Nov 23, 20245 min read

December's Books with Dienece

Updated: Dec 27, 2024

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!

Woven in the Mist by Carole Lehr Johnson

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 McRae

This 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.

Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, Susie Finkbeiner

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.

Regency & Regicide by J.J. Fisher

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 Callahan

True 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.

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

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.