Hearts Unknown

by Dienece Darling

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.

Genres: Historical, Novella, Christian

74 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

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.

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute friends to lovers story. It is on the shorter side, which makes it a nice quick read. I liked Edith and Clarence. I did get a little confused, like parts were missing but it’s a shorter story so that could be why. I did enjoy the Christian content as well. Overall, good story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance features Edith, who missed her best friend Clarence when he disappeared from her life without an explanation. After a chance encounter years later, they each wonder how the other is thinking and feeling. The way they figure things out, against a background of rebellious street preachers, is intriguing. A nice read!
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[readcleancatmomtanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

3.5 stars. Miscommunication can be something else. I know we all do it, but it can be annoying. The story was a quick read and not too detailed since it was short.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith and Clarence have been in love with each other for a long time, but have never declared themselves to each other. Edith is a devout Christian that believes that Christ will come any day. Clarence is a skeptic. One day, Clarence encounters a preacher who awakens him spiritually and has come to see the truth of Jesus Christ and His imminent return. Now that Edith and Clarence are in accord concerning their beliefs, will they be able to declare their love for each other? This is a wonderful little Christian romance, with a great Gospel message. Christian romantics of any age will enjoy this book that features no sex, bad language, or violence. I would have liked the book better if the characters and their life situations were more developed. I recieved a complimenary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written friend to lovers' historical novelette set in the Georgian period. The characters were likable and interesting. It includes an interesting and compelling faith element throughout the story. I enjoyed how a past childhood friendship became a shocking yet beautiful love story with a delightful and happy ending. I recommend reading.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, sweet, friends to lovers romance with faith elements intertwined throughout the story.

Edith and Clarence were childhood friends and when it became time to make her debut, she was expecting her friend to accompany her. But he left, and their friendship fell apart. That is until they come in contact again, still both unmarried with questions between them. Truth be told, he was helping her find suitors when they had split prior, so he assumed she had settled down. So to find out she was still single, caused all the feelings to rush back for Clarence.

When Ediths family starts to worry about her beliefs, they try to use Clarence to sway her. But Ediths beliefs won't be swayed, even if she has to choose them over Clarence. Once again they are separated... but will Clarence and her ever get a chance to be together? Will her loved ones ever understand her beliefs and why she's holding so tightly to her faith?!

***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my personal thoughts and experiences with the book.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

*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.

[Megan Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set right when John Wesley was creating waves with his Methodist church, Hearts Unknown is a sweet, friends-to-love, historical romance. I loved this debut novelette because of the author's unique voice, and the cute romance. I especially liked the added historical elements of Wesley's England — he even has a cameo! This really added depth to the conflict as well as the sense of time and place.

As for the romance, we find the hero (Clarence) and heroine (Edith) reunited after a long separation — thanks to the oversensitive Clarence misunderstanding the oblivious Edith's intentions many years ago. Clarence remains smitten with Edith, while Edith remains oblivious. And the story unfolds exactly as advertised — lots of manners, dancing, miscommunication, and the ultimate happy ever after.

I loved this book, happy to give it 5 stars!

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Unknown is a sweet, historical romance novella. Edith and Clarence are good childhood friends with a budding romance. Then, because of a complete misunderstanding on both parts, their relationship falls apart. I could see these two are perfect for each other, and I was cheering them on. With roadblocks, an interesting historic backdrop concerning the Methodist church, and a little bit of humor, their lives continue ... whether it's with or without each other, you'll have to read it for yourself and see.

I enjoyed Darling's writing style, and the story itself is fabulous. Five stars!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story truly surprised me. The tale itself revolved around two childhood friends, Clarence and Edith, and hoe their friendship changed/evolved as they became adults. Underlying the story itself were the simple, yet unyieldingly important, messages of the power of love and that faith is a living entity, to be practiced daily.

It was a treat to receive this short, yet powerful story, and I look forward to reading more from this author. (This review was provided voluntarily.) Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Suzie Pybus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming love story in novelette form with a strong faith element.
Set in 18th century England, Edith and Clarence's friendship grows into love amid strict societal rules which cause some comical misunderstandings.
The characters are engaging and likeable, the plot interesting and easy to follow.
I found myself sincerely invested in the characters and hoping for their romantic success.
I enjoy the voice of this new author and look forward to reading more of Dienece's stories.

[Teri Easterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could be a witnessing help

Sharing this story with a non-believer could open a conversation about having a relationship with Jesus. The characters are not perfect and need to grow their faith and do so as the story progresses. Interesting look at how Methodists were perceived in their early days.

[Katherine R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dienece Darling never disappoints

“Hearts Unknown” is a beautiful story with interesting characters and witty banter. It has plenty of suspense also. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean historical romance!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet friends to more romance. The characters are interesting. There are misunderstandings a plenty but true love wins in the end.

[Caren Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story with surprising twists.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blurred lives between friendship and romance cause confusion in the hearts and minds of young Londoners.

[LaRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick, Sweet, faith filled story!

[Tabitha McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and I really enjoyed it! If you love a historical clean romance with some comedy this book is for you. It's a friend's to lover book and very easy to read.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a difficult plot to follow. It seemed there were lots of gaps in the story. I did appreciate the Christian emphasis. I don’t expect I will read any more books by this author.

[Jennifer Mistmorgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, enjoyable read with crisp historical details and a strong faith element. Looking forward to more of this author's work!

[Ms · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this work, and to Voracious Readers for their input too.

The tale is based in the Eighteenth Century and has the requiste bonnets and balls. However, the crux of the book highlights one of the main character's obsession with the end of the world. That led to far too much biblical reflection. I felt like I was back in an RE class at times.
But it didn't need to be like this! Unfortunately, there wasn't enough background material putting the main character's fears in context. Why not mention the Lisbon earthquake or any other catastrophe of the era? Why not mention the discussion of Enlightenment philosphers?

There was capacity to make this so much better with not much more effort.