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Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

A Heart to Treasure book cover on blue background

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything.

Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s bright future is built on a lie?

Eliza Hill never expected a gentleman to pay her court, let alone ask for her hand in marriage. With their wedding day less than a fortnight away, life is an impossible dream come true. Although, it would be nice if Obadiah called her Eliza instead of the more genteel Elisabeth, and she finds the rigors of acting like a perfect lady stifling. But, surely, being married to the man she loves will be worth wearing a mask for the rest of her life.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is a gentle yet soul-stirring Regency book that wades into the depths of our sin while providing glimpses of hope and forgiveness. Obadiah and Eliza are young and discovering what it means to follow God instead of their hearts, and the result is a beautiful story about God's will. It's a shorter book that you can't help but feel invested in as the storytelling is rich and the truths are powerful.

I appreciate that the Obadiah and Eliza have much to grow in as they solidify their faith and character through difficult circumstances. The result is an incisive look at how pride and anger can separate us from loved ones, which Dienece Darling writes so vividly, taking us on a roller coaster of emotions. If you're looking for a story that can tug at your heart while expounding biblical teachings in a natural yet convicting manner, A Heart to Treasure reveals how God can refine us for His glory.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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