Lovina Stoltzfus was a caged bird who wanted to be set free. Her life wasn’t bad, but it was filled with restrictions and rules that were to be followed or faced being shunned. When she built the confidence to open the door to that cage and spread her wings, she had no idea where it would take her. Would her leap of faith lead her to her center of happiness and peace, or would she find herself willingly returning to her cage and locking the door herself?
Dr. Erygon Carson is the walking definition of an oxymoron in the best way. His past built him to be King tough, and his life’s path built him to be respected. Love was something he was willing to put on his plate, but he would have to make room for it. When the new girl comes to the city, will she spark an interest in him like none other, or will her difference be too much of a bridge for him to cross?
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.
Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016. Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death. In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents. Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.
In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.
Alright now Mel! It was so interesting learning about Amish culture. Especially how it affected a black woman. Lovina no doubt loved her family, but as she grew and became more curious about the world around her, she was shunned. One is not to question teachings or stray outside of the lines in their community. However, Lovina knew that there was so much more for her life than what she had experienced.
Befriending Beyuna was a Godsend, as she helped her "escape" if you will, allowing her to see and experience how the other half lives. It was adorable seeing the world through Lovina's eyes at her big age. Everything was fresh, new, exciting, yet scary, but she wanted it all.
Dr. Erygon Carson was a damn good doctor. Although rough around the edges and often underestimated by his peers got their feelings hurt. 🤣 Meeting Lovina was eye opening, as she slowed him down, and became his calm. He wanted to protect her, teach her, and allow her to transform her life at her own pace, while he quickly fell. Cute read. 👍🏿👍🏿
I can now add reading an Amish romance to my book resume, sort of. This was definitely an interesting read. Lovina is a 30-year-old woman in an Amish community, and she's been feeling isolated and lonely, not just because she's the only Black person but also because the trappings of her community are starting to chafe. Lovina longs to explore new things and be herself, but being herself goes against everything she's been raised to be. I would have loved for this book to really explore a little more about Lovina and the community she grew up in. To really explore what life was like for her and why she felt so different besides the obvious. And while Mel Dau's writing sucks you in from the very beginning, the romance between Erygon and Lovina seemed rushed. Again, this story could have benefited from being longer, giving time to really show Lovina's transition to the outside world and her struggles to be comfortable and also giving the relationship time to develop.
I have never heard of a black Amish woman. But clearly they do exist lol. This story was so cute about self-discovery and relearning parent taught behaviors for the better. Lovina was adopted into a white Amish family in Pennsylvania, but she always knew that she did not fit in to their community. Taking a scary leap of faith she trusted her friend to help her escape. Arriving in Charleston, South Carolina was a culture shock, but God bless her to be included into a beautiful family that showed her so much love and grace! The first time that Erygon saw her it was over. For him it was love at first sight. This is such a beautiful and cute story!
Free to Love You by Mel Dau turned out to be one of those quiet reads that sneaks up on you. At first, I truly wasn’t sure where the story was headed but I’m glad I stayed with it because the message landed heavy in the best way.
Lovina’s journey felt less like a romance at the start and more like a spiritual awakening. Watching her step out of a life dictated by rules, fear and other people’s interpretations of God was powerful. She wasn’t running from faith she was running toward understanding it for herself. That distinction mattered. Her freedom didn’t come from rebellion; it came from courage and self trust.
Erygon was an unexpected balance. Strong, grounded and secure in who he was, yet open enough to make space for love without trying to control it. He didn’t cage Lovina or try to reshape her he allowed her to be. Sometimes, that kind of love is the safest place to land.
What stayed with me most was the takeaway: knowing God for yourself is essential. When you allow others to lead your life, your faith and your choices without discernment, you risk missing the very blessings meant for you. This story gently but firmly reminds you that freedom, love and faith can coexist and that peace often lives on the other side of fear. This book wasn’t what I expected, but it was exactly what I needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
One thing about Mel, she is gonna teach us something... Err'time! Had me Googling black Amish people and random other facts.
This was a cute story that really shows how religion sets rules but understanding of the most high sets free- I loved seeing Love being set free and I love that Mama B took her in and loved on her so properly. Hope proved just who I thought she was though- SMH. I enjoyed learning about these characters and it was something totally different than most Urban Fictional Romance, I really appreciate Mel's craft because she never shies away from creating her own lanes in that way.
The one thing that I wish she has given us more of, which kept this from being a 5 Star for me- was more backstory of now Love came to be with those peach people and what Hope's reaction was when she saw what was in the bag that held the beginning of Love's HEA. Overall though, I love an educated reformed street dude though so Erie had me from the start, even with his geechie speaking.
Free to Love You by Mel Dau is such a beautiful reminder that finding yourself doesn’t mean losing who you are. Lovina’s journey really stood out to me because she remained modest, grounded, and true to her values while still learning how to choose herself and open her heart. Her growth wasn’t loud or rebellious it was quiet, intentional, and honestly refreshing. She didn’t change to be loved; she learned she was already worthy of it.
What I loved most about Lovina is that her self-discovery didn’t come from becoming someone new, but from finally allowing herself to feel, want, and accept love without guilt. She learns that modesty and softness don’t equal weakness, and that loving deeply doesn’t mean abandoning boundaries. That balance? Beautifully done.
And don’t get me wrong this book will still have you in your feelings. The love builds slowly, the emotional tension is real, and when Lovina finally allows herself happiness, it feels earned. Free to Love You proves you can be gentle, reserved, and still fall deeply in love without losing yourself. Soft girls, modest girls, healing girls—this one is for us 😌✨
What can I say about a Mel Dau’s book besides she can truly tell a story and has not written one that I haven’t fallen in love with!!
This book opened my eyes to a whole new culture in this world and made me want to learn more about them. Lovina was a young lady that wanted to be free to live the life God was showing her and once she got the strength to step out on faith and walk into that life, everything changed for the better.
When Erygon met Lovina, it was love at first sight but he took his time going after her to learn more about this woman that his mom and daughter loved and accepted into their family. And once she opened up to him and allowed him to court her the rest was history.
Of course I was excited that my best friend Mega made a brief appearance in this book, because I can’t get enough of my crazy best friend!!! If you have not already read this book, it definitely needs to be on your TBR!!
Lovina had been adopted at birth by an Amish family. Now 30yrs old and still unwed, she was considered the black sheep of the family. Working at the family bakery she became friends with Beyuna who kept her connected to the outside world. After her brother caught her reading her tablet in the middle of the night, she was shunned from the family. Lovina ended up leaving and staying with Beyuna’s aunt Beauvia who also owned a bakery. She rented her top apartment to Lovina and let her work at the bakery. When Dr. Erygon Carson stopped by his mother’s bakery, his daughter Ayriss made him aware of Lovina. He fell for her innocence instantly, which made his baby moma Hope a little jealous and she did something foul. Erygon spent time with Love and knew she was the one. They married and had baby boy EJ.
Erygon has a career as an anesthesiologist. Lovina comes from an Amish background, but she knew that wasn't the life for her. Erygon and Lovina first meet when her bestie, who is Erygon's cousin, helps her to escape that world. It was insta-love on Erygon's part, and he didn't let up until she became his. I enjoyed the way that Erygon's family welcomed in Lovina and gave her the love and acceptance she needed. I loved the relationship that formed between Erygon's daughter and Lovina. I couldn't stand Erygon's ex, Hope, with her conniving self. I was glad when Erygon put her in her place. Mel Dau has given us another great book that I highly recommend!!
I didn’t quite know what to expect with this book, but Mel Dau has always delivered1 I definitely wasn’t expecting an Amish FMC. Lovina’s struggle to feel at home in her community was definitely understandable with her being so much different than everyone in her family. Really appreciate that she had someone to turn to when she wanted to live life on her own terms.
I really like Erygon. He was the master of a code switch. He had his doctor personal when he needed it and that street persona when he needed it. But don’t get it twisted, that second one will pop out at any minute. Whether it’s shady coworkers, sneaky baby mamas, or getting his father in law in check.
This was yet another amazing quick read by this author. I loved how Lovina got the courage to step out on her win and experience life outside of her community and didn’t back down on her convictions even when they conflicted with how she was told she should behave. I loved how Erygon went at her pace when courting her and made sure she was comfortable with all their interactions and when things went further, he made sure it was her decision from her own free will. I also loved the support and friendship Lovina got from Beyuna and Ms. Beauvia. They didn’t try to change her but encouraged her transformation when she was ready.
Mel Dau, as always you gave us some great reading material. I love how Lovina had her own questions on why should she just go along to get along. I love how Doc was such the man. Lovina went through life's changes and came out on top. The village that was built around her was so beautiful. Its funny for some church folk I don't care who they follow the judgement is real especially if you question anything. I love Erie he really showed what it ment to be a father, son and husband. I.would like to see how Rachel will end up. Great read!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Lovina did her big one when she followed her heart and left the community. The fact that she still went to church and had a true relationship with God showed that she understood her faith. Meeting Beyuna and finding true friend was good for her. Erygon knew from the first sight of his Love that she would be his forever. Her culture or beliefs didn't matter. It was her selfless nature towards everyone. She loved his entire family, especially hid daughter. Hope learned the hard way. Rachel didn't allow culture to keep her away from her sister. Family was family! Awesome read!
You can NEVER go wrong with a Mel Dau book and loved this story so much!!!…What happens with a person with such a restricted upbringing fight to see what God’s message truly is to them!!!… I love the story of Lovina and her friendship with an unlikely a woman from a different world and the trust she had for her!!!… To escape and then learn to adapt to a different environment was amazing to watch!!!… Lovina and Erie was such a cute couple and I love how genuinely connected he was to her!!!…He did not push to change her, but encouraged her to explore!!!…
Lovina was adopted into a white Amish family as a baby. At thirty, she was unwed and still lived at home with her parents. Not fully convinced on the teachings of the Amish, she seeks her own relationship with God. The struggle with staying with her family and wanting to be set free, leads her states away from home. Her new life allows her to work and provide for herself using the skills she’s learned from her family. Erygon shows interest and places claim to Lovina. He properly courts her. Lovina is already fully integrated in Erygon’s family and his daughter adores her.
Lovina leaves her Amish community in search of herself. She realizes that she needed more than the community offered or allowed. Her best friend got her a job with her aunt and this is where she meets Erygon who is a single father and a doctor. She learns to adapt to her new community and accept the freedom she never had. She is expanding her education and also making true friends. She and Erygon begin dating which leads to much more.
This was a book about doing what best for you despite the odds and the opposition. It’s about personal growth and finding love. I loved it.
Mel's pen is outstanding. I love how she showed a Godly woman wanted more and willing to step out on faith. Trusting God to guide you even when you know others want to keep you in one place. Love and Eruygon were a great couple. Love knew she needed and wanted more even after talking to God. I was glad she found a friend that was there for her. Eruygon knew that she was the one for him. The characters gave women and men the faith that when you trust God, he will give you just what you need. I am thankful this story.
I love a insta-love opposites attract trope…this was a sweet story of finding self and belonging being raised a certain way doesn’t mean it’s for you especially when your options are limited to none…Lovina felt different & looked different from her Amish peers so she needed too find her way outside of the Amish bubble now Erygon was judge based on His appearance in his field as an anesthesiologist but he demanded respect but he also saw Lovina as his person ….
I’ve never read a romance novel like this one. It was so refreshing. Lovina was sweet, humble, and eager to discover life outside of her cage and to find out who she was. Erygon, or Dr. Carson, has been enjoying the fruits of his labor. Since opposites attract, they were the perfect match. I enjoyed seeing how Lovina began to transform and how Erygon’s attraction to Lovina aided in her growth and self development. This was a wonderful story! I highly recommend reading it.
This story had a different spin, I love that this story was written differently.From the beginning of Lovina’s introduction,her adopted family(who are of a different ethnicity) her religion and departure from everything she knew. Enter Dr.Carson and his family,their protection and love. Religion has caused so much damage in people’s lives,change can be great as well as it can be devastating. Happy that Lovina and Eryon got their happy ending. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for no grammatical errors.
Mel Dau has been one of my favorites for years. This one was a little touch and go for me. First, I must say, the fmc was very well written. I loved that she made her own decisions based on her thoughts and feelings and no one else. I love that everyone rallied around her and allowed her to become who she wanted and respected her process. The MMC what was touch and go. The heavy racial tones he used at the top of the story was a bit much. However, the story was well written and kept a good pace.
Mel Dau didn’t disappoint at all with this one. It was different, it was funny as usual, and Lovina found her ability to live, love, and laugh freely with Dr. Carson. I admit, I just picked this book knowing nothing about it so initially I was a lil confused. I realized Lovina was an adopted, black Amish woman and then the train started rolling.🤦🏽♀️🤣🤣Happy Reading Y’all!💋
side note...if you've read, Mega, Croy, and the gang, them make a cameo and I loved it. Ruth and Lovs could be real friends.
Mel Dau never ceases to amaze me with her books ! Her creativity is unmatched when it comes to the characters she creates with each story . Lovina is not like any FMC I have ever read about and I definitely loved watching her story unfold. Mel manages to create a world with characters that feel like people I know . Fred to Love You is such a great story .
Love, love, love! Mel, you always make me smile whenever I read your books. I was a little worried when Mega started talking, but he kept it cute.
Amish black people...go figure. I am here for it though especially when they become who they are meant to be. Lovina leaving her community was for the best. And Beyuna being her girl, introducing her to her Aunt, was a godsend.
However, meeting Erygron was the icing on her cinnamon rolls. Just cute 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
It was refreshing to see a black woman with a different lifestyle then to want more without changing up too much from her morals. They were cute together and fit each other perfectly and he was very patient with her. His mom and cousin was a godsend for her in her transition. I would like to read more about her sister and her getting accustomed to the culture
This was such a cute and different novella for Mel. I absolutely loved Erie and Love. Without giving the story away, I can appreciate how she allowed Love’s character to develop the way Love wanted to and maintained her moral compass and values versus how most would have probably thought she would have changed her entire set of standards to fit the typical mold.
This was a great read! Sometimes stepping out on faith is what you have to do. When you know in your heart something is no longer serving you, you have to let it go! It can be hard and scary but it’ll be the best thing you can do! Lovina knew the life she was living wasn’t what she wanted for herself anymore so she did what she had to do to change it. In doing so she met Erygon and he showed her everything she was missing and more!