Toni Shiloh includes in her novels. Artfully woven into every nuance of story, inspiration is as much a character as, well, the characters. Powerful and yet never heavy-handed or overbearing. And it brings such depth and heart and hope to the story! Nurtures my soul and lifts my spirit even as I’m entertained…and sometimes it even goes beyond that, speaking truths into my life that I need at the exact right moment. Inspirational words from an inspired author. This is why I crave Christian Fiction!
And then there’s the romance. Eeeepppppp!!!! Make sure your fainting couch is clear so you have a soft landing for all the swooning because Tuck is….happy sigh…pretty near perfect in all his imperfectness. 🙂 Love the way the ‘friends to more’ trope plays out. Tantalizingly delectable from the get go, building to mildly frustrating when neither Piper or Tucker is willing to make the first move. And then, just when I thought I couldn’t stand it another second…zap! Fireworks ignite and the romance starts to sizzle.
These two are so good together! And I love the pacing. There’s enough conflict to keep things interesting without any forced drama to keep them apart. And so many rich layers to both the characters and the plot! Shiloh touches on some significant issues with grace and compassion while opening a path for some great discussions if a book club or reading buddies feel so inclined.
I’m not a huge horse racing fan (show jumping is more my thing) but I’ll admit to being captivated by the intriguing insights into the racing world. Definitely added to the compelling nature of the plot and provided more than a few edge-of-your-seat scenes that kept me riveted.
Oh — and there’s a sweet, subtle nod to the author’s Oloro Ile novels which was all kinds of fun!
I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Dioni Michelle Collins. She gave an incredible performance, bringing these characters and story to life which enriched my ‘reading’ pleasure that much more.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.
US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice
Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of one of the A Run at Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 18 2024.
Kav's Best Reads 
Always excited when Toni comes out with a new book. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom
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She’s the best!!!! Good luck, Kim!
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LOVE this author’s books! She has such a fabulous way of telling a fabulous story while weaving it perfectly with a thread of faith. Can’t wait to read Piper or Tucker’s story!
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of “A Run at Love”.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Yes!!!! Love the faith content so much! And her storytelling is sweet perfection. Good luck, Kay!
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I loved her Prince series! This one looks good. Thanks for reviewing it. SandyAvery at comcast dot net
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This is such a fantastic book! Good luck, Sandy!
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Hi Kav, your review is so tantalizing, I’m sure I would enjoy this book. I’ve liked all the books I’ve read by this author. Thanks for offering a chance to win A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh. I hope you are having a good day!
Blessings, Kay
may_dayzee AT yahoo DOT com
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Glad I could pique your interest with my review. It’s an amazing book. Good luck, Kay!
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Don’t enter me (I’ve got a copy!), but I just wanted to say that I agree with you, that I also really appreciated the lack of forced drama keeping the couple apart😊
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Toni is so good at creating a riveting romance without staging drama for the sake of keeping the hero and heroine apart. I think most readers appreciate that. Happy Reading, Elly!
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Fabulous review, Kav!! I loved the first book and can’t wait to read this one!! cilydav at hotmail dot com
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Thanks, Cindy! Good luck!
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I really enjoy Toni Shiloh’s books and have A Run at Love on my “want to read” list. I’m also entranced with race horses. Thanks for the giveaway chance.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
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This is the perfect book for you, Pam! Good luck!
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I started reading Toni Shiloh’s novels with in Search of a Prince which I didn’t think was my style. I went along with the hype and dug in….oh my she can write a fabulous story! I have to agree with Kav that the spiritual thread is very natural and the conflicts are believable. I’ve since read a couple more of her novels and am never disappointed. I need to read more of her Lewis family series, too. Highly recommended!
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I still have a few books from her backlist to catch up on and at least one of the Lewis family is on that list. So glad you gave In Search of a Prince a try, Perrianne. Now there’s no going back! 🙂 Are you in the draw for this book? If so, good luck!
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I would love to be in the draw! Sorry about the rambling of why I like Toni Shiloh’s work.
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One can never ramble too much about a fave author! 🙂 Good luck, Perrianne!
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I just realized, I don’t think I’ve read a book by Toni yet….though I’m sure I have a few on my bookshelf. Must remedy that!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Really?! Ooooh, Trixi, you have so many wonderful reads waiting for you! Good luck!
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