Hi, I'm Dienece!
My first name is an alternative spelling of Denise, and I'm a former Georgia Belle turned Aussie.
While I waited for my editor to finish edits for my release earlier this month, I decided to take the opportunity to read. Some people stress eat or clean. I stress read. So, you shouldn't be surprised that I read more this month. :)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
Such a captivating read. I loved the way Michelle described things, and the way I couldn't wait to read what happened next. The heroine's mother was taken by Indians, but she raised her daughter as best she could in the faith of God. Loving and not being bitter. Something the daughter learns to admire about her mother. The Frenchmen has a strong faith, and I really liked him. Michelle does a good job not spilling his secrets. And yet always telling me just enough that I don't get frustrated and quit.
I really liked these two as a pair. There is plenty of action and intrigue. A satisfying, enjoyable read.
Signs of Survival a memoir of the holocaust by Renee Hartman with Joshua Greene
Such a moving read. One sister was hearing, the rest of her family deaf. It was her job to alter them if the soldiers were coming.
The book is not long, but it's profound. And to use Renee's words, "The Holocaust was a tragedy so vast, so immense, that even those who experienced it have a hard time accepting what their eyes have seen."
But even with all they experienced, Renee also says, "I've discovered that imaginary experiences are as important as historic experiences." Not exactly what I would have expected from a survivor of such horror, and one of the things that made this book so touching.
I wept a lot, sat in disbelief at other times, but I'm very glad I read this book.
A Proper Governess by Kasey Stockton
A lovely read. I liked the relaxed feel about it. Plus, it had a little more inspirational elements then book 1. The hero wrestles with his lack of faith and need to return to church. It's not heavy on faith, but I liked seeing it there.
And the moments with the heroine as the kid's governess, so darling! So, yes, while it's not a fast-paced book, I still really liked it.
And I'm really, REALLY looking forward to book 3. I can't wait to read that one. But I also saw Kasey has a Christmas one out. So, I might be checking that out soon. :)
Trigger warning: the men do drink. The heroes/good guys do it in a historically accurate, responsible way. The bad guys get drunk.
The Girl in the Hidden Forest by Hannah Linder
I devoured this book.
The writing is simpler than what I'm used to with Regencies. Less flowery, less complex sentence structure, and yet that's what makes it so easy to read. And there is just enough subtle Regency content that it feels right. Plus, it's compelling writing. You just have to read one more page...
I really liked the mystery side of it. Great twists and turns. The couple I liked less. The girl liked being ordered about, and I couldn't identify with that. The guy was forever losing his temper, and I wanted him to grow up. And yet, I just kept reading. Even wanted to read another one of her books. It's on hold at the library as we speak (or I write and you read, whatever).
My feelings over this book were baffling as I both liked and yet disliked parts of it, and then someone said to me that Hannah Linder is like YA meets Regency, and I was, "Yes! That's it." The couple behave a little like a YA novel, having that picture in my head helped. I liked the couple better after that.
So, yes, it wasn't a perfect read, but it was compelling and gripping. And I'm going to read another one of Hannah's books. She has such a distinctive and interesting writing style.
Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille
I read this with my fourteen-year-old. He might have been a little old for it, but we both still enjoyed the story of being comfortable and confident in your own skin. And of course, there is the quest to 'rescue' a kidnapped dog! I also learned quite a bit about New York, one of the pitstops of the road trip.
A fun read!
The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz
This took me back to my teenage years when I read the Songs of Acadia series by Janette Oke and T Davis Bunn.
How can I explain what I felt reading this book? I was busy, like flat out to meet deadlines and do things for my release (my editor had returned my book by this point), but I kept finding myself reading this book. It's just so good.
It's my favourite Laura Frantz to date.
And a little birdie (Laura) told me she's writing the brother's story like right now. That's so exciting!
Book Mentions
These books are less than $3 each! Why not check them out?
(And just FYI, some of them are on KU too)
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