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. This month, my reading habits took me all over the place!
What I've read this September:
Since these are so eclectic, I've arranged them by the order in which I read them.
When All the Birds Sing by Suzie Peace Pybus
This is a special Aussie mystery. It's a whodunit with some slower pacing at the start where you'll find nuggets of the truth. But can you catch the nuggets before the speed kicks up pace? Do you know who is innocent and who is guilty? I enjoyed the challenge of seeing if I was a good judge of character, if I could spot the lies before it happened. Also, this book has a worthwhile message for Christians about being Bereans. Don't just sit down and listen, keep your mind working while you listen. You can read my full review here.
The writing is like Amanda Wen (without the romance) and Sarah Loudin Thomas, especially The Right Kind of Fool. It’s a mystery with a quieter beginning that builds up to a kicking climax with a thought-provoking message.
You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh
I was quick to place a hold on this when I saw it at my library (and who cares that it's nowhere near Christmas anyway?). I enjoy Toni's contemporary romance books. This one is a little different. They start kissing fairly quickly, so you don't have that build up to the first kiss I love. Plus, I missed Toni's signature first person POV (it's written in the more traditional third person). However, I hope she plans to write more about the siblings, because I fell in love with the family. A nice little read.
A Noble Scheme by Roseanna M White
I knew something big had occurred to the couple in this book after I read book 1 of this early 1900s romance series. I had no idea what a heart tugging, tear jerking thing it was. I really can't say more without spoiling the story. That being said, I may have cried, but it's a very special book.
The Executioner and His Lady by DaLeena Taylor
A fun little medieval romance. One gets this book by signing up to Taylor's newsletter. I liked the premise and really wanted to know how the roles of these two played out. What does an executioner have to do with a lady, anyway? The plot isn't perfect (I questioned the plausibility of a spot here and there), but it was entertaining, nonetheless.
The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society by Terry Overton
This is another book I read with my teenager, but technically I asked him if we could read this YA dystopian. It was a part of the 'Around the World in 50 Books' Facebook challenge. I found it interesting the way she weaved books and reading into a dystopian world, and how she includes faith when there are no parents around anymore to help lead the children.
Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson
A great regency mystery written in first person.
It took me a little bit to get into this story and looking back I realized it was because I didn't like the hero. But then he did something SO adorable, and I was all in. And I mean all into this book. You're only in the heroine's head, which in many ways adds to the mystery of the dude. And I loved it. Great romance and mystery tension.
Just one thing, she keeps talking about her parentage, which I gathered was explained in another book. But if she said what it was in this one, I missed it. And I even tried going back through the start just to find it. Oh, well, guess I'll "have to" read another one of her books to solve that last thread. How awful. ;)
One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn
I have adored this romantic suspense series! It's heart pumping/melting action and stories. Blackburn is an awesome storyteller. Just do yourself a favour and read it.
Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano
I loved how Jen kept the prim properness of the heroine in this historical romance. Camilla wasn't some hoodlum at heart. She's still a lady who usually keeps her head and pose, but somehow Jen made it believable that the heroine had fallen madly in love not just with the hero but his way of life (rifle toting mee-maw and all). And that West Virginia was the perfect, enduring cure for the boredom she'd endured in New York. Oh, and the apple pie recipe, that's hilarious. But you'll have to read the book for that plotline (recipe not included).
Book Mentions
A Sleigh Ride for Aven by J L Dawson
Aven's life is crumbling around her, her father's death leaves them destitute. Determined to do everything she can to keep her sisters fed and happy she has no choice but to marry the persistent suitor, Mr. Archie Mitchell, a much older man who makes her skin crawl. As the wedding draws closer, Aven prays that the Lord will intervene.
Can a young man in a horse drawn sleigh save her from a lifetime of fear and unhappiness and provide a safe home for her sisters?
My review:
I loved, loved the opening scene of this book. So sweet. Now, it took me a little bit before I realised that J. L. Dawson writes in omnipresent POV. Which means you're in everyone's heads. That's sounds messy when you put it that way, but the author does it well. It's organised and cohesive. I didn't get overwhelmed. Now, I haven't finished reading the book, but I like what I've read so far.
This special collection of free (newsletter subscriber) historical romances finishes on September 30th, so be quick!
As always, I encourage you to check out authors and their books before signing up.
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