Books with Dienece-August and September 2025

Well, I was a tiny bit busy the last two months finishing up edits on my book. HOWEVER, I always take time to read, and even if these reviews are a little late coming (and a bit shorter than I normally write), I know how much it can mean to an author if you write a review. So, it really is better late than never! :)

But, first, in case we haven't met yet, I'm Dienece Darling, a historical romance author. I live in Australia, but I was born in America. I love paperbacks best of all and often haunt my library until they buy all the ones I can't afford. But when all else fails, eBooks make acceptable substitutes.

So, let's talk about what I've been reading!

Historical Romance:

I always start with this one, because it's my favourite. Although, you could probably tell that by how many I read of these compared to the other categories. LOL

The Bandit's Redemption by Kylee Woodley

I loved the unique French twist on this Western, and all the French history I never even know about. It's woven into the story very well and certainly made things interesting. If you like Westerns, and don't mind if the girl is possibly the villain (or is she?), I'm sure you'll enjoy reading this one.

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

My favourite of this Western fairytale retelling series so far. It's a fun and interesting romance between an agent sent to track down the missing girl and bring her safely back home. And I loved how she incorporated parts of the fairytale into this one, including the wolf!

Content warning: there is a scene where they are both changing out of their clothes in close proximity to each other, and he does think about what she's doing behind the curtain. I think he is also shirtless (can't remember exactly). And another where someone says something, and he thinks about her in the bathtub for a brief moment before he shoves that out again. So, nothing is "seen" just thought about.

A Heart of Integrity by Edwina Kiernan

An Irish lass and a Welsh hero starring in a Western? Yes, please, I'd love to read this one!

And I did, both read it and enjoyed. :)

I loved how they are both trying to leave their past behind, and how she's trying to decide if her father is a changed man or not. I also loved how the historical earthquake plays into the story, and how the author uses it as a faith-filled example of being restored to God. It's a great unique Western.

Read A Heart of Integrity here!

Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker

I started this Regency romance and then realized it was a reread, but I was enjoying myself so much I didn't care. I read it again anyway. :)

She's a little feisty but also wants to marry well and knows who her groom is going to be too. The hero just enjoys sparing with her and doesn't even realize just how annoying he can be to her. And it's not because either had been secretly in love. It's because she wants to join the archery club, and he can often outshoot her. Which drives her crazy and makes her miss the target. Which really drives her crazy!

It does have a bit of a marriage of convenience 'idea', but it's more engagement of convenience.

I really enjoyed the couples sparing and how they come to love each other.

Content warning: this is clean only and not Christian. The dude uses some mild oaths, and it mentions he swears under his breath.

In the Shadows of Sacrifice by Heather Tabers

I can't remember exactly where this falls in the World Wars, but someone is drafted at some point, so it has to be during or before one them.

However, my favourite part of this lovely little reader's magnet (you get it when you sign up to her newsletter) is that it's based on her grandparents' love story. It's a great little story, but I really loved that it was inspired by a true story of people struggling during those hard times and trying to make enough money to keep the family together. Both put family first, and it's a wonderful quick read. You should totally sign up for it!

A Scheming in Parliament by Erica Vetsch

This book did not disappoint, and it's one of the few paperbacks I bought for myself. It's a Regency mystery with a mild romance thread running through it. I love the history, the characters, and despite its length, I read it quickly. Can't wait for book three!

I would recommend that you read these in order though. You can probably get away with reading this book without book 1, but why do that when book 1 was awesome too? ;)

Contemporary Romance

Sheila's Christmas Blessing by Linore Rose Burkard

I read an ARC of this Christian, Christmas romance. My favourite part was trying to work out if I agreed with Sheila's decisions about what she should do about her marriage. Her husband's been laid off and hiding things from her. She wants to love and trust him, but it's hard! And I really enjoyed the mental challenge of deciding if I thought she was doing the right thing.

Of course, this is a romance, so we've got a happily-ever-after at the end. :)

Falling for the Innkeeper by Meghann Whistler

A busy lawyer and an overwhelmed innkeeper.

I like how Meghann doesn't go with the expected outcomes on this one. Things rarely work out in a pretty-tied-up-in-a-bow ending. And yet, you do get a happily ever after. So, I really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read, interesting twists, and I kept wanting to know what happened next! :)

Romantic Suspense

Two Seconds Too Late Dani Pettrey

Dani always writes a great book full of action and plenty of intrigue and suspense. And I thought this title was particularly well suited to the story. I'm not sure I can explain that comment, just that I kept thinking it as I read the book! LOL

Dani never fails me, and this book was no different. A great read. She has snappy short sentences during the action, and she doesn't skimp on character building either. If you haven't read her yet, you totally should!

Kid's Fiction

(Because I love to read to both my boys at bedtime)

Mandie and the Schoolhouse Secret by Lois Gladys Leppard

This one was fun. Mandie's cat goes missing in the wall of the school and there might or might not have been a pirate involved. You'll have to read the book. ;)

Mandie and the Courtroom Battle by Lois Gladys Leppard

Mandie's horrible stepmother wants to take her father's house way from Mandie. I liked getting to go back to where Mandie used to live and learn more about the father she talks so much about.

How to Steal a Dragon's Sword by Cressida Cowell

I'm really getting into this series now and want to know what happens! We haven't read everything in order (and Cressida says we don't have to. She wasn't lying). I still have the odd Thor or some other false deity that I skip over but not as many anymore. And this book is a bit sad. She's talks at the start of the book that things are going to get hard. And they do from here on out. But I'm still enjoying the story. And Toothless is so much fun!

Well, I hope you've found something which strikes your fancy. I certainly enjoyed reading these books. See you next time!