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.

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Spotlight on 'Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse' by Kate Tompkins

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I am very excited that you're here with me today and am also excited to shine the spotlight on this sweet novel. I hope you enjoy the except from the book and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse by Kate Tompkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Tales from the Matthewsburg Manse
Author: Kate Tompkins
Publisher: ‎ The Matthewsburg Manse
Release Date: October 26, 2023
Genre: Short stories/Poetry, Christian fiction, general fiction, rural fiction, wholesome fiction

When city girl Viv's husband Mark accepts his first pastoral charge in rural Matthewsburg, she wonders what to expect, and what will be expected of her. This collection of connected fiction stories, some humorous, some suspenseful, some even romantic, explores Viv's new life as she tries to find her place in the community while dealing with local gossip, old rivalries, suspected murder, sabotaged car shows, and more. Who says life in a small town is boring? 

"This book entertains us with our own humanity, we laugh at human foibles, nod our heads in the mutual pains of life's adventures. Interspersed are poems expressing poignant moments. These provide a place to rest, ponder and even smile before we are once again taken on the life journey of being a spouse in a small town parish. I found myself laughing out loud on occasion. This book is a wonderful read and leaves us with the feeling that life is good." - Nita Kotiuga, retired pastor, Director of Spiritual Formation at Bakke Graduate University.

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Book Review: A Forever Kiss in Silver Leaf Falls by D.E. Malone

Series: Silver Leaf Falls #5

Publisher: Dawn Malone

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Genre: Clean Romance

He can’t wait to leave. She’s searching for a way to stay.
Neither of them is looking for love.

Down-on-her-luck artist Andi Vandermeer leaves New York City and heads to Silver Leaf Falls. With her young son in tow and a nest egg all but depleted, Andi’s only good fortune so far is the job cleaning the Starlight Motel in exchange for a rent-free room. When the local college downsizes the arts program and her hope of teaching ceramics disappears, catching a break seems as likely as her new boss letting her keep her room.

Reese Evers comes home to oversee his parents’ iconic motel during his father’s health crisis. His plan to stay just long enough to get his dad back on his feet is stymied by the long list of repairs needed to the hotel. He doesn’t count on the charming but mysterious Andi living in Room 7.

A surprise offer across the country might be the break Andi’s looking for, and Reese is counting down the days until he can leave Silver Leaf Falls behind. Can they both discover they are right where they belong?

Return to Silver Leaf Falls, Vermont and enjoy the friendships, love, and happily-ever-afters in this sweet, small town romance.

❥ Heat Level: Mild/Sweet

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Reviewer Tour: To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: To Stand in the Breach

Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Release Date: October 12, 2021

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

She came to America to escape a workhouse prison, but will the cost of freedom be too high a price to pay?

1933, Wisconsin -- Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients' welfare personally, so it's no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life.

But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe.

Prequel novella to A Strike to the Heart, releasing April 2022 from Heritage Beacon Press/Iron Stream Media

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Book Review: Runaway Rock Star by Eloise Alden and Kristy Tate

Publisher: Eclectic Books

Release Date: May 15, 2021

Genre: Clean Romance

When Adrienne discovers her husband, Seb, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered and she flees.

Nick, a shop owner who suddenly finds himself the center of media attention, follows.

They both escape to Latin America for different reasons. Adrienne is tired of turning a blind eye to her husband’s affairs. Nick trails after her, not only because he’s become an overnight YouTube sensation and he doesn’t know how to handle it, but also because he’s secretly been in love with Adrienne, his cousin’s wife, for years.

Two people with hurting hearts and unrealized dreams explore the streets of Buenos Aires and the South American countryside, and it changes them both forever. And what they find in each other is something that might just heal them both.

This novella was originally published as That Song in Patagonia.

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Book Review: Christmas on Sheltering Island by Christine Josephs

Welcome to Christmas Through the Year, where on the 25th of each month I feature one of the books I read this past Christmas season.  This month's pick is Christmas on Sheltering Island by Christine Josephs. 

Series: The Sheltering Island Series

Release Date: December 13, 2020

Genre: Short Holiday Romance

It’s nearly Christmas in 1951 and Margaret Murphy has one week to make the biggest decision of her life. An important promotion at work offers a fresh start in a different country…if she accepts it. Needing space to think, Margaret returns to Sheltering Island. Faced with a lifetime of memories, Margaret packs her family’s home, prepares it for sale, and tries to decide what to do next.

Dermot O’Neil had big plans. He was going to be an adventurer and travel the world. Instead, he never left Sheltering. He’s also never lost interest in Margaret. When they meet again, sparks fly. But Dermot has responsibilities that will keep him moored to the island for life.

When Dermot’s secret is revealed, will it cause Margaret to run? Or to find hope in the only place she’s ever really called home?

This short holiday romance story by Christine Josephs will warm the heart, renew hope, and captivate the spirit of Christmas.

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Book Review: The More the Merrier by Liwen Y. Ho

Series: Seasons of Love

Release Date: October 18, 2015

Genre: Clean Romance: Short Reads

Fed up with a string of bad blind dates, health blogger Alyssa Wu wants to drown her sorrows in ice cream. But there’s one more evening she must endure—a fake date with her best friend Barry Chang. They must convince her family they're in love, an act which may (or may not) be easy to pull off, thanks to the magic of some mistletoe.

This 10,000 word short story is perfect for your lunch break, workout, or while you wait in line at the mall. Read it today to get into the Christmas spirit any time of the year!

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Book Review: Road Trip by Evangeline Kelly

Release Date: May 1, 2016

Genre: Christian Short Story

When college student, Kendra Hensley’s car breaks down she knows she needs a solution—fast. Her cousin Chloe’s wedding is the following day and she needs to get from Northern California to Los Angeles. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have enough money to fix her car, much less buy a bus ticket. When Jake Bellomy, the hot Biology lab partner from last semester, offers to give her a ride home, she takes him up on his offer, even though she knows things are bound to get tense since he traded her for another partner in their Biology class. Kendra knows he’s a jerk, but what she doesn’t realize is that God has a way of revealing that people aren’t always what they appear to be.

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Reviewer Tour: A Merry Little Christmas by Brandy Bruce

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for A Merry Little Christmas by Brandy Bruce hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Merry Little Christmas
Author: Brandy Bruce
Release Date: December 7, 2019

Genre: Clean Holiday Romance

Mandy Romano feels as though the Christmas season is one long checklist she wants to ignore. She truly wants to make Christmas special for her family, but this year feels different. She can’t seem to get into the Christmas spirit. When someone from her husband’s past arrives back in town, Mandy’s less than thrilled. She just might need her own Christmas miracle to save this holiday. Mandy’s soul is longing for a simple Christmas, but is that even possible when the season feels so hectic?

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Reviewer Tour: Touched by Fate

Welcome to the Reviewer Tour for Touched by Fate by Preslaysa Williams, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Touched by Fate
Author: Preslaysa Williams  
Publisher: Blasian Chic Media  
Genre: Contemporary Fiction  
Release Date: November 4, 2019  

Analyn Richards likes life the way she likes her wedding planning business—orderly and predictable. 

All doubts aside, getting engaged to the successful man she’s been dating is the natural next step, right?

But on her wedding day uncertainty makes an unscheduled appearance. She finds herself deciding whether to go along with her wedding as planned or whether to make another choice.

Will this perfectionist find the courage to take a chance on the unpredictable?

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What If We Break

My Rating: ★★★★★

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