Dienece Darling's Blog, page 3
February 28, 2025
In Your Eyes, In His Eyes
When I lived in Tasmania, Australia, our church met in a local scout hall. It wasn't much. Scuffed up floors. Hard plastic chairs which required cushions not only for comfort but in an attempt to spruce the chairs up a bit. Most of the hall echoed as a vacant chamber with only a handful of chairs clustered in a corner where we meet for church. In winter, we huddled around the space heaters on the walls, never really warm in the cavernous space.
Yet, I have good memories of that place. The people inside it. The times we shared there. Very good memories.
But what if I'd been used to attending church in one of those huge, ornate cathedrals? Could I have seen the beauty in that old scout hall?
It would be hard to remember God's wonder, God's magnificent if you walked into a scout hall after being used to a cathedral. That's how the older generation who remembered Solomon's temple felt when they saw the much smaller temple Zerubbabel built.
Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? Haggai 2:3 KJV
It was like seeing a scuffed up scout hall when they had sweet memories of a cathedral.
But God promised that 'The glory of the latter house shall be greater than the former.' Hag.2:9 KJV
Size, decoration doesn't matter to God. He doesn't need a fancy house.
But how could God say a scout hall would be more glories than a cathedral?
It's the heart of the people. What are gilded halls when He wants true worship?
God doesn't see things the same way we do. He looks at the hearts of the people.
The former temple had been destroyed because those inside it had impure hearts. Hollow, empty worship. Even vile corruption of worship.
God looked at the smaller temple, and it pleased Him because the hearts of those who built it built it for God's glory, because they loved Him. That's why God said the smaller temple would be greater than the former.
So even if you feel small, insignificant, ordinary. Know that size, decorations don't matter with God. It's what's inside that counts in His eyes.
February 20, 2025
February's Books with Dienece
Hi, I'm Dienece!
My first name is an alternative spelling of Denise, and I'm a former Georgia Belle turned Aussie.
This month, I'm still trying to knock out a few more of my To Be Read pile. We shan't talk about the books I keep adding on top. When I read some of my old TBR, I count it a win. But then some new books keep stealing the show, so... let's just talk about books, shall we? :)
A To-Be-Read (TBR)
I loved how this story showed a side to the American Revolution I haven't read yet, a Tory supporter. Oh, the girl swaps sides eventually, but it opened my eyes to what the revolution was like if you weren't on the winning side. How hard it would have been for those who lost their homes and so much. There were some less than scrupulous persons on both sides, and this book doesn't glorify war. I really connected with the heroine's lost feeling when she was displaced. But she doesn't take it sitting down. She finds a way to support herself through making lace.
I really enjoyed this unique look at Colonial Williamsburg. Why not give it a try? Oh, and then there's a Scottish hero too. Can't forget to mention him. ;)
Content warning: There are two fade-to-black scenes between a married couple.
Regency Romance/Mystery
I've a funny anecdote with this one. I sat down on the coach, picked up this book, and tried to find my bookmark. Got annoyed because I thought it had fallen out. Flipped through the pages to find my spot and realized I'd actually finished reading the book. Then I was annoyed because I didn't want it to be done. LOL (definitely going to read book 2, FYI)
This is like Pride and Prejudice if Darcy gave back to Lizzy as good as she dished it out.
This couple is hilarious. They like to verbally spare, and most of the book reads like a fun historical romance with some suspense and mystery scenes bookending it. She's pretending to have amnesia (for good reason), and he's trying to catch her out because he knows something isn't right. But then feelings keep getting in the way of his determination to uncover her 'dastardly' secrets. (pesky feelings)
While there wasn't a lot of mystery/suspense, I didn't have everything figured out like I thought. That was a nice surprise.
If you love sparing couples, you'll like this one.
A delightful bit of Edwardian Christmas fun! (and who cares its February?)
Roseanna keeps all her charm and wittiness wrapped up in a tiny package. This novella still has 3 POVs, the hero, the heroine, and the villain/not such a bad guy after all. In fact, the Dane (which isn't the hero) ends up having the loveliest insight about Christmas and what it means. But the Nutcracker and the lady are a very sweet couple too.
This book is the sort of book where you know you have things you ought to be doing, but you'd really rather be reading it instead. It's just too special to put down.
A TBR
This is a women's fiction with a touch of mystery. It has some faith elements as Irene decides to take up going to church again, but this is general fiction.
Irene is widowed, but her grief is complicated. She's trying to find her way, to find a spot of happiness again, but no one seems to understand the choices she's making. Why does she want to cut off her hair? Why does she want to move away from the lovely home she shared with her late husband? Why does she want to start a shop at her age?
As the story progresses, you get hints to the conflicting emotions inside Irene, the reasons she's doing some of these things, and you also see glimpses into the future through her daughter's eyes. This book was a real eye opener.
There is something I've learned from the two books I've read from this author. She exposes sides to life I don't often think about, and yet she does it through fiction. Fiction has this wonderful ability of showing you what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. To realize that the clear-cut answers which seem so obvious to those on the outside aren't so clear-cut when it's you in the middle. And The Truth about Irene is another eye-opening look at a piece of life which isn't so easy to know the answers to, but I can't tell you what happens without spoiling the story. So, you'll just have to read it. :)
This was a new book, which I shouldn't have read before my older TBR pile if I wanted to follow my own rules. But whatever. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I'm a sucker for those!
He was in an accident which killed his family and maimed his face. She's feeling unloved after her ex dumped her for a skinny girl. They have all kinds of fights because he's anti-social and she's stubborn. They were lots of fun. I'm not feeling guilty I read this before the other books I told myself I should read first. It was worth it. :)
A TBR, which ended up being a reread
So, I thought I'd dig all the way down to the bottom of the pile of my KU reads. I'd borrowed this book back in 2023. It was time to read it! Only when I got started, I realized I'd already read it. I told myself to just return it and get on with my plan to knock down my TBR pile. But I couldn't do it. I wanted to read it again! It was worth the re-read.
The heroine is in an accident where she and a little newborn baby are the only survivors. She wants to adopt the baby, thinks she ought to adopt the baby, but no one--not her parents or her best friend--thinks she should. But who is right, the girl or everyone else? And of course, will she ever figure out that her best friend is madly in love with her?
Non-Fiction
A TRB
This inspirational memoir is about so much more than a marathon runner with type 1 diabetes. There are so many inspiring and fascinating stories within these pages. I began dog earing and highlighting things I wanted to remember. It was so touching and uplifting.
I cried quite a lot towards the end, and even though I was on a train, I had no intention of putting the book down! I just stuffed some sunnies (sunglasses) on and kept reading. Then nearly missed my train stop.
I'm actually a little sad I finished. I wanted to keep reading!
Even if you're a couch potato like me, you'll love Stephanie's relatable story. I learned so much about type 1 diabetes, and marathons, and life in general. Plus, the writing style is very easy and draws you in. I certainly got caught up and enjoyed this book.
Oh, and make sure you sign up for the bonus chapter at the end. It's worth it!
Why did I start a series which hasn't been finished yet? I ask myself that every time I start a series that hasn't been fully released. Both my teenager and I have enjoyed these books. I might have liked them a tad more than him because I really want to read book 3, and he just smiles at my impatience! Oh well, I'll have to wait.
But in any case, Book 2 is not the same point of view as Book 1. We get the cousin in Book 2, red haired and grumpy Georgia. I loved her!
My youngest decided to give the chapter books another go. He followed along much better in book 2 of the series.
This is a tale about two adorable mice who help cats (cat are the good guys) fight the pirate sea dogs. I especially loved that the chubby, not so brave mouse gets to save the day in this one!
Good for ages 7-8 (maybe even 6 if your kid is okay with chapter books that only have the occasional picture).
Yep, we're still going strong with Oliver and Charles! My youngest is actually getting better at remembering what's happening and understanding the story. So, I guess we just needed some more practice.
I love reading him chapter books! And I've almost got the hang that Charles is the skinny mouse not Oliver. I always picked Oliver as the prim and proper mouse, and I have to concentrate to remember Oliver is the plump, clumsy one. But as we read, I'm remembering why I loved these as a little girl and why I liked reading them to my kids. They are sweet and funny.
In this book: Oliver and Charles are headed to the Antarctic on an exploration voyage. Of course, it's never quite that simple. They hadn't even wanted to go, but the sea dog pirates stole the secret plans. Now, the mice need to warn their dear friend the Admiral before all is lost! They run into whales and penguins, and it's all kinds of fun. :)
Content warning: at one point, Charles thinks that Oliver is either drowned or eaten by whales. This may upset some kids.
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Hearts Unknown is up for cover of the month at All Authors, and I've made it into round 3! Thank you to everyone who has voted. Voting restarts every Friday, so you can vote today and even tomorrow!
If you'd consider voting for Hearts Unknown, I'd greatly appreciate the support. It really does help, and while you're there, perhaps check out the other Christian authors too. I put their covers in my graphic, so you know what they look like (note, I haven't read all these authors. I've just seen them advertised as Christian, and their amazon bio says they write Christian). At present, not all of the Christian authors are going to make the next round. We could really use your help!
February 10, 2025
Catching the Past "Pall Mall"
While researching where my hero would live for my novelette, Hearts Unknown, I came across an interesting bit of history.
Way back in the 1600s, a newfangled game came to England called Pall Mall (sometimes called pell-mell or other variations). It was a little like croquet and originated from Italy.
King Charles II was particularly found of it. They laid out a court next to his palace just to play the game, and it is this act that eventually lead to Pall Mall the street.
Things were moved around a few times for various reasons including a complaint that dust from nearby carriages would float over the wall and disturb the players (see image below). So, someone blocked off the nearby street.
But wait, if someone blocked off the street just so they could play Pall Mall, how did Pall Mall become a street?
Well, as I said, things got shifted several times. The original Pall Mall was considered a tiny alley, so they moved the court to St. James's square. The old alleyway was opened as a road, but the new Pall-Mall court wasn't safe from progression. Someone started building houses on it, and the road was moved again, closer to the newer, nicer-looking houses.
The owners of the old houses, now had a problem. Their houses no longer faced the street! They appealed about how expensive it would be to try and turn their houses around to face the new street and were granted the original pall mall court as their gardens as a sort of compensation.
After a time, the owner of the tennis court at one end of the Pall Mall field was pushed out so they could open up the road.
By the 1700s, no one played Pall Mall at Pall Mall anymore. The street became known as the place for high class shopping (apparently, it still is). It was also the street visiting dignitaries wanted to stay on because it was near the king's palace (see image above).
In the 1800s, it became famous for gentleman's clubs, three of which still survive today (The Reform, Athenaeum and Travellers Clubs). By the mid 1800s, the War Office had set up there. As you can see, much has happened on that plot of land since the days when a king wanted play a new game.
Funnily enough. The road wasn't even called Pall Mall at the start. Rather they named it Catherine Street after King Charles's wife, but almost no one called it by the official name. Instead, they referred to it as Pall Mall Street or the Old Pall Mall until one day Pall Mall was its proper name. And thus, it still is today.
And that is how a street in London became know as the name of a game.
Have you got any roads with unusual names near you? Tell me in the comments!
Links to read:
https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/vols29-30/pt1/pp322-324
https://kids.kiddle.co/Pall_Mall,_London
Photo credit:
Illustration on the Catching the Past image: By P. H. Ditchfield - en:Project Gutenberg eText 14315 - http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/3/1... -, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1742700
January 31, 2025
Strengthen the Weak
Do you know one of my favourite things about God? It's in our text today.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Is. 35:3-4
The world says, 'If you didn't believe in me when I was nothing, then you are nothing to me.' But not our God.
God says, 'Is your faith weak? I'll make you strong.'
God gives comfort to the fearful, proof to doubters. He even commands us to comfort and strengthen each other. God doesn't leave us behind when our faith stumbles.
We can say, 'Help thou my unbelief.' And He will.
The world would send the doubters home. Human logic says, 'You cannot send feeble kneed soldiers into battle!' God looks at us and sees what we could be if we just, 'Be strong and fear not.' And then He sets out to help us be our best, taking our hand, walking alongside us. Being our strength. Forgiving us when we stumble again and again.
God believes in strengthening the weak.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
January 23, 2025
January's Books with Dienece
Hi, I'm Dienece!
My first name is an alternative spelling of Denise, and I'm a former Georgia Belle turned Aussie.
My only resolution this year was to knock down my TBR pile. To do that, I planned to get rid of my Kindle Unlimited subscription. And I was. I really was. I even hit the cancel button, then they asked if I'd like to keep it for only 99c for 3 months. Okay, so I'll revisit that in 3 months and try to cancel then. Oh, and I kinda added to my TBR pile with the Faith Books Free book blast last Friday, and then I bought a book by an old favourite author I'd never read before. Yeah, okay. This is why I don't make resolutions!
But I did read 6 of my TBR list, so it's not a total failure. At least, I'm saying it's not. Okay, confessions are over. Let's talk books!
This was so fascinating!
I just loved reading about a Biblical time and location I'm not all that familiar with. It's about King Cyrus's rise to power through the eyes of displaced Jews who believe in God's prophecy of him. The characters and their occupations of scribe and weapons manufactory grabbed my attention. Plus, the way they travelled all over the mountains and into cities. It made the places come so alive.
I wasn't so sure about the Daniel side of things (I rather thought he never married), but the whole book was very interesting nonetheless. Loved the main couple, how they were together and their journeys.
Easy to read, intriguing, and uplifting.
One of my TBR (to be read), although to be fair it only came in last month. Australia can be a little slow getting paperbacks in.
I enjoyed this book. I wasn't so sure, because I don't like reading books about reformed prostitutes. I never did finish the book where you first meet Pippa. But I stuck with this one for a few chapters and then found myself swept away. I read 3/4s of the book in one night! Only a paltry attempt at being a responsible adult sent me to bed at an hour I shall not disclose.
But back to my point, I wasn't sure about this book, and the first few chapters made me uncomfortable, but after a while I was hooked, well and truly hooked. This is a another 'long' romance. Meaning there are hints in this book, but the couple aren't together. It's a 3 book series, so their romance will unfold over the next two books. But I still really enjoyed this one and how the couple starts out.
On a personal note, my kid had been saying he was 'thieving' this or that. His dad and I didn't think that was a word. And then I realized, the title of the book I was reading had 'thieving' in it. So, I guess it is a word. LOL Not sure he was using it right, but it still amused me.
Another TBR
I enjoyed this short regency romance. A nice quick read. The girl is very pretty but she learns that being beautiful is not all it's cracked up to be when all people see of you is your pretty face. I loved this quote given to the hero who had to learn to see past her pretty face. "It is sometimes harder, is it not, to see a person's face when it lies beneath a glittering crown?"
Content warning: it got a little more amorous at the end then what I like to read but it stayed clean. This also discusses the infidelity of much of the gentry at the time, keeping it clean, but also pointing out enough that you know why the hero and heroine both want a true and faithful spouse.
Another one knocked off my TBR pile!
I loved the setting for this Regency. She's off to a sugar cane island with plantations and slaves to nurse her sick father. She's been taught not to be herself by unkind relatives and society and must learn to appreciate the girl God made her. And the hero has some painful wounds to overcome as well. Add in some cute kids, some mention of the fight against slavery (not too heavy), and matters of faith, and it was a very enjoyable, unique regency romance.
Another TBR!
This is book 1, but there is a prequel which shares the story behind why the sheriff quit his job and ran off to the hills. You can probably read this as a standalone, but I'm pretty sure when you start to hear about what happened, you'll wish you'd read The Sherriff and the Outlaw. I just loved watching these two find their happily-ever-after.
She's the judge's secretary or receptionist--I forget her exactly position--but she finds herself tasked with guarding a baby in danger. The guy is the ex-sheriff who feels like he failed at his job. Now, he's got a possible murderer on the trail of the girl and the baby. Is he up to the task of keeping them safe? I really loved reading their happy ending.
A sweet brother's best friend, unrequited love story.
He has lots of issues after losing his mother and younger brother in a crash he feels responsible for. But she has her own problems. She doesn't think she's pretty or talented. She's just 'average,' and it turns out to be more crippling than you'd think. Then many of us would assume if we're honest when we have those thoughts.
They were sweet together, seeing how he falls in love, and how she learns to be happy with herself.
Content warning: he had a wild past where he tried many worldly things to easy his guilt and grief. He is also not walking with God when they first start dating.
I met the hero of this story in The Trouble with Tulips, and I just had to read it. Oh my, I cried and cried. It's a touching story. Yes, it has some heavy health issues, but it has faith too. When you read an Emily Botrous, she doesn't shy away from mistakes people make, but she does it to show you how to combat these things with faith. I love the faith elements of her stories.
The guy is a nurse, and he's worried about his health. She's running from failed relationships and trying to pretend all it fine in her world by cramming it full of stuff. She just can't say no. And he's afraid to trust God.
I loved this story. It was not an easy read, but it was a touching one.
Oh, so good! I love a good romantic suspense, and this one has lots of twists and turns. I saw one of them coming, but not all of them.
She is a witness to a serial killer's interrupted crime. Then someone starts trying to kill her. Only she's lost her memory, and the guy who rescues her, looks familiar. Only she can't remember him, and he doesn't know her at all. How does she know him?
Another TBR, yes!
I liked that this is about policemen (both the girl and the guy) and it's not a suspense. That was nice to read a quiet, sweet story about a couple in law enforcement without all the drama of a murder or kidnapping or something dramatic. She also just took on her sister's kids, all five of them. And the dude has got some control issues to work out, and she has some 'let people help you!' issues. It's a nice read, and the way the author worked out the ending really surprised me. Hadn't expected that, but I could also see why it was a good choice for the characters and their problems.
I used to love Gail's books, and I haven't read her in forever. This book was a little heavy, but I read it in an afternoon. One quiet, enjoyable afternoon.
I knew within a few pages something big had happened, so I'll start with the trigger warning since it's not much of a secret and you'll know within the first few chapters. The girl was almost raped 6 months before, and there is a description of the scene. Not exactly easy reading, but I did enjoy how the guy helps her learn self-defence and slowly wins her trust.
I laughed a few times because the author goes on and on about how ridiculously tall the hero is, but he's only 6'4". My dad is 6'6", and he's not the tallest guy I know. So, that made me laugh as I'd pictured the dude as more 7" or something.
But otherwise, he's tall, dark, and handsome forest ranger who is gentle and kind. And she's a tiny sweetheart in need of care and self-confidence (which she does learn). Even with the heavy topic at the start, I still really enjoyed the read.
A TBR that I enlisted my kid to help me read (meaning I read it to him at bedtime). He didn't seem to mind too much. :)
I really enjoyed reading this story to my teenager. It might have been a little young for him, but the story of a kid who finds out he can go into paintings like it's a real world was a cool idea. I also really liked the last scene, where the guy talks about his 'gift' and what it will mean. But also what using his 'gift' means now, aka drawing with his little sister. Why did I love that so much? My teenager goes, 'Aw.' And then the next day, he spent hours playing with his little brother. Was this because of the book? I don't know, but I loved it.
Content warning: I got uncomfortable in one very brief scene because it talks about a masterpiece nude painting. The author used it to teach that maybe adults shouldn't be dismissive or blasé about nudity in historical paintings. That if a kid is uncomfortable, they shouldn't look at anything they don't want to. She explains this even more in her author's note where she shares ways to help kids learn to appreciate historic pieces of art without seeing the things they don't want to see. I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end.
I read this to my youngest. It was one of my personal favourites as a kid, and his older brother liked it. My youngest not as much. It's his first chapter book that doesn't have very many illustrations, and he isn't overly familiar with pirate and shipping terms. Plus, my youngest is a dog person, and the dogs are the bad guys. I love cats, and cats were the good guys. So, that might also have something to do with it. :)
The story is about two mice who find themselves accidently on a pirate ship, and yes, cats are the good guys, even though they normally eat mice. Go figure that out. Anyway, it is a really fun read if your kid loves pirates and cats.
I've read both of these! Emily writes strong, contemporary, Christian romances which are sweet, clean, and inspiring.
Content: I've found the following to be true of the four Botrous books I've read so far.
1. Has a strong faith arc. It's not nominal inspirational. There are real faith and real issues people struggle with.
2. Has at least one MC who isn't walking with God but comes back to God (or to God for the first time) in the book.
3. At least one MC regrets sleeping around in the past, but the other is typically a virgin. The books are always clean.
4. Real people, struggling with relatable issues.
5. Fun, sweet romances, with strong tropes like brother's best friend or grumpy/sunshine.
January 6, 2025
A Lifeguard in Georgian England
It's summer here in Australia, and one of the things an Aussie summer is famous for is lifeguards. Spurred on no doubt by TV shows like Bondi Rescue.
In my book Hearts Unknown, I mention that George Bell, who infamously declared the world would end on February 28th, 1763, was a lifeguard. This came from the letter John Wesley wrote to the editor of a newsletter in order to renounce Mr. Bell's prediction.
When Wesley said Mr. Bell was a "life-guard man", did you imagine the lifeguards we have today? The ones patrolling beaches and saving lives?
I figured Bell probably wasn't quite like that since we're talking about history here, but I still thought he must have been in the Navy or something to do with water. Did he throw a buoy to people?
Hang on, when did they invent the buoy anyway?
Huh, the word goes way back to the 13th century, but the 1650s for the basic principle of the buoy as we might know it today.^ But let's get back to lifeguards. Did George Bell throw out the buoy?
Nope and nope again.
If you're wondering, Mr. Bell had retired his post by 1763 when my book Hearts Unknown is set, but one would suspect he still had some powerful connections. No, wonder Wesley was worried about the Methodist reputation from this man's end of the world prediction!
What did you think lifeguard meant? Did you know the correct meaning? Let me know in the comments!
If you'd like to know more about Hearts Unknown, click the button below.
^https://www.etymonline.com/word/buoy#etymonline_v_18092
*https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=lifeguard
Photo credit to Artwork by Emma
December 31, 2024
Letting out Water
The book of Proverbs is rich with wisdom and imagery. Sometimes, it's hard to retain everything in it because there is so much. But as I was reading Proverbs 17, one verse stood out to me.
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Proverbs 17:14
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and once good metaphor can be that picture. Can you see it? That 'one more twist' of the screwdriver which punctured a hole in the water tank? Water gushing out everywhere.
How many times have I decided to tweak something one last time? Just one more snip while trimming my kid's hair. Just one more thing I should say...
'Leave off' the Bible says before contention be meddled with. You don't need the last word. You don't need to fix just one thing about this person. Why?
'The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water."
The more you meddle, the more likely the water will gush out.
Once that bag is ripped you can't put the water back inside. In vain, you'll try to staunch the flow, and even if you do manage to stop up the hole, there will be more water on the ground than what you'd intended.
Contention and strife are the same. There is no stopping once started, so don't even start. Don't meddle. Just walk away this year.
November 30, 2024
Because We Know
I love Christmas. It can be such a happy time of year with beautiful decorations, wonderful carols, and presents. (Although, I get more excited over the kids presents than my own. LOL)
I also love how people are more open and receptive to the message of Christ. It is His birthday after all. Oh, you'll get some hum drummers, but overall, we have a little more leeway at Christmas to talk about God.
Which brings me to the second reason we should read the Major books of prophecy (you can read the first here). Yes, they can be depressing and tough reading. But the Apostle Paul put it this way,
"Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Cor. 5:11 KJV
The first step is to repent of our own sins--in a sense to 'save our own hides'. But what about the world around you?
The way the prophets pleaded with Isreal, reminds me that I should plead with those around me. THEY are the reason Jesus came after all.
Burying my head in the sand and ignoring the prophecies about the future, doesn't do me or anyone else any good. And the major prophets pull my heads out of the sand when I read them with a receptive heart.
The receptive heart part is rather key. I can read them, gloss over them, but if I open my heart to see past the doom and gloom, the major books of prophecy remind me why Christmas is important. Why the great commission is important. Because I know, WE KNOW, what's coming if one doesn't trust Jesus as their Saviour.
Reading the major prophets can help you remember that the gift of life is more important than picking the perfect gift to put under the tree.
Will you remember why we celebrate Christmas this year? Will you plead with people as the prophets plead with Israel to turn from their sins?
Don't let the strong messages of the prophets pull you down. Let it stir you up! Spread the good news this Christmas.
November 22, 2024
December's Books with Dienece
Hi, I'm Dienece!
My first name is an alternative spelling of Denise. I'm a former Georgia Belle turned Aussie.
While my blog image is festive this month, only one of my reads was a Christmas one. But that's not usual, I normally read Christmas stories throughout the year.
In any case, let's get talking about books! I've listed them in the order I read them. So, here we go!
This is a dual historical split time romance. Yes, BOTH timelines are in the past, like way back 400-300 years ago! That was cool.
I loved the 1600s timeline so much. It was so interesting and sad but sweet too. A clan hunted, outlawed, and killed just because of their last name. 'Twas fascinating and troubling and oh so beautiful between the couple. I just loved this timeline.
I struggled at first with the 1700s timeline because the heroine's brother is messing around with a maid. I don't like reading books with this content, but the author uses it to show that it's easier to judge someone else, but harder when it's your heart involved (a very important lesson, and yes, the girl chooses purity). It's also used to show how to witness to someone you love who is living in sin, both the right way and the wrong way. So, if you need some encouragement because you're facing this, try reading this book.
And the plot twist at the end of the story is so cool! But, of course, I can't spill the beans... so, go read it already!
A Wager for A Kiss by Stephanie McRaeThis was fun.
I don't normally go for books where the guy makes a wager about the girl, but this book focused less on his regret and more about how he actually falls in love with the girl because of the wager. He does feel regret, but I enjoyed watching them fall in love without that heavy cloud of guilt getting in the way all of the time and spoiling the 'fun' of the story.
I also liked how the author 'solved' the wager issue at the end. It wasn't just swept under the carpet.
Content warning: this book is clean, but it does have some steam. If you love Karen Witemeyer, Jody Hedlund, and Mary Conneally, I'm sure you'll love this.
Book 1, a great read. She works in camouflage for the 'boys' in the war, and she tests the suits out. Which is how she overhears a sinister plot for an attack on US soil. I enjoyed how Rachel sets up the collection. Both weaving her own fabulous story, but also the trindles which would continue through the other books.
Book 2, wasn't for me. It has some nice moments between a wounded soldier reconnecting with the girl he lost, but the near incident in the hotel at the start made me think I didn't want to finish this one. Plus, I struggled to connect with the brash character of the heroine. I did give it a skim read, but it just wasn't for me. Content warning: two near misses with two different couples almost sleeping together.
Book 3, be still my heart. I LOVED this so much. It's written in first person from just the girl's POV, but I didn't miss the guy's POV at all. It's just so well written and engaging. There was one conversation at the end made me a little uncomfortable, but for the most part, I just loved the way Susie told this story. So sweet and fun. Content warning: a story is told about a girl who was groomed by her neighbour which resulted in a pregnancy.
The idea of an author finding herself inside her own story really intrigued me.
I say I read wide, but this one is definitely on the edge of my out there, almost never read. The book starts regency then our couple are thrust into the fantasy world the heroine is writing (a bit like Ivanhoe according to the author). Regency & Regicide is clean adult fantasy, which means your teenager could safely read it without a problem at all.
I could have done with a few more regency scenes, but the couple takes their regency values and habits with them, just like a contemporary might take theirs with them into a fantasy world. I liked that.
I also liked how the author showed that even in a world the heroine created, God is still supreme not the author of the world.
I also loved how it showed the painful, sacrificial side to abolitionism. That making a stand can cost you. Are you willing to do what you think is right even if it costs you?
This book has some good subtle themes and lessons. I'm glad I took a chance and read it. Why not give it a go?
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Pattie CallahanTrue stories wrapped up in a lovely fictional story.
This book takes moments from C. S. Lewis's boyhood and some of his later years and weaves them alongside a very touching fictional story, making the legend come alive in a personable way.
We shall not talk about how many times this book made me cry. Although, I will say that my youngest noticed me crying and asked if someone died. I said yes, and he gave me a hug. Then a little later, he noticed I was crying and asked if someone else had died. Nope, same person. I was just still crying, hadn't even stopped.
Hint, not a good book to read if you want a sneak a few pages here and there while you're out. For example, in the doctor's office while you wait for your kid's appointment... It's much better to read it in privacy.
It's a very touching, well written, and wonderful story. Yes, it made me cry, but I'm so glad I read it. Just beautiful.
A fun marriage of convenience story.
This is my one and only Christmas read this season, although I read a few others during the year. It is a clean read with some mention of God.
I liked the family dynamics (her father is an unusual parson, and the hero's family isn't what they appear at first). The couple themselves and how the story is woven is a fun read. If you like marriage of convenience stories, this one has all the feels and fun, while staying clean.
Content warning: the married couple share a bed once, but nothing happens.
Book Mentions
She’s used to being alone...
...he can’t get away from his guilty conscience.
Will an arranged marriage help them heal, or force them to confront a long-hidden truth and new depths of despair?
Content warning: I haven't finished this book yet, but I suspect the hero might have a drinking issue to overcome.
November's Books with Dienece
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. :)
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 GreeneSuch 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 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 LinderI 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).
But how could I like a book and dislike it at the same time? It was baffling, 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.
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!
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, 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)
