Choose Me

by Xenia Ruiz

Told in alternating voices, the debut novel Choose Me is the tumultuous story of a Latina woman and an African American man whose search for true romance takes a detour through the perfect love of God. Eva has no desire for romance. She's a self-reliant, celibate Christian who, despite a truly bad marriage, has successfully raised two college-aged sons. Adam wouldn't mind being in love, but women seem to be too much trouble-they just have too many expectations.

As a recent cancer survivor, he just wants time to heal, write his books and poetry, and work on his spirituality. But when Eva and Adam unexpectedly meet, their attraction to each other is immediate and undeniable. Struggling with their doubts and seemingly insurmountable pain, they will start to let down their guard-and share a love that only God would understand.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance

384 pages, Hardcover

First published June 20, 2005

Reviews

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the original Christian romance books from Walk Worthy Press. This story is about a Hispanic woman and an African American male and is told alternating between the two of their voices. The story will make you think, especially about what not to do when a Christian is dating, and you will also cry at some parts.

[Denise Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reminds me of the book “ not easily broken” Book about Spanish woman and African American man struggling with celibacy for different reasons. Although I’m a person of color the way they discussed racial issues was lackluster

[Bee H Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little long-winded. I had a hard time reading it at first and almost put it on my “do not finish” list, but then it picked up and I started to love it. The ending seemed too subtle though.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]This is a romance novel with a twist, The main woman--Eva--has made a vow to be celebate. Her best friend Simone and sister Maya tease her about her lack of romance, but she is serious and seemingly not going to budge. Until she meets Adam, a "brother" who she finds attractive despite his dreads. They meet at a party and start hanging out together. Eva makes it very clear up front that she is committed to God and her celibacy, and Adam, despite being himself an abstainer for over a year, is frustrated by her stand. He himself grew up in the church and even "got saved" but God is not a part of his life right now, despite his having survived a bout with testicular cancer.[return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]Ruiz paints very vivid characters, Eva's cultural mix of Afro-Latina is experienced through music, language, food, and other sensual depictions, as is the African-American culture of Adam and the other characters. The point of view shifts back and forth from Eva to Adam which works well. The romantic plotline is somewhat typical--a couple attracted to each other but having to struggle through various obstables before their relationship can work out. The tragic circumstances Ruiz puts in play at the end seem overdone, but other than that the story is enjoyable. The characters are not "Sunday school" perfect either, they are fallen, imperfect, and very real which gives depth and honesty to their spiritual struggles. The conversion scene stood out as not being overdone either--sometimes things are best left unsaid, and Ruiz knows when to stop and let the reader's imagination take over.[return][return]How Good is it?[return]Very enjoyable for the depiction of culture, vivid characters, and a strong spiritual message.

[Single & Sound · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reading it...was a bit weak at first, but now getting into it. The book is from the romatic fiction genre written from a Christian woman's perspective; it charts the eventual coming together of two unlikely, yet very likely individuals - Adam and Eva (Eve), nonetheless. A bit cheesy and patronising in places, and tries too hard to be eloquent, but a good light read nonetheless.
Ok - now I've finished reading it and I actually really enjoyed it. The previously annoying writing style that stuck out like hunch back at a beauty contest, actually became less annoying the more I read - in fact, by time i got to about the 5th chapter, it became a natural party of teh rhyhm and tempo of the book. What's more, the characters were not only believable, but quite admirable. My only disappointment was that there were times between chapters where it felt as though a chunk of the story was missing. All in all, a recommended read.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally not what I expected when I brought this book, the title caught my eye so I purchased it. What an awesome book, it make me laugh, shake my head and towards the end had me boohooing! Please note that this book has a Christian theme to it but you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy this book and the story that is being told. Ms Ruiz is an awesome writer, I hope she writes more books.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Tysamone · Rating 5 out of 5]

i haven't read this book in years, but i remember *really* enjoying the characters. it'll be interesting 4me 2reread this book w/ new eyes. i'll try2 do that this year (2013).

[Chiquedee]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Excellent plotline, believable characters and a great message. Must read!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read if you believe in soul mates

[Renee Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed reading this book. I wonder why there is not a sequel.