Customer Reviews

Choose Me

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Xenia Ruiz's debut novel, Choose Me, is definitely asking to be "chosen."

Eve Clemente is an African-Latina single mother of two college-aged sons. Recovered from a disastrous marriage, Eve is a strong Christian woman determined to maintain her five years of celibacy. She believes suffering contributes to the growth of people's faith.

Adam Black is a man with women problems and a probation officer, as well as being a cancer survivor who has put his Christianity on the shelf. He just doesn't understand why God would allow His children to suffer.

A man and a woman. Adam and Eve. They meet at a party and embark on a journey of learning to love-each other and God Himself. And while on their journey they agree to a celibate relationship (until marriage), which becomes increasingly difficult, given their mutual attraction and growing love for each other. The problem is: neither wants to get married. What to do, what to do?

Ruiz's novel is populated with real, rich and complex characters you will grow to deeply care and root for as they traverse the winding and bumpy roads of racism, celibacy, adultery and acceptance. I love Eve. We seldom have the opportunity to experience a Hispanic woman in Christian fiction. And Adam is a wonderful black role model. How refreshing in a society that often portrays African-American males as less than stellar.

Armchair Interviews says: We're looking forward to more from Ms. Ruiz!

Walk Worthy Press has really been turning out some good books in 2005! Xenia Ruiz is another debut novelist that offers a very "worthy" read. In Choose Me meet Eva a Puerto Rican, single mother of two college age sons. Eva is a growing Christian who has been celibate for five years. Eva is introduced to Adam who has refrained from intimacy with a woman, but not on purpose. Adam is a cancer survivor who has a new outlook on life.

Hitting it off upon their first few meeting, Adam and Eva decide to pursue a relationship with the understanding that no intimacy will be pursued until marriage. The couple begins to hit a wall as the temptation to pursue a physical relationship increases and becomes more fervent. The tricky part of dealing with the growing physical struggles comes in the fact that neither one wants to get married. Eva and Adams' struggles threaten to tear them apart and unfortunately tragedy and heartache pushes them both to the edge.

Readers will enjoy the humor and vulnerability of the characters. The cultural richness of the novel is also an added treat as people of a Hispanic background are not often seen in Christian fiction. Tackling such issues as celibacy, forgiveness, racial profiling, adultery, Xenia weaves a tale of two people in love who learn the true art of how to love from the Master Himself.
--Tyora Moody

Author Xenia captured the biblical lesson of Adam and Eve in this modern day story of temptation of the flesh. It addressed salvation and relationship with God in angst with emotions saved people still experience even though they have given their lives to God. Just like with Eve, temptation can be stronger than reason and logic, and certainly one does not count up the cost or consider the consequences of their actions until after it is all said and done.

Eva Clemente met her Adam and tried hard to keep her focus and loyalty to her relationship with God and her obligations to her church, but once she began to spend time with Adam, natural human desire to be wanted and loved became priority and she threw caution to the wind. The very night she decided to 'just go for it' led to the worst time in her life. Learning of a shooting spree at her sons' college the next morning after her decision, Eva had a hard time dealing with the guilt. Especially when both of her sons were injured in the melee. Because of what she did, Eva believed none of it would have happened had she not been with Adam.

By story's end, Eva was able to come to terms with her natural human feelings in perspective of who she is in relationship with and to God, and deal with the tragedies she suffered. Not due to what she had done, but because of her own guilty feelings in light of what she did. She found that God is yet a forgiving God and will restore you when you have acknowledged your wrong and help you get up and continue to live.

Although this is a fiction novel, I would recommend it, especially to new converts in Christ, to let them know that there are times when temptation of the flesh can be stronger than we are for that time. But redemption is always available to you if you are sincere and true about who you are in God. Donnie McClurkin's song, "We Fall Down", is such a befitting song to go along with this novel.


Reviewed by Sharel E. Gordon-Love
APOOO BookClub

Xenia Ruiz's magnificent debut novel, Choose Me, has introduced her to the world as one of its première writers.

In this novel we are told the story of Adam and Eve.

Eva Clemente is a woman who, after recovering from a destructive marriage, is practicing celibacy. Her Christian beliefs and faith in God are unwavering, although sometimes she appears to be critical of others. Whereas Adam Black is a man who, after experiences in his life, is questioning who God is. He doesn't understand why God allows people to suffer and, Eve believes that the growth of people coincides with their suffering.

After they meet they decide to embark on an expedition which takes them through rough waters. On their voyage they encounter racism, infidelity, celibacy, and acceptance. Their differences add entertaining friction to the novel.

This novel will challenge you NOT to choose sides. Choose Me is a must read.

Nikki Crew in conjunction with G.A.A.L.(Gorgeous Afro American Ladies) Book Club of Atlanta

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.

The Story, Choose Me, is told by the two main characters in two alternating, perspectives, one by the male (Adam Black) and one by the female (Eva Clemente). Choose Me is the story of a Latina woman (Eva) and an African American man (Adam) who both hope to find real love as they have already with God. Eva, at first, had no desire for be with anyone because she had been hurt in the past. Eva, now a divorced mother, is a single, self-reliant, celibate Christian, who has two grown college-aged sons. She would like to meet someone one day that shares her religious beliefs and loves her,in a real way, but she is also comfortable where she is in life and doubtful that anyone like her ideal will ever come along. Adam, a recent cancer survivor, wouldn't mind finding love too, but he needs time to heal from his physical and emotional wounds, to find an understanding woman who will shares his beliefs in God, and take it slow in a relationship to suit hie emotional needs. Eva and Adam meet at a party, and their attraction to each other is almost instantanous. Both Eva and Adam struggle with doubts about having a relationship, especially Eva, after her sons are hurt she questions whetjer God is sending her a sign against the relationship, but as we later see, they both soon discover the love they have been looking for when they open up to each other and learn to deal with the guilt and pain that sometimes comes with following your heart's temptation while still trying to be a good christian person. Xenia Ruiz does a great job of describing personal feelings of these two people and their struggles in life. I give it an 8/10. (Review By mlmlisa)

Choose Me is a love story about a Christian woman, Eva who has committed to remaining celibate. Eva, a 40-year old divorcee with two adult children, is tired of the lame stories that come with men who seem to be out for only one thing. Although her sister, Maya and and best friend, Simone mock her for not having sex, Eva is determined to focus on Jesus and live for Him whoheartedly.

However, she meets a tall, dark, and handsome man named Adam. Adam and Eva? Is this God or a mere coincidence? Adam and Eva get acquainted and their feelings for one another grow. Because of this, Eva begins to rethink her celibacy.

Will Eva hear the Lord's voice and avoid having sex with Adam or will she break her committment to the Lord?

Choose Me is the story for many Christian women who are striving to live for the Lord. Mr. Right seems to come along, but anytime he causes us to lose focus on God, it's time to draw closer to the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

Whenever there's a choice between a man or God, the voice of God will always say Choose Me.

Ms. Ruiz does a great job with this story. Her ability to tell the story in first person narrative is amazing! This is a must read for every woman who loves a good, clean, and realistic love story.

Can't wait to read your next book, Mr. Ruiz!

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 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 ™

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.