Toni Shiloh is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist and is a Parable bestseller. Her books have won the Christy Award and Selah Award and have been finalists for the Carol Award and the HOLT Medallion.
In this interview, Toni shares some of her insights into her latest Christmas Romance novel, The Christmas Catch.
FF: The Christmas Catch is your second holiday romance with Bethany House. Can you share a little bit about this story and what readers have to look forward to as they read?
I’d be happy to. The Christmas Catch features Bebe Gordon and Jahleel Walker. They were high-school sweethearts, but when Jahleel went off to college, he dumped Bebe to focus on football. He returns home after suffering an injury during the Thanksgiving football game eight years later. He discovers Bebe has been married and divorced and is a single mom. Since his father is the pastor of the local church, Bebe and Jahleel end up planning the entertainment portion of the church’s Christmas ball. Of course their past will come up, and they’ll have a chance to see if love for each other still exists and what it means for their future.
FF: As the title suggests, this novella takes place at Christmastime! How does this part of the setting enhance the story you’re trying to tell?
There’s something about the magic of Christmas that sweetens a story. People are willing to give second chances, something Jahleel and Bebe desperately need. And as they plan a Christmas ball together, they’re able to heal old wounds and discover if the spark that brought them together in high school still exists.
FF: Are you a fan of Christmas fiction, and if so, why do you find yourself drawn to that kind of story?
I love Christmas fiction. I eagerly await the holiday season when I can fill my e-reader with all the romances I can get. I love the hope of the season, the wonder that everyone feels at the décor, and the sense of home these stories bring. There’s something so heartwarming that fills me with joy during the season.
FF: As an NFL wide receiver, Jahleel Walker doesn’t have your average day job. What led you to create a central character with a background in professional sports?
I’m a huge football fan. I’ve been a Dallas Cowboys fan since I was a kid growing up in Texas. My family laughs at how much swag I own with a star on it. It seemed fitting that I pair my love of football with my love of books.
FF: As readers discover early on in the story, Jahleel ends up sidelined by a career-threatening injury, and his parents take him back to Peachwood Bay, Georgia, to heal. What things— both good and bad—might be waiting for him there?
Jahleel has some relationship issues waiting for him in Peachwood. Besides the way he left things with is high-school sweetheart, there’s the very real tension surrounding his relationship with his father. It’s been a while since Jahleel thought well of Peachwood.
FF: On the surface, Jahleel appears to have it all—wealth, notoriety, and a fulfilling career in sports. But looks can be deceiving sometimes. How does his return to Peachwood Bay impact his character development throughout the story?
Sometimes we need a perspective shift. I think returning to Peachwood Bay gives Jahleel a chance to see things in a new light and reevaluate his decisions and how he can control his interactions with others. We can’t make anyone change, and he really would like his father to, but by giving him a perspective change under the glow of the holiday lights, Jahleel can see clearer.
FF: On the other hand, we have your other main character, Bebe Gordon, whose life—in some ways—is a sharp contrast to Jahleel’s. What do you think readers will really appreciate about her character?
I think Bebe being the girl next door will make her relatable to a lot of readers. She’s a single mom and teacher and involved in her church. So many of my readers can relate to motherhood, education, as well as church life. Bebe and her daughter bring a lot of lighthearted moments to the book.
FF: Can you tell us a little bit more about Jahleel’s relationship with his parents and how that has impacted his choices?
Jahleel’s mom has always supported him, and that quiet acceptance has helped him in life. On the other hand, he felt stifled by his father’s lack of support, so he chose to move away and sever contact with everyone in Peachwood.
FF: One of the beloved tropes that appears in this story is the second-chance romance. What do you think readers will most enjoy about witnessing these two high-school sweethearts reconnecting?
I think the tension of past feelings and present-day feelings really shows itself in a second- chance romance. The memories versus the current baggage the characters carry will keep the readers turning the pages, in my opinion.
FF: What lessons can be learned from Jahleel and Bebe’s story? Do parts of either character resonate with you on a personal level?
Trusting in God is a big one, and one I think we can always use a refresher on. Another is taking a step back to consider someone else’s history and how it shaped them. Usually, we want to believe we’re right in an argument or situation, but there may be another perspective we’ve never considered. I think those are universal lessons everyone can resonate with.
FF: What are you most excited for readers to experience as they pick up this romance?
The joy of Christmas! I had so much fun incorporating Christmas festivities. Not to mention the added joy of Bebe’s daughter and her friendship with her childhood friends. There are a lot of lighthearted moments to give the reader that Christmas fiction experience.
FF: Can you share with us what you are working on next?
I’m always working on the next story, whether writing a first draft or doing edits. My third and final book in the Love In The Spotlight Series will come out in February 2025, so I’m eagerly awaiting its release.
Book Summary:
When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?
Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.
Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns–for the first time in eight years–all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won’t risk him leaving her again. As their hometown’s Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he’s only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.
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