Books with Dienece-March-June 2026

I've been terrible about updating my current reads, but that's not because I haven't been reading. So, hang on tight! There is a LOT to share.

My favourite recent reads!

If you don't get to anything else, these two were my absolute favourites.

If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch

He's actually not that much younger than her, so keep that in mind when you first start reading this clean Regency romance. And I really liked this book. How it builds who she was to him, and who he becomes to her. I also love the little diary entries from the hero at the start of each chapter. Somehow it tells you everything you needed to know about the hero even though the book is from her POV alone. I'd heard so much chatter about this book and decided to bite the bullet and spend the money on it (and it was a little pricey). I'm really glad I did. It was worth it.

The Baker's Pickle by Vida Li Sik

This book challenged me about how to deal with difficult people. What do they really need? How should I respond? And the great battle with your hips when you are trying to be healthy. I just really liked this contemporary Christian women's fiction.

Other Great Reads!

Below are other great reads I've had in the last few months.

The Executive's Dilemma by Allyson Koekhoven - contemporary Christian fiction with subtle romance. I loved the devotional thoughts included in this one, and the Scottish hero was great!

The Imagined Attachment by Holli Jo Monroe - a fun, clean Regency, Sabrina adaptation. I really enjoyed this one, especially that you get more time with the couple at the end unlike the movies that always cut that part off!

To Speak His Name by Tara Johnson - this one is confronting. Regency Era but set in America and Jamaca. She's a white slave, and he is the son of a slave owner. It's a good story despite the hard topics covered. And it's a Christian read too.

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears - I really enjoyed this Christian historical romance set in America. He's grumpy and tough. She's a bit naive. I loved that they both had so much to learn from each other.

Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell - a contemporary Christian romance. You should probably read book 1 first, but I love this series!!!! It's a great read about a lady who struggles to share her faith and you get the guy's POV in this book!

The Cowboy's Missing Memory by Shannon Taylor Vannatter - I enjoyed this contemporary Christian romance. It's a little tricky since she is his therapist and therefore should not have a relationship with him. But the author worked hard at sorting that out.

The Belle of Chatham by Laura Frantz - I had no idea how long the American Revolution lasted! This really made the war come alive to me. There was a bit at the end between the two sisters I could not bring myself to read (my sister's heart hurt too much), but it's a great Christian story.

Secret to an Earl's Heart by Teah Kemp Weight - clean, Christian Regency with a second chance. Why the girl rejected him the first time brought an interesting twist to this book but telling you would be a spoiler... :)

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M Eden - I had never read this book before. It was a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. A little more swearing than made me comfortable, but I did enjoy this clean Regency style romance.

Enduring Dreams by Sandra Ardoin - two architects in historical America trying to make their dreams come true. It's not an easy solution to their issues, but I loved this Christian historical romance.

Rekindling Trust by Sandra Ardoin - another second chance, Christian, historical romance. I loved the way the hero was with her son.

Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher - this book took me a few months to read. It was one that sat with me for a long time. Not an easy read but no matter how long it was between the times I picked it up, I never forgot any of the characters or what was happening. It has a contemporary romance and diary entries from World War II. And wow, make sure you read the Author's note at the end for the history behind why she wrote this! It is definitely Christian, and I loved that!

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah M Eden - I LOVED this clean Regency romance. For me, it was better than Seeking Persephone. Harry is the best! He is so funny.

Edenbrook by Julianne Donaldson - a great Regency read! I really got sucked into this clean romance. Her sister's behaviour bothered me (and I could have done without that), but I liked everyone else. The story moved quickly, the characters were interesting. And the lack of the hero's POV allows the mystery to continue, and I didn't actually miss his POV anyway.

Heir to Edenbrook by Julianne Donaldson - don't read this before Edenbrook. It has spoilers, but I did enjoy getting the hero's POV since we don't have that in Edenbrook.

Reign Breaker by J. J. Fischer - I'm not a fan of love triangles if I can't figure out who I am supposed to be cheering for, but I trust this Christian fantasy author. And I ended up enjoying the book. Can't wait to find out how this ends in Book 3. FYI, you should probably read book 1 before this one--but lucky for you it's also a great read. :)

The Hero Next Door by Irene Hannon - Irene writes a great book. I always know I'll like it if she wrote it. Her characters are complex and interesting. Her settings and towns come alive. This small-town Christian romance with women's fiction themes is no different. It is both an easy read but also not an easy read. There are confronting things to think through (family issues and forgiveness) and complex characters. I love the layers Irene uses with her characters. I get so invested in her stories. He's a police officer, and she runs a high tea shop. A fun mix! :)

Nonfiction

See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill - I read about half the book before I had to return it to the library. It's a hard read but worthwhile. Very eye-opening. Not clean or Christian and quite confronting, but a worthwhile read.

Down Syndrome Out Loud by Melissa Hart - this shares so many inspiring stories about people who haven't let Down Syndrome stop them. Clean.

Kid's books

My youngest son and I are really enjoying this series for ages 5-8. The grumpy cat is so much fun, and you can read the series in any order. We have. :)

Pirate Problems by Ella Shine

A parrot that can make you talk like a pirate!

Toni Takes off by Ella Shine

A hilarious pony that flies!!!

Glitter Jitters

An allergic-to-cats guinea pig that sneezes gold glitter!

Trian Trouble

Didn't we only have two mice? Why do we have four now? No, six... No eight. Why are the mice multiplying???

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Thanks for joining me today. Have you read any of these?