With These Shoes I Thee Wed But The Shoes Don't Fit

Marriage Romance #1

by Tope Omotosho

Approaching the milestone of her 30th birthday, Toke eagerly anticipates the chance to bid farewell to the solo journey.When a marriage proposal came her way in the past, she chose to channel her focus into the one thing that truly mattered---her career as a fashion designer. Now, with the clock ticking, she immerses herself in the dating scene, with friends and family enthusiastically taking on the roles of matchmakers. Amidst the pressures, Toke's pursuit of love transforms into a roller-coaster of amusing encounters and moments of self-reflection, presenting her with some tricky choices. From handling garlic breath to navigating poor dentition and height flaws, Toke encounters an unexpected a connection with her best friend's younger brother. Caught between the crossroads of love and friendship, she grapples with emotions and societal expectations. "With These Shoes I Thee Wed, But The Shoes Don't Fit!" unfolds as a heartwarming tale filled with introspection. This story prompts readers to ponder the delicate balance between waiting for God's choice when it comes to relationships and making our own decisions. Quirky, fun, humorous, deeply spiritual, some cringe-worthy moments and unforgettable characters! Sola Macaulay, Author of The Hand You Hold.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2020

About the author

Tope Omotosho is passionate about impacting the world through timeless wisdom and knowledge found in her thought-provoking stories and writing that applies to all ages. Her stories and articles cut across love, relationship and romance in a way that does not deny the relevance of God in our everyday life.
She is a devoted Christian passionate about bringing people to the knowledge of God’s true and unfailing love.

Reviews

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://stephaniesninthsuitcase.com/2...

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Tope Omotosho
Publisher: Leverage Publishing
On-Sale Now
Synopsis: Book one of Omotosho’s Marriage series follows multiple different characters in their searches for romance. Along the way, they learn that it is essential to seek God, rather than marriage, trusting in His choice for their partners.
Scriptural Connection

Omotosho opens the novel with an important verse from Song of Solomon:

Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem,

by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer:

Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up,

until the time is ripe—and you’re ready.

Song of Solomon 3:5

What I Liked

The book’s cover is lovely, from the wedding dress / shoes to the font selection
The characters were intriguing. I really enjoyed the way Omotosho weaved together several distinctive narratives. It was also fun to learn how the lives of the main characters (Toke, Dayo and Jadesola, Mayowa and Jumoke) intersected with each other. I especially liked reading about Toke’s career as a fashion designer, and her relationships with her best friends.
The writing, like the storylines, was engaging. Omotosho is the second Nigerian author I’ve read and she infuses Nigerian words and phrases, throughout the text. While I interpreted the language with context clues, I also discovered that she included a glossary of terms, at the end of the book. As such, this can be a fun cultural-learning tool.
The shoe analogy runs throughout the book, creating a clear and central thesis.
Important Themes

The central theme of the novel is that it is important to trust God with our dreams for marriage, following His calling when it comes to finding a romantic partner. I believe this is a very important message for people who are currently dating. It has been several years since I last dated, but I think that this book, like the Princess Cut movie, would have impacted me during that time period.

With that said, as someone who is not dating, there is a lot of emphasis on finding a romantic partner. Both Toke and Jadesola experience feelings of inadequacy because they are not married. While both characters learn to trust God with finding a romantic partner, there is the underlying assumption that each will indeed get married.

For readers who are called to marriage, I think that this book is an excellent read! For readers who are called to singleness or are taking a break from dating, I would caution that marriage is very important in this book.

Beneath the umbrella of trusting God, Omotosho also emphasizes that the most important quality in a mate is someone who loves God, and that God is the One choosing our mate. She also discusses the importance of being the right “shoe,” that is, being the sort of prospective spouse that God wants us to be.

Discussion of Purity

While the emphasis on marriage was a bit strong for me, I do appreciate that purity is emphasized, as is sexuality in the exclusive content of marriage. At the same time, there is also a brief mention of “being a virgin for God,” implying that it is possible to reclaim our purity.

I think this is an important point, as well, because God truly is the God of second chances. I recognize that the purity movement often does not address this idea and places enormous weight on physical purity as something that is “lost,” once and for all. In reality, physical purity is not an exception to God’s redemptive power. So, I do appreciate that Omotosho addresses this argument.

Content Consideration

Sex is less of a “taboo” word in the novel, which includes references to (off-page) sex, as well as a few casual mentions to sex, in conversation. With that said, there is nothing graphic. (In fact, the “main” romance doesn’t even include kissing.)

There are also references to infidelity, and to STDs.

Without getting into the details, due to spoilers, there was one scene (where God speaks to a character) that I felt uncertain about, because of what was being attributed to God.

Recommendation

In terms of audience, I would recommend this book to adults, because of the nature content. Among adults, I would specifically the novel to Christians who are dating, as it strongly emphasizes the importance of seeking God first in romantic relationships.

Overall, this was a very fun read, with an important message for dating singles. This is a great topic to consider, for those who are involved in, or considering, a romantic relationship. I think I would have benefited from this book, while dating, and it even includes discussion questions.

[Ochegba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely an unexpected but wonderful story so real. I was able to connect with the characters. I understood Toke, her desire to be in a relationship, wanting the best for herself and not settling for anything less than God's best, I understood her fear in getting into a relationship with someone much younger but I love how she trusted God even through her stubbornness. I was so happy it all worked out for her.
I also enjoyed Jadesola's story and I was glad she was finally able to let go and trust that God had a better plan for her.
Like with all her previous stories, I love how the truth of who Christ is, and trusting him because his will is the best thing for us was made evident.
This is definitely my new favourite book by Tope Omotosho. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

[quiltingbeautyandbooks ~ Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a Launch Team participant and was given an E-book to read and review. I loved the book, so I purchased a paperback copy of it as well.



Another good book from Tope!

Again, Tope was not afraid to tackle today’s issues and deal with them realistically. I loved that about her and her stories. The only Fiction is the characters, because I know every one of this characters in real life.

I laughed, got mad, screamed and shed a tear.
It’s easy to do when you are a romantic at heart and believe in love. Choosing your help-meet is something you should never take for granted or lightly. Marriage should be entered into with forever and death due us part in mind.

Toke is a fashion-designer who wants the man that God reveals to her and not planning to settle for anything or anyone less.

Chiemerie is Toke’s other best friends who just happens to be happily married and expecting a child. She wants her friend to find happiness and love, because she deserves it.

Ibidun is Toke’s other BFF. Engaged and then married. Agrees with Chiemerie and wants Toke to find happiness and love.

Love does not have limits and restrictions, but Toke has her standards.

She is learning to love herself and position herself for the man that God has for her.

Get ready to be fed words of God’s wisdom for every step of your life whether you are single, dating or married.

[Joan Embola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this story. Most of the characters were relatable. loved the authors writing style and a few lines made me smile. I loved that the story highlights the struggles, highs, and lows when it comes to dating and relationships. It has some great lessons in there when it comes to relationships and marriage. I can’t wait to read the sequel. 🤗

You can read the full review of this book on my blog here:https://lovequalified.blogspot.com/20...

[AFRICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 30 and unmarried, society won’t let you breathe. The whispers, the questions, and the pressure from family, especially from your mom on her 31st wedding anniversary, can feel overwhelming.

Toke understands this too well. At 21, she had a proposal but chose her career instead. Now, at 29, she wonders if marriage will ever happen for her.

Jadesola, on the other hand, is desperate to settle down. She stays in a toxic relationship, ignores the warning signs, and even lies about being pregnant, hoping things will work out until reality hits hard.

But Toke’s story ends differently. She surrenders to God’s plan and finds love with Mayowa, the man meant for her, even though he is younger.

This book teaches valuable lessons:

1. Trust God’s timing, not society’s pressure.

2. Be grateful for what you have.

3. Do not rush into marriage out of fear of being single.

4. Red flags are warnings, do not ignore them.

5. God's plan does not follow society’s timeline.

Tope Omotosho delivers a masterpiece, one that speaks to the heart of every woman who has ever questioned if love will find her.

May you find the right shoe that fits. Amen.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay


I was so embarrassed for Toke with her mother’s speech, just out right wrong!
Chiemere telling Toke that she need to consider what some guy did not like about her, was BS and horrible advice. When you love and marry someone you love them in the midst of their short comings. You don’t force something that is not there so you can be horrified everytime you wake up next to that person or just settle just to get married .
This particular story did not hold my interest as much as I would like, but I suggest you give it a shot.

[Favouredjewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Loved every bit of it. The characters are so relatable. Definitely worth the time.

[Kemi Avong]

This is a must read and one of the dearest Tope series to my heart.

The author outlines salient issues in the lives of successful career men and women, providing answers through the lives of each character. Like every Tope read, its not only great entertainment but it causes you to take a look within and make changes where needful

[Royalsissi_love_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review in progress

[Geozla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author. It was very refreshing her narrative. I liked her characters and the way the story develops. Definitely will read more of her books.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several single ladies fearing that the opportunity to marry is distressingly delayed or has missed them by altogether. We are allowed ringside seats into their fears and efforts to be mated.They have issues to reflect on. Love may find them after all, but it will require some soul searching for the ladies.

[Moyosore Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as a pair of shoes must fit the contours of one’s feet, a life partner must fit the crevices of one’s soul, anything less only leads to blisters we learn to hide or worse, never heal from. This, I learnt from With these shoes I thee wed; but the shoes don’t fit.

During my NYSC, I remember how, on every corp member’s birthday at NCCF, we would sing “When will you marry?” to the tune of the popular Happy birthday song. That memory immediately came to mind while reading this book.
It’s weird how society often assumes that marriage is the next step after achieving milestones like graduating or starting a job, and how turning 30 has been labeled a “danger zone” for single women.
Through Toke, Tope Omotosho beautifully portrays this dreaded milestone. Despite her success and achievements as a fashion designer, there’s a palpable sense that something is missing, a longing to find someone she can call hers. I loved how this issue was explored through the analogy of shoes: Just as some shoes look perfect on the shelf but hurt the moment you walk in them, relationships we chase for the wrong reasons often wound us. And just as the perfect pair fits comfortably, the right partner aligns with our purpose effortlessly. The author uses this metaphor to remind us that when we try to pick our “shoes” without God’s guidance, we end up with blisters, but when God is the designer, the fit is custom-made and can never be a case of ‘what you ordered vs what you got.’

Mayowa stands out as the quintessential Godly man. He is wise, patient, and insightful. He embodies what it means for a
man to love with purpose and so much conviction. The side characters also bring their own flavor to the story, especially Jadesola. Her story was initially frustrating but it eventually served as a mirror for many who compromise too much out of fear of ending up alone. I honestly can’t wait to see how her journey unfolds in the next book.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t enjoy the multiple points of view as much. It took me a while to adjust to the different perspectives, and there were moments I felt a little lost, but that’s probably because I’m not a typical fan of multiple POVs.

Overall, this book is heartfelt, relatable, and very convicting. If you have ever felt the pressure of societal expectations, questioned whether you’d ever find the right partner, or wondered if God’s timing really works, this book will reassure you, inspire you, and remind you that the perfect fit is worth waiting for.

[Jemimah “Stories and Scribes” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tope Omotosho and With These Shoes I Thee Wed Book 1: But The Shoes Don't Fit (Marriage Series) "WTSITW" was not an exception.

I loved the real issues dealt in this book, from the issue of marriage and singleness, to the most important relationship that should be the platform from which other relationships spring, to the examples of great marriages that exist, to self-love and self-wort that should take its reference from Gods love.

This book covered it so well, the love the Mayowa had for Toke and how Jadesola was able to rise about herself to enjoy Gods love for her.

Oh my I loved the friendship that exists between Toke, Ibidun and Chiemerie.

As usual Tope is able to handle issues that are pertinent to the times we are in and how we should navigate these issues as Christians leaving in the real world.

[Nicole B Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished With These Shoes I Thee Wed and I am still reeling from that ending! As a reader who usually spots 'who ends up with who' from the first few chapters, I was so refreshed by how unpredictable this story was.

Tope Omotosho has a real gift for creating characters you truly care about. What I appreciated most was how raw and real the story felt. She doesn’t tiptoe around taboo topics like sex or STDs, addressing the real-world challenges that believers actually face. That level of honesty is so rare, and it’s exactly what kept me turning the pages.

As the author's first published novel, it’s a wonderful introduction to her storytelling style. While there are some formatting quirks you might expect from an early independent release, the heart of the plot is so strong that I couldn't put it down. I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Missy Awes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and actually realistic