Books with Dienece - January and February 2026

Dienece Darling
6 days ago
7 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

It's turning into a bit of a habit to combine two months' reading into one blog post. Why? Well, I got to the end of January, and I thought, do I want to write a blog about what I've been reading, or do I want to read another book. I guess we know which one won out. :)

But, if all I do is read, then you'll never hear about the awesome books I loved! So, I'm Dienece, if we haven't met. I love to read almost every genre so long as it's got at least a dash of romance and is clean, preferably Christian.

Without further ado, let's talk about what I've read since the start of the year!

Historical

The Recluse's Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti

Historical, Inspirational Romance with Suspense

I really enjoyed reading this book. So many things kept me turning the page from a hurt, gruff hero to his faithful girl, and a cute little orphan. And the faith elements! I really loved those in this book.

The side characters were great (especially that they also get a happily ever after). I even enjoyed the loch ness monster part, and I had been sceptical of that.

Oh, and I loved that the author ended up including Gretna Green! That's usually a Regency thing, and it was so much fun to read it in this Depression Era, Christian, historical suspense romance set in Scotland.

Christmas at Engalworth by Teah Kemp Weight

Christmas, Inspirational Regency

I really enjoyed reading how the brother from Secrets of a Baron's Daughter gets his happily ever after (although it can be read as a standalone), but it was the faith in the book which really spoke to my heart. Teah sometimes writes just clean fiction, but this series has the faith I so love to read. It's a real comfort to my heart while being entertaining as well.

Saved through Deception by Teah Kemp Weight

Clean Regency (not inspirational)

Teah writes a great book. I know I'm in for a fun ride when she has a release. This was hard to put down and frequently drew a smile from me. It was a little odd having a hero younger than the heroine (not sure the exact age difference), but I thought they were a good pair, well matched. His light brought out the best in a girl who had been misused. It has heavy themes, and I missed the inspirational thread which would have given me more satisfaction. But if you're looking for clean rather than inspirational, it's well written to help anyone struggling with how to move on from deep personal pain and betrayal.

Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham

Historical, Inspirational Romance

I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and this one had some surprising twists on the expected elements to the story. I mean, a true retelling has to hit all the right story plots, and Fordham did that so well--with twists!

I loved this book. He's hurt and injured. She's poor, desperate with beauty inside and out. I loved seeing the two work things out, and the March-like sisters' scene with the play was awesome! I loved the relationship she had with her sisters. The evil stepsister moment is filled through someone else, not her actual family.

A great read. Highly recommend if you love a good beauty and the beast retelling.

A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen

Christmas, Inspirational, Regency Romance

I've been waiting for Sarah's story for so long, and then I had to wait for the library copy to become available... It was so hard to wait! But well worth it. I loved this story just as I've loved all the others in the series. I would recommend that you read this series in order. It will really help improve your enjoyment of this book.

The Vicar of Arbor Hill by Patricia Lyn Bradt

Inspirational Regency

A friend recommended this Regency read, and I'm so glad she did! I love it when friends have secretly been in love, and I had plenty of smiles and giggles as I read the book. Both are delightful and thoughtful. I could see their life together in humble service for God from the start, and I loved it.

The Bachelor of Warner Grove by Patricia Lyn Bradt

Inspirational Regency (book 2 after The Vicar of Arbor Hill)

A couple who pretend they want a practical match, but they end up falling in love. It's not the gadding about of normal courtships. It's something deeper. I think the fellow said it best in the book. It wasn't romance. It was love. And I really enjoyed this book! A satisfying, wonderful read which isn't your typical Regency, but it hits all the right notes.

Miss Vincent's Vow by Rachel Knowles

Inspirational Regency

He is a merchant in need of a gentle wife. She needs a roof over her head.

I was a little uncertain if the book would hold my attention at first, and I definitely sided with the husband. But the author pulled me around to the gentry's way of dealing with enemies and difficult situations. I really liked the story once her brother showed up, and I stayed up late just to read "a few more pages". :) Famous last words...

A very enjoyable Christian Regency with a satisfying romance.

Contemporary

Dog Groomer's Christmas Second Chance by Cindy Evrin Huff

Contemporary, Inspirational Romance

I'd been so looking forward to reading this story (it's book 3 in a series). It was all I'd hoped for! I loved seeing this older couple get their second chance. It has several hard topics like PTSD and domestic abuse and the loss of a child. But they work through it for a rewarding read.

FYI: There was a lot of returning characters in this book, and it is probably better read in series order. But I very much enjoyed it.

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Romantic, Inspirational Suspense

This was actually really good. I wasn't sure when I learned it had an AI component, but the author's point is that trying to use a machine to remember people who have passed on or to avoid real-life conversations leads to a life which lacks meaning and depth. It's well said and well written. And while I'd been a bit sceptical about the AI component, I enjoyed how the authors used the AI chat bot to help solve the mystery of the lady's husband's death.

Code and Couture by Kristi Ann Hunter

Contemporary, Inspirational Romance

The author sold me on this couple a few chapters in. I really liked them together, their individual faith journeys, and seeing how the story played out. She's new to church, and he's just being the nice guy. Until they figure out they have mutual close friends/family. They were a lot of fun together. I liked this contemporary romance.

Fantasy

Christmas on the Goblin Express by J. J. Fischer

A Christian, Christmas, Aussie! Fantasy

I wasn't sure about the first chapter because it starts in a hot Australian Christmas season which is slightly depressing, but I realized that you needed to see why the character wants to escape Christmas. After she gets on the train, I really liked the story. So, if you're not so sure about the first chapter, stick with it. I promise it's a lot of fun later.

And I love the "dark elf" she ends up with. He is awesome! And the motorbike ride was a favourite scene of mine. I loved all the twists and turns and the fantasy as well as the message about letting go (both with loved ones and to a career that may not be for you). It's a solid, enjoyable read.

The Heart of the King by J. J. Fischer

Can you tell she's my favourite Christian fantasy author? I kind of read a lot of her books...

I loved the world J. J. Fischer created for this book. It's got sea water dragons, creepy things, and lots of cool people. The girl really is a grave digger in all her inglorious job, and still, she steals the heart of the man sent to bring her in. She doesn't start to fall for him until he changes his ways, which I thought was a good choice on the author's part.

I loved the twists and turns and all the layers of each character in the story. Can't wait to read the next book!

Non-Fiction

No Buts: 12 stories of men who have overcome abuse - compiled by Margaret Chipperfield

This is a tough, nonfiction read about real men who have been called out for their behaviour, learned to accept they were abusive, and do their best to change. It's eye-opening in many ways. I learned a lot about myself, and how I deal with things. It's confronting, but also I think very important. Because it teaches us how to view our actions from other people's perspectives, and what can possibly reach someone who is abusive. The key point of the book is that abuse is always a choice, and it's never okay, no excuses (aka "No Buts").

The British Army - a new short story by Ian F. W. Becket

I only read chapters 1-2 as those focused on the timeline I wanted. If you're interested in the very beginning of the army, then read chapter 1. Georgian is chapter 2, and Regency is chapter 3. I can't tell you about the other chapters.

It was very helpful, and I thought it was good to read at least a chapter before your timeline, so you got the history any soldier would have faced when coming into the army. What was the way it used to be done? What was new? What was common or problematic? This had lots of condensed information. An informative read.