Review: Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

About the book:

1865--Marietta Hughes never wanted to be a spy, but the family legacy of espionage is thrust upon her as the War Between the States rolls on. Unknown to her, the Knights of the Golden Circle--a Confederate secret society bent on destroying the Union her brother died for--has been meeting in a hidden lair beneath her home. Faced with the secrets of her late husband and his brother, whom she thought she could trust with anything, Marietta's world tilts out of control. Can she right it by protecting a Union agent infiltrating the KGC?

Slade Osborne, an undercover Pinkerton agent, is determined to do whatever is necessary to end the conflict between the North and the South. When he infiltrates this secret cell, it isn't just their inner workings that baffle him--it's the beautiful woman who seems to be a puppet for the new leader and yet...so much more.

Do they dare trust each other in this circle of intrigue? Will their shared faith sustain them? And can Mari and Slade stymie the enemy long enough to see their beloved country reunited?

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My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White

Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White
Culper Ring series: Book Two
Harvest House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

This exciting and adventurous romantic spy novel is the second book in a new series from Roseanna M. White. Whispers from the Shadows combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue during the War of 1812.

Treachery causes Gwyneth Fairchild’s world to crumble. The daughter of a British general, she barely saves her life by fleeing London aboard a ship to America. Her goal is to find refuge with the Lane family in Maryland, having been told by her father she could implicitly trust Winter and Bennet Lane, even though their nations are once again at war. After meeting their son, Thad, she wonders how safe she truly is when she discovers that the Lanes trade in a dangerous commodity—espionage.

Not long after Gwyneth finds refuge in his city, Thad Lane experiences the tug of love, though he fears it may blur lines of loyalty. With family playing the part of enemies and enemies proving themselves friends, a future with Gwyn is uncertain. But at this moment, with the British advancing on Washington and Baltimore, they have only their shared faith in God as a shield about them.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Ever since I finished Ring of Secrets and Fairchild's Lady, I could hardly wait to read Whispers from the Shadows! I just knew it was going to be another fantastic read - and it was!

I loved all of the main characters in Whispers from the Shadows (well, except for Gates - couldn't stand him!) and I especially loved the relationship between Thad and his parents.

I also loved the whole spy aspect to Whispers from the Shadows - especially the codes and encrypted letters. There were a few things in this book that weren't my cup of tea, but the story definitely made up for those things and I just loved this book!

Overall, Whispers from the Shadows was a wonderful addition to the Culper Ring series. As a whole, I think I enjoyed Ring of Secrets a little bit more than this one, but I still absolutely loved Whispers from the Shadows - especially the fantastic ending! I definitely recommend this book and the entire series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.* 

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Review: Fairchild's Lady by Roseanna M. White

Fairchild's Lady by Roseanna M. White 

The Culper Ring series: 1.5 (bonus novella)

Harvest House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

This bonus romantic novella is set in the intervening years between Ring of Secrets and Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White. In 1789 General Isaac Fairchild travels across the Channel on a very special assignment. After surviving the American Revolution, he is now gathering information on life at King Louis XVI’s court. But he must also locate a countess and her grown daughter and escort them back to England before revolution explodes in France. He knows danger is in the task set before him, but when he meets the beautiful Julienne, a new peril beckons him deeper into the intrigue of Versailles.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Wow! Fairchild's Lady has got to be one of the better novellas I've read. Usually they seem too short and the story kind of rushed, but not this one. I loved it! :)

After being introduced to Fairchild in Ring of Secrets, I was really excited to read this story and see what happens next in his life. I really liked his character and also Julienne's.

Even though Fairchild's Lady was fairly short, there was still a good story with some romance and suspense/danger. I was also kind of surprised by some things - which was great. :)

Overall, I loved Fairchild's Lady and definitely recommend it. I think you'll probably want to read Ring of Secrets first, but, even if you don't, I think you'd still be able to enjoy this one. I can't wait to read Whispers from the Shadows.

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Just a note - this novella is FREE on Amazon. :)

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Review: Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White

Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White

The Culper Ring Series: Book One

Harvest House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

This exciting romantic spy novel from Roseanna M. White combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue during the Revolutionary War.

Winter Reeves is an aristocratic Patriot forced to hide her heart amid the Loyalists of the City of New York. She has learned to keep her ears open so she can pass information on British movements to Robbie Townsend, her childhood friend, and his spy ring. If she's caught, if she's hung for espionage...well, she won't be. Robbie has taught her the tools of the trade: the wonders of invisible ink, drop locations and, most importantly, a good cover.

Bennet Lane returns to New York from his Yale professorship with one goal: to find General Washington's spy hidden among the ranks of the elite. Searching for a wife was supposed to be nothing more than a convenient cover story for his mission, but when he meets Winter, with her too-intelligent eyes in her too-blank face, he finds a mystery that can't be ignored.

Both believers...and both committed to a separate cause. Will their faith in God lead them to a shared destiny or lives lived apart?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Ring of Secrets was so good! It had pretty much everything I look for in a historical novel - great characters, interesting story, history, good message, and a little suspense! An added bonus was the whole spy aspect - coded messages with invisible ink, secret ring of spies, etc. - loved that!

Ring of Secrets did start a tad bit slow (at least in my opinion), but it wasn't long before my attention was captured and I had a hard time putting the book down.

I loved the history in Ring of Secrets. It was so interesting to learn about the Culper Ring and I loved how there were historical figures in the novel in addition to the fictional ones.

I also loved the twists in Ring of Secrets and the romance was sweet. I was a little surprised by the time jump in the epilogue, but it definitely makes me want to read the free novella as well as book two, Whispers From The Shadows, as soon as possible.

If you enjoy historical romance novels with some intrigue, I definitely recommend Ring of Secrets! It was such a wonderful book! :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

The Secret Lives of Will Tucker: Book One

Harvest House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

From bestselling author Kathleen Y'Barbo comes a brand-new series of romance, adventure, and hidden identity.

May 1887--Flora Brimm is determined the fifth time is the charm. Back home she has a reputation as "Fatal Flora," a woman whose previous four fiancés died in untimely accidents. Flora is desperate to marry, because producing an heir is the only way she can keep her family's estate. She's confident this visit to Eureka Springs with her grandmother will help her land a husband.

Pinkerton detective Lucas McMinn is hot on the trail of Will Tucker, the thief who broke his sister's heart. When he discovers the slippery fellow with Flora, he thinks they are in on the devious plot together. Will Flora be able to convince Lucas of her innocence? Will Lucas catch the elusive Mr. Tucker?

And, more importantly, will Lucas survive if he pursues Flora's heart?

An engaging story of how God can move circumstances to bring love, joy, and lasting fulfillment to the most hopeless heart.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Flora's Wish is the fourth book I've read by Kathleen Y'Barbo and another great read! I loved the whole Pinkertons aspect in the story. I always seem to enjoy books with those types of agents (or really just any detective agents) in it.

I loved the main character - Lucas McMinn! I thought all of the gadgets/inventions he had were really cool. I also liked how, at times, he held his ground with Flora - though she did tend to do things her own way which led to some funny scenes.

While I did like Flora Brimm, she did annoy me a little when she kept things regarding Will Tucker to herself and didn't tell Lucas. I also got a little frustrated with her when she blatantly went against what Lucas told her to do. So my favorite character was definitely Lucas and my second favorite was either Kyle or Flora's grandmother.

The ending was so good! It did kind of have a cliffhanger, which just makes me want to read the next book in this series, Millie's Treasure, ASAP - though it doesn't release until August of this year.

Overall, Flora's Wish was a great read that I really enjoyed. The story was a little slow at times, but nothing too bad. I recommend it if you enjoy historical books with some suspense/mystery. 

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Under the Summer Sky by Lori Copeland

Under the Summer Sky by Lori Copeland

The Dakota Diaries: Book Two

Harvest House / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

This romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1893—A man who goes only by the name of “Jones” isn’t looking for trouble when he happens across Miss Trinity Franklin at the riverside. He is simply on his way to North Dakota to seek the advice of Tom Curtis, a former CN&W Railroad land purchaser. But when Jones spots a lady who is about to become the victim of a marauding band of thugs, he quickly follows his instincts. A handy barrel and a nearby river seem the perfect getaway solution…how was he to know she couldn’t swim?

Thus begins an adventure beyond what either could have anticipated. After Jones again rescues Trinity—this time from the river—they find their destination is the same: a small town in North Dakota. A seemingly coincidental beginning comes to a delightful and charming ending when orchestrated by the One who can put the pieces of any lost and broken life together.

My rating:

My thoughts:

After reading Love Blooms In Winter (the first book in Lori Copeland's Dakota Diaries) last year, I was really looking forward to reading Under the Summer Sky and it was a good read (though I did like book one a tad bit more).

I really liked the characters and loved that the main ones from Love Blooms In Winter (Mae and Tom) were also in this book. Lil was probably my favorite character from Under the Summer Sky - she was just so comical and different!

There were some crazy scenes in Under the Summer Sky (especially the one with the plague of grasshoppers!). I liked the whole aspect of searching for the missing deed and thought it added a little bit of mystery to the story.

Under the Summer Sky was a quick read and, while there were a couple times the writing was a little hard for me to follow, I still really liked it - just wish the ending would have been a little different as it left me wondering about a few things.

Still, it was a great historical read and I recommend it if you enjoy these types of books.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Excerpt from Under the Summer Sky:

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