Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love was a 2020 Selah Award finalist.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.
Visit Toni Shiloh online
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.
Her Christmas Redemption
Organizing her church’s Christmas Wishes program is the perfect start to Vivian Dupre’s new life—one without the shame of her recent mistakes. But as she grows closer to co-coordinator Michael Wood, she’s even more determined to keep her past hidden. Together they can give joy to their small town. But when Michael discovers her secret, will he be willing to grant Vivian’s holiday wish—forgiveness?
- ISBN: B09WRLJ4CW
- Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Interview with Toni Shiloh
Toni Shiloh has done it all. Indie published, worked with both big and small publishers, and still maintains such a humble attitude about her writing. And while writing is important, so is her family and the Lord, and she makes sure to have time for everything! I’m not quite sure how she manages. I’m honored to be talking with my friend, the woman who can do it all, Toni Shiloh!
* * * * *
You have published books in several different ways – indie, big publisher, small publisher. How have they all been different?
They’ve all been different because of the people. When I indie publish, I rely heavily on myself and my street team. When I’ve published with small publisher, I had more people to help me with the publishing side that I’d normally take care of (cover designer, editor, etc). With the big publisher, there seems to be a person to handle or guide you on every single aspect which is refreshing. I feel like every way has their benefits.
What did you learn while writing Her Christmas Redemption?
Great question! That’s one thing I love about writing. I feel like the Lord teaches me alongside the characters. I think one thing I really learned is you don’t have to be ashamed of your past. It shapes you into the person you are today and becomes a testimony that glorifies God and shows how mighty He is.
When did you first write the book and how did you get in the Christmas mind set (only answer this if you wrote it during the non-Christmas season)?
I wrote this in February, so the wintery temps helped me have a cold aspect for the season. However I also played Christmas music and looked at photos that were taken during Christmas to remind myself that this was the holiday season.
Is it harder writing a Christmas story than a regular novel? Why or why not?
A little bit. Only because I’m really conscious that this is a Christmas story and not just a story. I want to make sure that I give those aspects of the Christmas season that people love to read about while also telling the story on my heart.
What do you want readers to take away from Her Christmas Redemption?
That we all have a backstory. That nothing is too big for God to redeem. That you are loved just the way you are.
If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?
I definitely would pick Jane Austen. I love the fact that she told romances that have a longevity and people read over and over, make movies over and over, and still discuss its impact. I’d love to find out what she thinks about it all.
What’s your go-to drink while writing?
Some kind of tea. Right now I have French vanilla tea and Victorian London Fog that I’ve been drinking regularly. I also drink water in between my tea sessions.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Find your identity in God alone. What people say about you isn’t always based on His truth. Recognize the lies and tear them down and live in God’s truth.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
So many things! I’ve been watching k-dramas, reading romance books, hanging with my family, and going to church. Pretty normal events.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
So many! I recently finished Pepper Basham’s Authentically Izzy. I also have Belle Calhoune, Courtney Walsh, and some other new Christmas books on my list.
What can we look forward to next?
Winning His Trust is my next Love Inspired book coming out February 21, 2023. It’s connected to Her Christmas Redemption as it tells the story of the next Wood sibling.
______________________________
Jessica Baker loves sharing her passion for reading with others and connecting readers with authors. In addition to blogging at A Baker’s Perspective, Jessica is a virtual assistant, proofreader, and runs her own business. Though she wishes she had a library like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jessica realizes the importance of sharing her books with the world to tell the story, and donates many books to her local library. Jessica Baker lives Central New York with her husband, teenage daughter, beagle, three cats, and four ducks.
* * * * *
You have published books in several different ways – indie, big publisher, small publisher. How have they all been different?
They’ve all been different because of the people. When I indie publish, I rely heavily on myself and my street team. When I’ve published with small publisher, I had more people to help me with the publishing side that I’d normally take care of (cover designer, editor, etc). With the big publisher, there seems to be a person to handle or guide you on every single aspect which is refreshing. I feel like every way has their benefits.
What did you learn while writing Her Christmas Redemption?
Great question! That’s one thing I love about writing. I feel like the Lord teaches me alongside the characters. I think one thing I really learned is you don’t have to be ashamed of your past. It shapes you into the person you are today and becomes a testimony that glorifies God and shows how mighty He is.
When did you first write the book and how did you get in the Christmas mind set (only answer this if you wrote it during the non-Christmas season)?
I wrote this in February, so the wintery temps helped me have a cold aspect for the season. However I also played Christmas music and looked at photos that were taken during Christmas to remind myself that this was the holiday season.
Is it harder writing a Christmas story than a regular novel? Why or why not?
A little bit. Only because I’m really conscious that this is a Christmas story and not just a story. I want to make sure that I give those aspects of the Christmas season that people love to read about while also telling the story on my heart.
What do you want readers to take away from Her Christmas Redemption?
That we all have a backstory. That nothing is too big for God to redeem. That you are loved just the way you are.
If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?
I definitely would pick Jane Austen. I love the fact that she told romances that have a longevity and people read over and over, make movies over and over, and still discuss its impact. I’d love to find out what she thinks about it all.
What’s your go-to drink while writing?
Some kind of tea. Right now I have French vanilla tea and Victorian London Fog that I’ve been drinking regularly. I also drink water in between my tea sessions.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Find your identity in God alone. What people say about you isn’t always based on His truth. Recognize the lies and tear them down and live in God’s truth.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
So many things! I’ve been watching k-dramas, reading romance books, hanging with my family, and going to church. Pretty normal events.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
So many! I recently finished Pepper Basham’s Authentically Izzy. I also have Belle Calhoune, Courtney Walsh, and some other new Christmas books on my list.
What can we look forward to next?
Winning His Trust is my next Love Inspired book coming out February 21, 2023. It’s connected to Her Christmas Redemption as it tells the story of the next Wood sibling.
______________________________
Jessica Baker loves sharing her passion for reading with others and connecting readers with authors. In addition to blogging at A Baker’s Perspective, Jessica is a virtual assistant, proofreader, and runs her own business. Though she wishes she had a library like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jessica realizes the importance of sharing her books with the world to tell the story, and donates many books to her local library. Jessica Baker lives Central New York with her husband, teenage daughter, beagle, three cats, and four ducks.
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