Today for Fiction Friday I’m sharing my book recommendation for Hearts Unknown by Dienece Darling, a delightful historical romance novelette set in the Georgian era.
Here’s the Book Description:
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.
Narelle’s Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading Hearts Unknown, and I especially loved how it’s a shorter work that includes an intriguing faith element. Edith has missed seeing her old friend, Clarence, who has ghosted her for no apparent reason. Their meet cute in the opening chapter is adorable, and a cute little bird reunites Edith and Clarence after many years apart. Their romance is sweet and the strict society rules create many obstacles for Edith and Clarence to navigate in the story.
The Georgian setting isn’t one I read often, and I appreciated the historical details that brought the story to life. We meet London street preachers and learn more about the Methodist influence at that time. The banter and quirky misunderstandings, similar to regency era stories, add to the charm and make it a fun and easy read. I recommend Hearts Unknown to historical romance readers who like Georgian era novelettes with unrequited love themes and a compelling faith thread in the story.
Learn more about Dienece Darling and her writing at her website.
Thank you so much, Narelle! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and saw the threads I wanted to weave through it. It always makes an author’s day to know they’re hard work paid off. 🙂
Hi Dienece, you’re welcome. A pleasure to share my thoughts on your story. 😊