Choose Me

In XENIA RUIZ's soulful debut, two people are emotionally stripped and forced to lay down their baggage. EVA CLEMENTE is a dark-skinned Latina who is committed to God, her children-and celibacy, because after a bad marriage and several failed relationships, she's put up a barrier and is waiting on "Mr. Righteous" a.k.a. "a man of God." Then she meets ADAM BLACK, a sexy African-American man (and the most positive portrayal of a real man to date), who starts to tear down the wall she has firmly built around her heart. Along the way, Adam, who has strong opinions about the "future Mrs. Black," reaffirms his own faith. Unwilling to waste his time or her own, Eva fights the attraction they share informing him of her vow of celibacy, hoping that he'll run the other way. But she underestimates Adam's strength. See, Adam's fought much bigger battles than the one she's waging against his love. And as he gathers all his strength once again to fight the enemy he thought he beat-cancer, Eva faces a mother's worst nightmare. Will they overcome their trials and find their way back to each other? Stay turned - and read the book to find out. You won't regret it. No other writer has really given us such a revealing look into an interracial relationship like this one. RUIZ, in this determinedly real and spiritual first novel, offers canny insights into a multicultural world. Soulful and poetic, CHOOSE ME is a more than a romance; it is a story about real love.

This is by far the best book i think i've ever read!! I loved the way the author kept it real! Honestly, I felt like Ms. Ruiz was telling my story, and since I'm still in the middle of my situation, I love the testimony of the characters in the book, and it gives me hope. I can't wait until Ms. Ruiz writes another book, but until then, Choose Me is a definite keeper! A Fan For Life, Bridgette A., Detroit, MI

In this the story of Eva and Adam, we are treated to a wonderful tale of the journey of two mistrusting, yet gentle souls. Eva is a dedicated Christian who is serious about her religion and is looking for "Mr. Righteous". As she waits, she is unapologetically practicing celibacy. In her patient wait, she has racked up 5 years of celibacy which she sometimes wears as a badge of honor. Adam is a former Christian who due to a number of tragedies in life and love has walked away from a close relationship with Christ. When Eva and Adam meet, thanks to the matchmaking of Eva's sister and friend, they are attracted to each other. The story follows them as they try to navigate around the roadblocks established due to Eva's dedicated walk with Christ and the mistrust they are both harboring due to past relationships. There story has additional layers added due to their cultural differences (she's a Latino, he's African American), the drama-filled lives of friends and families and their uncertainty about how to move forward in a way that pleases them both. What a wonderfully delightful tale of two mature adults navigating a rocky romantic road. This author is a brilliant new addition to the multicultural, Christian fiction genre.

In her FABULOUS debut novel, Xenia Ruiz introduces us to two characters that will stay with you long after you read the last word. Eva Clemente is a professional, saved Afro-Latina woman who is happy with her life. She has survived a failed marriage, a bad relationship, raising two sons and all the drama that can always be found when you have an extended family. And despite the urging of her sister and her best friend, she is uninterested in a relationship with a man. Adam Black is a probation officer and cancer-survivor, carrying a load of bad female experiences. While he adores his mother and his sister, he has a less than positive view of other women. When these two meet, it is more than obvious that they share a mutual attraction. However, Xenia is reluctant to enter into a relationship with Adam because he is more of a Mr. Right Now than a Mr. Righteous. Adam's life experiences have left he questioning whom God is and why does he allow people to suffer. While Xenia life experiences have made her know who God is and to see suffering as an opportunity to grow spiritually. There are many underlying themes that run throughout the novel-abstinence, racism, infidelity and spiritual, emotion and physical healing. I found so many things to love about this book. It was a moving and well-written story bout two mature adults who learn more about themselves and each other as they grow close to God. I really loved the author's use of scripture and poetry to move to story along. But the one thing that I really loved about the novel was Adam. Adam is one of the most positive African-American male characters I have read in a long time. As the novel progressed, I fell in love with Adam right along with Eva. Xenia Ruiz is definitely an author we should keep on our radar. CHOOSE ME is based on her own personal experiences and I admire her courage and honesty in sharing her story. Reviewed by: Sabrina Hall for [...]and The GOOD GIRL Book Club ™

It is Ruiz' clear prose that sets apart the voices of the two memorable characters in her debut novel, Choose Me. Eva Clemente is a professional, saved Afro-Latina woman who is happy with her life `as is'. Celibate, she is uninterested in a relationship with a man. Enter Adam Black, a probation officer and cancer-survivor, carrying a load of bad female experiences; more than enough to make him distrustful and wary of women. However, despite their protestations, these two find themselves attracted to one another and amidst maneuvering through day-to-day life, grapple with the resulting feelings. Choose Me, is a moving, must-read, well-written story of two mature adults, who when dealt tumultuous life-blows, discover a deeper relationship with one another than initially conceived, by learning to choose God first.