Book Review of 'Hearts Unknown' by Dienece Darling

Merry Christmas Eve Bookworms!

I can't believe it's Christmas Eve!! This holiday season has flown by so fast that I am afraid that I haven't had the chance to really slow down and enjoy it but that stops today!

I am off to celebrate Christmas with my family in a few short hours, but I just had to stop in really quick to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and as a little gift from me I thought I'd share a quick review of the most darling short story that would be perfect to read once the craziness of the holidays dies down. I hope you enjoy my thoughts and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

About the Book

Title: Hearts Unknown
Author: Dienece Darling
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

When the heart longs for what it cannot have, toes aren't safe in the ballroom.

Edith Howard has long mourned the loss of Clarence. He was more than the boy next door. He was her dearest friend until he left without word or warning. But when Clarence makes a surprise return the London season of 1763, the gentleman standing before her bears little resemblance to the boy she used to know. What happened to Clarence, and why is he back?

A chance encounter might be just the ticket Clarence needs to convince Edith he always has been and always will be hers. If only she wasn't listening to those dangerous street preachers. Clarence doesn't know how to save the lady he loves from believing the world will end on February 28th. Or, for that matter, how to show her all that's in his heart.

What will it take for Edith to see the man Clarence is today? And dare she let him back into her life when she doesn’t know what drove him away the first time?

This clean, historical romance novelette is written in dual first person with faith content and has a happily-ever-after.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

My Review

On a chilly December afternoon, I wanted something quick I could read and picked up Hearts Unknown. What I hadn’t anticipated was just how much I was going to enjoy this story about two childhood friends that reignite their friendship and more as adults.

This story had a powerful message that I was not quite expecting but was needed, nonetheless. This book tells more than just a love story but a reminder. “Faith is not idle. It stirs one to action.” I will heed the call.

I honestly wish all books could be like this! The timing and pace were perfect; it’s a simple story yet I felt like I knew the characters and situations well, and was honestly sad that it had to end, yet happy that I got to spend a quiet afternoon in this world.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Multi-Award Finalist, Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle and missionary's kid who calls Australia home these days with her Aussie husband and two sons. Her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.

As a teen, Dienece would greet the dawn with a paperback in hand, but she constrains herself now to eBooks and the more respectable hour of midnight. Her eyes and pocketbook might be grateful for the invention of eBooks, but Dienece still loves a good paperback whenever possible. Libraries are one of her favourite places to visit. Who doesn't want to be surrounded by books?

Dienece writes first-person inspirational historical romance and was a finalist in the ACFW First Impressions Contest 2023, the Florida West Coast Writers Competition 2023, and the CALEB Award 2022. Dienece was also a semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis Contest 2022.

Connect with Dienece by visiting dienecedarling.com.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher.

All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.