Second Choice

Belikarian Weddings #2

by Ginger Solomon

Set to be married in less than a month, Princess Anaya Vallis’s groom disappears, leaving only a cryptic note behind. Her father insists the wedding go forth as planned with a new groom. She has days to make a second choice. Titus Vasco is like a ship without a rudder, floating through life without purpose. Until she calls. He accepts her proposal without hesitation, knowing he’d waited for this moment. But wedded bliss does not come easily. Two virtual strangers brought together by unforeseen circumstances must learn to trust each other and God’s plan for their lives in order to achieve the happily-ever-after they both long for.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2018

About the author

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). When she's not homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, she writes or reads romance of any genre. She’s president of her local writing group and writes regularly for two blogs.

Reviews

[Judith McNees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I'm not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, and this was that...over and over. It got to the point where I wanted to yell at them the way other characters in the story were. They had it pointed out to them several times, yet it took forever for each of them to "get it."

Despite the frustrating trope, there was enough action that kept the story moving along. Their miscommunications each lasted a short time, so it wasn't as though they spent huge chunks of time not speaking, which saved the novel for me.

I actually adored Titus, and I felt a little vindicated for him when he finally called Anaya out for the way she treated him. Yes, they both had legitimate issues, but he really bent over backwards from the time they became engaged, and she still persisted on punishing him over and over for the mistakes of others.

I also give him a lot of credit for what he tried to do with his vow. I think he was right in spirit, even if he was wrong in execution. If he would have told Anaya about it, perhaps it would have worked for both of them. As it was, it ended up being another failure to communicate in a horrible line of miscommunications.

It bugged me that we never got a motive for one of the individuals responsible for the attacks and a flimsy one for a second. It felt like a loose end, so I didn't get the tidy wrap-up I would have liked.

That being said, I am enjoying this series, and will definitely continue with book 3. Book 2 was clean with no swearing and lots of Christian content. The romance was chaste, and for me, the scenes weren't quite as intense as in book 1.

I also liked that we got to see characters from book 1 again, yet you wouldn't have needed to read book 1 I order to fully understand their roles in book 2. I like sagas where I see the same characters throughout. I feel like I get to know them better.

Overall, I recommend this to those who enjoy Christian romance and royal romances.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part romance. Part mystery with the story's castle setting. Hidden tunnels and fearing for one's life makes this second Belikarian Wedding Romance a page turner. "Marriage is a give and take, but you must be willing to do a lot of giving before getting the honor of accepting things in return. It's not a fifty-fifty deal. You give a hundred percent, and he gives a hundred percent. Nothing else will make your marriage work." That is why even though the characters are royal, the characters are relatable; because of touching on topics every couple faces. Well done Ginger Solomon.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anaya is told to choose from the remaining few people she’d considered the year before after her intended groom skips out on her, a month before the wedding. She chooses Titus, and though he readily agrees, she still has a lot of insecurities to work through. Threats on the family’s lives make for much tension amid trying to get to know each other as well as trust each other. Wonderful story that holds your attention from beginning to end. Can’t wait to read the conclusion to this series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

This is a great story. The prince's must choose a husband & spent several months getting to know choice #1, who also impregnated a servant & left.
This series was more enjoyable by reading all three books, beginning with #3, together. They include mystery in each one.

[Tina Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginger Solomon is making a romance reader out of me. This is the third book I've read by this author, and by far it's my favorite. The characters have depth and portray real struggles with trust, loyalty, faith, fear, and family dynamics.

In a world that is hesitant to make commitments, Ms. Solomon makes it her foundation and then unfolds the story around her characters working through the issues that seek to keep them from living out those promises made.

The action and mystery made this the kind of book that was very hard to put down. I wanted to be sure the princess and groom-to-be were okay and the "bad guys" caught.

The faith of the Royal Family informed their choices and interactions throughout the book, and also had a positive impact on Titus. His journey to faith, the questions he asks, and the resources he turns to for answers are a valuable example.

Oh, and there's passion in this story--all within the God-designed parameters.

One of the things that was of particular interest to me was the culture influences on the story. It felt like the author had done her homework and stayed true to realistic mores.

Second Choice is the sequel to One Choice, and while some of the characters carry over, the story can clearly stand on it's own.

I received a e-copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I stayed up very late last night because I couldn't put it down. There is suspense, mystery, fun, broken relationships, good relationships and more. Second choices and second guesses. Misunderstandings and love. This is a wonderful book.