It's another month, and I've read a lot of books again! ;)
If we haven't met, I'm Dienece Darling (an alternative spelling for Denise). I write first person historical romance set in Georgian England, but I read widely and love to talk about books.
So, without further ado, let's get chatting about the books I've read this month!
A Heart Most Faithful by Carolyn Miller
I loved the hook for this book: A kiss, a dance, and a second chance.
This gorgeous little regency novella was my favourite read this month. It's sweet, intriguing, and keeps you wondering what happened between the couple in the past. I'd love to tell you more, but I'd spoil the secret. And it's worth the wait.
This has cameo appearances of popular characters in other works by Carolyn. It can be read as a standalone, but the mentions are a nice touch.
I signed up to Carolyn's newsletter through a special book funnel promo to read this book, and Carolyn hopes to get it connected to her regular platform soon. If you can't wait, you can email her about it (yes, I asked because you should totally read this book!).
A Louisiana Christmas to Remember by Lenora Worth, Morgan Tarpley Smith, Betsy St. Amant
The only contemporary I've read this month was a Christmas one. I wasn't trying for a Christmas in July, but I asked my library to order this in for my book club in December. Well, it came in time for Christmas in July, so why not! This is a delightful collection of contemporary, interconnected romance novellas. Well worth a read. Beautiful.
Nora's Surprise Blessing by Aurora Kelly
This western novella is part of the 'rejected bride series' where women have come West and for various reasons are jilted at the altar only to find true love with someone else. I was feeling overwhelmed with writer relating decisions and needed a quick, easy read. This story gave me that a sense of accomplishment I craved (even if it was reading someone else's book!).
If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
I enjoyed the couple in this Western Cinderfellow retelling. We get lots of time with the hero and heroine. They are endearing and fun. She thinks her father doesn't love her, but there is a lot more going on then she knows. The hero thinks her father is a terrible person, but again, more going on than the hero knows. Very interesting and kept me turning the page to discover who the dad really was.
The first half was an enjoyable, sweet, easy read. The last half had a subplot about someone else which felt more Roseanna M White, but at least most of book 2 felt closer to Witemeyer's usual style.
A Heart Bound by Laura Frantz
There was more of this book set in mid 1700s Scotland then I was expecting. (I'm assuming if you read reviews that you probably read book blurbs, but if you don't read blurbs, you might consider the following a spoiler.) About a quarter of the book is set in Scotland before the heroine is unjustly charged with a crime, found guilty, and sent to Virginia as an indentured servant. My favourite bits came after the arrest, but 18th Century Scotland was fascinating. You really get to know the couple as who they were before their lives were uprooted. This couple had a hard road, but that made the sweet ending all the sweeter.
Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund
Reminded me of a Jen Turano with a bit more steam. Also, Mary Connealy in the city.
I ended up skimming this 1800s- St. Louis romance since it was a little too steamy for me. It's good writing, has an underling plot with past issues, social issues, and things going on, but you need to be okay with a lot of physical attraction/desire. But hey, if you like that, the writing is good, and the characters are interesting.
Books Mentions
Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti
She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.
Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. But all is not what it seems in the little fishing town. Danger lurks. And, though hiding under an assumed name, Adaleigh offers her ability to draw out confessions, making her a valuable asset to the police.
First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but knows she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, David enlists Adaleigh’s help in proving his innocence. In return, he’s determined to help her find hope once again.
As the truth becomes more knotted, and Adaleigh’s real identity risks revelation, David must put aside his own struggles to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both.
Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.
Dienece's thoughts:
This book explores the interesting phenomenon of how we can spill our guts to a stranger we assume we'll never see again and not those closest to us. But sometimes, that confession leads to a lasting relationship.
This is a clean, Christian fiction read set in the 1930s. She's a swimmer from a rich family. He's a poor fishman. And the talks they shared were beautiful. It's full of intrigue, faith, mystery, and love. A very enjoyable and exciting read. Why not give it a go!
Surviving Childlessness by Steph Penny
A very enlightening and helpful non-fiction read.
Not my normal book rec, I know. But this was an eye opener.
Struggling to know what to say to someone without kids? Wonder why some people seem so uncomfortable at church events aimed towards children? Or perhaps, God never filled your quiver with arrows. This book shares the story of 14 people living without children. It's well worth the read.
Another month, but not 'just another promo,' this one has over 100 participating authors! I'm sure you'll find something interesting. I was intrigued by the lady who retells Biblical stories in medieval times, DaLeena Taylor.
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