Love, Scribbles & Other Things

by Joan Embola

All Rebecca “Bex'' Ayuk wants to do is write the story God has placed in her heart. So when she is made redundant at her investment banking job, Bex seizes the opportunity to kickstart her writing career, much to the dismay of her traditional Cameroonian parents, who don’t believe writing is a lucrative job. As Bex sets off to prove her parents wrong, she realises the journey is more challenging than she thought. But when God sends help in the form of a handsome, outgoing stranger she meets at a coffee shop, her dream of finishing her book becomes more feasible.

After quitting his job as a doctor and pursuing a career as an author and creative entrepreneur, Jevaun Watson gets nothing but backlash from his father, who constantly chastises him for his faith in God. When Jevaun runs into Bex at a coffee shop after an altercation with his father leaves him ready to give up, she reminds him about his God-given purpose…and he just can’t stop thinking about her.

As Jevaun encourages the introverted Bex to come out of her shell, their evolving friendship helps them ride the bumpy waves to achieve their publishing dreams. But when inner demons resurface, not only is their friendship at stake, but the love growing between them. Can Bex and Jevaun trust the perfect story God has written for them, even if the journey comes with more hurdles than they’ve planned for?

Love, Scribbles & Other Things, a Christian opposites-attract romance, is book one in the Love & Other Things series, which follows three Cameroonian sisters living in London as they juggle their faith, love lives, and businesses.

Genres: Christian Romance, Romance, Christian Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Joan Embola is a UK-based Cameroonian-Nigerian Christian author who aims to share God's love one word at a time. She writes books about diverse characters whose hope-filled stories point to the sovereign love and goodness of God in our broken world. She is a qualified Physician Associate and also the founder of Love Qualified, a ministry dedicated to encouraging others to experience the sovereign love of the one true God who has qualified us to be His beloved ones. She is a passionate lover and teacher of God’s word, and she shares this passion on her YouTube channel, blog, and podcast. When she’s not writing or curled up with a book, you’ll find her watching movies, YouTube videos, or making memories with her family and friends.

You can connect with her at www.joanembola.co.uk and on instagram, YouTube, her blog, and her podcast. Join her newsletter to stay up to date with new releases and more book news.

Reviews

[♥Milica♥]

Aaaaa I can't wait for this <33

[Olha Rudnytska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, writer writes about writer who wrote a book😅😍such a sweet and intentional romance. But honestly this story was so much more❤️I love all the books of this author and honestly looking forward to read about others sisters❤️it was a slow read, but honestly with so many senses, I was going through stuff with characters. lovely Christian romance❤️

[Kristína Reľovská · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved every part, love the dual point of view💚
I cannot wait to hold it physically in my hands and reread it

[Temitope Adeniran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jevaun and Bex are such adorable characters. that didn't know they needed each other when they miraculously appeared in their lives. this book teaches trust in God through the process, learning to forgive and move past every hurt.
It opens our eyes to see that God's love is deeper than any guilt and any hurt we might ever face.
I really enjoyed this story and the best part was that I got to read two stories in one 👍..

[dearadanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start of this book, I kept pausing to take it in.......Bex involving God in literally everything (even the little things like replying to someone) had me reflecting on my own walk.

And Jevaun? Whew! Patient, prayerful, steady… the man deserves a “book boyfriend” badge, no arguments😅

At first, I honestly skipped over Bex’s story-in-a-story because I didn’t think it was needed as I just might not be able to keep up with two stories . But later, when I saw how it tied into her own journey, I was blown away. It ended up being one of the parts I loved most.

This was my first Joan Embola read, and it definitely won’t be my last. Beautiful, faith-filled, and heartfelt. Solid 5 stars from me.

[Tchemtchoua Dassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really know where to begin or how to even summarize my thoughts. I just finished reading the book for the second time and I fell in love with it all over again. It just felt like a warm hug from Abba.

I have the firm conviction that everyone has something to take home from this story. Whether you've been faced with the specific themes explored in the book or not, there's still a way you can identify with the characters and be blessed even beyond the topics being discussed.
I love how there was a big emphasis on healing, restoration and hope, because most times we can get so overwhelmed and fall into despair forgetting that Abba is always willing and available to make us whole.

I absolutely recommend the book and I pray that for each and every person reading the book, they'll have their personal with Christ and blessed as they read.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
The Message version
23-24 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!

[Tope Omotosho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? I’ve read all of Joan’s novels, and I have to say—this is probably my second favorite of hers, right after The One Who Loves Me.

This story was such a soothing read! It felt like curling up on the couch with a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a sweet love story playing in the background.

One thing I truly appreciated was how it touched on the struggles authors face while writing. Bex, working on her debut novel, finally had the time to write after being laid off, yet she still struggled with ideas. I love how she learned to trust God—not just with her life, but also with her writing.

As Christian authors, I believe that’s exactly what we’re called to do. If writing is truly a ministry, then we must seek God’s direction—not just write what we feel like or what we think readers want. Our greatest desire should be to please Him, and this book was such a sweet reminder of that.

Bex went through so much, and I’ll admit, some of the things she faced completely caught me off guard. But through it all, the grace of God shined through the pages—along with the importance of healing, forgiveness, and letting go of the weights that can crush your spirit.

And then there’s Jevaun. 😍 What an amazing man! I loved that he’s also a writer, and oh my goodness—the book he was working on? WOW. Joan, if you ever decide to dip into Christian fiction fantasy, please know I’ll be the first in line to read it!

What really stood out, though, was Jevaun’s relationship with his brother. His brother wasn’t a Christian, but Jevaun had such a beautiful way of sharing his faith—never preachy, never forced, just as natural as breathing. And the way he cared for Bex? His kindness, vulnerability, protectiveness—it all made him shine. Out of all Joan’s male leads, I think I’d pick him as the perfect book boyfriend.

This book was such a joy to read. If you’re looking for your next Christian romance, you need to pick this one up! Honestly, it’s as mouth-watering as the dishes Joan kept teasing us with throughout the story. Sis, maybe next time add the recipes too? 😂😂😂

Wonderful job, sis. ❤️❤️❤️

[Faeshone standifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and Faith-Filled!

This beautifully written Christian Romance book completely stole my heart. Books and coffee shops are my jam, so Bex and Javaun meeting in a coffee shop, all the feels! This love story is sweet and deeply rooted in faith. The sensitive topics in this story are written tastefully and respectful, and the timely bible verses throughout; they added so much depth and encouragement. This is a powerful, clean romance that inspires and uplifts. A great read; I highly recommend.

[Victoria Odeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a Joan Embola fan since forever and she didn't disappoint on this one. Pointing her readers to Jesus and having them blushing🤭... Definitely a 5🌟

[Adella Idemetuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is such a beautiful, emotional, and authentic story of God's love and power to heal. Comfort zones!! This book really taught me that healing is not only hard but also scary and daring. Looking at Bex's life, you'd feel she had it all together, graduated from uni, living with an amazing family, working a job. She passed the hallmarks of success, but sometimes God would bring out the very things we think He "saved" us from, since we learned to push them away so we can face them and be freed from them. My first time reading writing inside writing, sorry if I messed this writing technique's name up, but it was just perfect. Joan is such a gifted writer, one who always points her readers back to her source of inspiration, which is God. Jevon, the man you are, you see Rhoda's swooning, that was me the entire read. I love how patient he was with Bex, oh, to be loved like that!! But my favorite scene of all is Vanessa's mom praying for her; every word she said was powerful, such intentionality!!!. I want to be that kind of mother. For those who don't know who Vanessa is, read the book and find out. Congratulations Mrs. Joan for writing yet another book which instructs, teaches, encourages and edifies and to anyone out there who suffers from assault be it sexual mental or physical know this and I quote from another favorite part of the book "the depth of your pain doesn't matter to Jesus his love for us goes deeper than our deepest hearts so it doesn't matter how broken we are he's more than capable of loving us back together again".

[Gloria Elemide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Embola ‘s book always uplifts me, God has really helped her to be consistent with writing amazing books.

LSOT feels like a warm hug, it was a journey I had to take with different emotions. It feels like God was literally speaking to me through each pages. From someone who finds it easy to help but had to trust God over and over to learn how to receive help from both God and man, LSOT feels so relatable.

LSOT is interesting, inspiring and educative, it shows what goes behind the scenes of writing a book. It was like I was reading a two in one book🥰🥰🥰. Both Vanessa’s and Bex’s .

The storyline was super interesting, i don’t think have ever read a love story between two writers. The storyline feels like a fresh breath of air.

I love how Jevaun evolves from the beginning of the book to the end. His patience needs to be studied, he is giving GREEN MANSION😍😍. I don’t read Christian fantasy but somehow Joan Embola has sold it to me through Jevaun. I love Jevaun’s relationship with his brother, he was really gentle with him. Before I met Tre in the book, I actually thought Tre was a small boy o🤣🤣🤣. It’s so good to see a sweet brother to brother relationship.

Yayyy, I love Bex realationship with her sisters and I also love how she allowed God lead her through seasons that was suppose to overwhelm her🥰. She really went through a lot and I couldn’t help but cry for her at some point.

LSOT is a story of love, hope, forgiveness, letting go and healing.

[Beloved Dorcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the ARC of Love, Scribbles & Other Things by Joan Embola,a book about a writer and wow, I didn’t expect to love it this much.

The author didn’t just tell the story of a Christian writer, she showed it. And not just one writer, but two C'mon.
The layers, the struggles, the faith it was all so beautifully done.

And one thing that stood out for me in the book was the way the story Bex (the FMC) was writing got woven into the main plot. It felt so good to read.

Now to the Characters;

I love Bex so much. Her relationship with God, her openness to His leading, the way she loved her family and even her relationship with Neha despite their differences, it really shows how wonderful a person she is.

Jevaun taught me something powerful: the strength of persistent prayer; the way he prayed for his family was so inspiring.His patience with Bex during her healing journey was beautiful to read.

And then there’s Rachael & Rhoda; my power girls. Their personalities are so different, yet they complement each other perfectly.

If you’re into stories that blend faith, creativity, and real-life struggles with grace and heart; this one’s a must-read.

[Naz Nyamuame · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Joan's other books so was very excited when she selected me to recieve an ARC. Overall, the book was lovely with great themes and lessons. I truly believe it will accomplish the purpose for which she wrote it and look forward to many testimonies of healing and faith. I did feel like it was a bit slow at the beginning and I didn't finish it as quickly as I had expected. However, I did enjoy it (especially the latter part). I love romance and this was a beautiful love story that was written well. I also liked the supporting characters and how they related with the main ones. Even the ones I didn't really like, I appreciated their characters 😂 Really liked the London, Cameroon, investment banking and author aspects as well but I preferred the Sovereign Love Series (haven't read book 1 so I'm referring to 2-4). The 2 Epilogues was also a great idea that I hope we can get more of from other authors.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian romance fiction and anyone struggling with self worth, convictions or relationships.

Lastly, thank you Joan for taking us into your Cameroonian background, I loved learning about the culture!

[Elynoreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are books that find you at just the right time, and this was one of them. I'd had it on my to-read list for a few months, and a few weeks ago I finally decided to read it. How can I even begin to describe how it was like a balm to my heart? I saw myself in the main character, who is also an author, and seeing how the Lord worked within her to bring this story He gave her to life was like an encouragement to the writer I aspire to be.

Also being immersed in the camerounian culture, the food, the expressions just made me feel like I was home for moment.

The love story is well written. I have smiled so much while reading both Jevaun and Bex point of view.

The sensitive topics were handle perfectly.

Reading a book within a book was the icing on the cake ✨️.

I highly recommend this little gem.

[Joan Embola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author of this book, so of course, I'm going to be biased with my review.

I first had the idea for this book back in 2021 so it has been a long time coming and I'm so glad you finally get to read Bex and Jevaun's story. The key lesson I hope you will take from this book is that there is no pain God’s love can’t heal. It doesn’t matter what our past is and how broken we are. God is always able to love us back together again. Also, if you have been stagnant and afraid to take that leap of faith with God, I hope this story encourages you to embrace the new thing God is about to do in your life.

Thank you so much for giving this book a chance.
Happy Reading

[Rianna Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Scribbles and Other Things is a sweet, lighthearted read with fun moments and a warm, youthful vibe. I enjoyed the creativity in the story and the way the characters expressed themselves — it felt playful, expressive, and full of personality.

Some parts were a bit much for my taste, but overall it made me smile, and the message behind the story was genuinely lovely.

A cute, feel-good read that’s perfect if you’re looking for something wholesome and relatable with a touch of charm. 💗✨

[Book Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Scribbles & Other Things is a heartfelt and inspiring Christian romance about faith, purpose, and trusting God’s timing. Bex and Jevaun’s journey felt authentic, emotionally grounded, and relatable—especially the tension between personal calling and family expectations. The slow-burn romance, supportive friendship, and strong faith elements made this a warm, encouraging read. A lovely start to the series.

[IyanuOluwa Olorode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review has been pending for a while because I wasn't sure exactly how to condense all my thoughts into words.

First off, there are very few times I come across a book that sort of mirrors my life. LSOT is one of those books. I could relate to LSOT in a lot of ways. Like Bex, I lost my job and would probably never have finished both my books if that hadn't happened. Like Jevaun, I had to deal with someone I loved looking down on my writing and my faith.

It felt like the author had a chilling insight into my 2024😂😂.

Anyway, before I digress, Love, Scribbles & Other Things (LSOT) is more than just a book with characters I can relate to. It's a sweet romance set against the backdrop of a very heavy topic and a topic dear to my heart—sexual assault. The statistics in the author's note were frightening, but I love how LSOT brings to fore a message that needs to be proclaimed, even more than its statistics or prevention tips—that healing is possible with Jesus. Not to give spoilers, I loved how LSOT showed the impact of family support, the importance of therapy, and the power of prayer.

The story, of course, does not take place in a vacuum. It's rich in Jamaican and Cameroonian culture representation that made me realise just how little I know about my country's neighbour (and left me itching to try Cameroonian food), healthy sibling relationships, lessons on parenting, siblinghood, and even forgiveness.

I highly recommend LSOT to:

- All writers in the first draft/querying trenches

- People struggling to heal from SA

- Christians with atheist family members

- Friends/family to someone who was sexually assaulted

- People struggling to forgive

[Praise Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Scribbles and Other Things is exactly the kind of Christian romance that makes my heart full.😍 It’s tender, verrrryyyy relatable, a reminder that love can be healing and deeply purposeful.
Rebecca “Bex” Ayuk is the kind of heroine I immediately rooted for. An introvert with a heart full of stories and a voice waiting to be heard, her struggles with family expectations felt so real. I loved how her writing dream wasn’t just a subplot, it was tied into her faith journey, her identity, and the push-and-pull of stepping into God’s calling when everything (and everyone) around you screams otherwise.
And then there’s Jevaun. Whew. An outgoing, big-hearted doctor-turned-creative who just happens to collide with Bex at the exact moment he’s ready to give up? Their coffee shop meeting was one of my favorite parts. Joan Embola wrote his character with such depth—his battle with his father’s disapproval and his longing to live authentically in God’s purpose added richness to his journey.
The opposites-attract dynamic between Bex and Jevaun was so well done. Their banter had me smiling, their encouragement for one another was heartwarming, and the way their friendship slowly blossomed into something more? Absolutely beautiful. I especially appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from the challenges of following your dreams or the inner battles that come with healing and growth.
At its core, this book is about trusting the Author of our lives, even when the plot doesn’t go the way we planned. The romance is sweet and wholesome, the faith element is strong yet natural, and the cultural nuances (especially Bex’s Cameroonian background and Jevaun's Jamaican one) made it even more layered.
If you love Christian romance with depth, laughter, and two characters you can’t help but root for, Love Scribbles and Other Things will be a delight. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Love and Other Things series brings!

[Tiffany Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC!