The Bachelor Spy by Pepper Basham. Book 5 of the Freddie and Grace Mystery series ~ a book review

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Pepper Basham brings her usual humorous flair to this exciting historical mystery.

The story opens onboard the Lusitania in 1915. Stephen Blake is on the trail of a German spy. After surviving an attempt on his life and the sinking of the ship, he is informed that the spy may be at a hospital in his cousin’s estate. He only knows the spy by the code name ‘The Midnight Angel’.  Who, among all the nurses, house staff and office staff, could she be? To add to the mystery there is also a series of thefts that may or may not be connected.  His cousin, Lord Frederick  Astley is away serving in the war. His wife, Lady Grace Astley is left to oversee the estate and hospital. 

Who is the spy? Who can Stephen trust? Is he the only agent on the trail? Are the thefts connected?

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins
 
Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.
 
Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.
 
Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?”

This is a suspenseful and exciting story with several twists and turns.  Romance takes second place to the mystery and there is a level of intimacy that some readers of Christian fiction may not appreciate. I am fairly conservative when it comes to that and I did not find it inappropriate of offensive.

This is book 5 of the Freddie and Grace Mystery series.  If you are a fan of this author’s books, you won’t be disappointed with this one. It is a stand alone story but I encourage you to read the other books in the series. Christian fictions readers and secular fiction readers will both enjoy this book.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing  through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

A Wager with the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund, Bk. 3 of the Shanahan Match series

 

This story takes place in 1849, in the midst of a cholera outbreak, in St. Louis Missouri.

Alannah Darraugh, a young Irish young lady, is working in the O’Brien household as a maid. Her employers close their home and leave the city to escape being exposed to cholera leaving her jobless. She is being harassed and threatened by a local gang leader, Shaw Farrell. Her brother, Torin, was a member of the gang but quit which angers Shaw. Shaw is determined that Alannah will marry him but she refuses and has to hide from him. There is a confrontation between Torin and Shaw after Shaw assaults Alannah. Torin’s boss, Kiernan Shanahan, who is also Mrs. O’Brien’s brother, finds her a job working for his mother in their country home. Torin enlists the aid of the local matchmaker to find her a husband, thinking she would be safe if she were married. The matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, matches her with Kiernan, unbeknownst to him. Alannah knows that it is an impossible match because of the difference if their social class.. Kiernan’s mother is not pleased that her son has taken her under his protective wing and gives her the lowest job in the home, the scullery maid and warns her to stay away from her son. Bellamy has also told Kiernan that he has found him a match but doesn’t reveal who it is. Even though Kiernan and Alannah are attracted to each other, they know a match is not possible so Keirnan keeps looking for a wife while Alannah decides she will not marry.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“After her brother's entanglement with an Irish gang threatens their family's safety, Alannah Darragh flees St. Louis and her troubled past, seeking refuge as a maid for the affluent Shanahan family. Alannah's resolve to avoid romance is tested by the undeniable attraction she feels for Kiernan Shanahan. Determined to maintain her position and the safety it provides, she vows to resist the pull of her heart despite the growing bond between them and their undeniable chemistry.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Kiernan Shanahan sees a shrewd opportunity to invest in a clay mine and brickyard to aid the city's rebuilding. To secure his venture, he seeks a wealthy bride with a substantial dowry. However, the matchmaker he consults has different plans. As danger looms and Alannah fights to keep her brother safe, Kiernan's protective instincts draw them closer, but a future together seems too far out of reach. It will take a miracle--or a wager with the wily matchmaker--to form a match between the unlikely couple.”

Will Torin and Kiernan be able to save Alannah from Shaw?

Will Bellamy be successful in his matchmaking?

Read an excerpt HERE 

This is an exciting story with suspense and danger throughout. The level of intimacy may not be acceptable by some readers of Christian fiction, while not explicit, it is more than some may like. And the minimal mention of God and faith my also be a concern. For this reason I have given it a 4 star rating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart ~ a book review

 

I really like a story that includes actual places, occurrences and people. This one takes place at an actual place in the historic south, Graham Springs, a spa type hotel, owned by Dr. Graham, a prominent character in the story. There is also an actual historic mystery about a young woman who mysteriously shows up at the hotel, only to die that evening leaving no clue as to who she was or why she was there. The author calls her Vanessa.

Another thing I liked about this story was the manageable list of characters. Some stories have so many characters that it is hard to keep track of them all.

The story focuses on the Bradford family. The widowed mother and her two daughters. Mr. Bradford died, after having made some questionable financial dealings, leaving his family in dire circumstances. Mrs. Bradford decides their only salvation is for the eldest daughter, Elena to find a rich husband.

There are two gentlemen who are particularly interested in Elena. Andrew, is at the hotel to get over being jilted and the other, Kirby, is there to find a rich wife. He is an artist and needs funds to go out west to pursue his artist ambitions. Neither are aware of the financial circumstances of the Bradfords.

Elena has her heart set on marrying for love and is hoping she can find a wealthy man who she can love. Her younger sister, Ivy, is in love with a young farmer back home.

There is an exciting , run-a-way stagecoach ride, fancy nightly balls and gorgeous scenery. The author does a wonderful job of describing them all.

This is from the publisher’s web site:

“Nothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined.

At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening.

As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.

When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty. “

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

This is a clean historical romance. Christian faith is present but not at all “preachy” and the dialog is easy to follow and enjoyable. This was a pleasure to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Netgalley through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller ~ a book review

 

This book reminds me of Jane Autin’s Emma, but very loosely. 

EJ and Jordon are best friends and partners in a Christian matchmaking company.  While EJ wants to see the company grow and expand, Jordan is concerned that they may lose the Christian aspect that it was founded on.  As the story progresses , Jordan realizes his feelings of friendship toward EJ are growing into something more serious.  However, EJ has become aquainted with a rich playboy, Eric, who is willing to invest in their company. Jordon fears that his motives are not honorable and that he wants to do away with the Christian premise of their company.  EJ is slowly becoming influenced by his flattery, attention and financial prospects.  Eventually EJ discovers that Eric is untrustworthy, but almost loses Jordan’s friendship.  Will EJ and Jordon be able to keep their friendship? Will their feelings grow?  Will they be able to continue their business?

EJ is not my favorite character. She seems too easily influenced and not worthy of Jordon’s feelings.  

This is from the publisher's website:

 "Can the Matchmaker Find True Love?
 Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley."

While this book is characterized as Christian , there are some inappropriate instances and slang that some might find offensive.

The premise of the story is interesting and if you want to read an updated version of Emma, you might enjoy this one. 

Go HERE to read an excerpt 

I received a complimentary copy of this book Barbour Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Angel of Second Street, Enduring Hope Bk. 1 by Barbara Tifft Blakey ~ a book review

 

In California in 1884 prejudice and the class system are very evident. Ida, the “orphaned” niece of a wealthy family, finds this to be the opposite of what her Christian faith teaches her and determines to fix it. With the help of her best friend, she concocts a plan to visit the Chinese section of town and the ladies of the night on Second Street, in order to spread the Gospel and teach them about Jesus.

When Blaine first meets Ida he knows that she is the woman he has been praying for, but as the son of a wealthy shipowner, his father has different expectations for him. His father, without his knowledge, arranges for him to be sent away to work for a man with a daughter that he is expected to marry. Both Blaine and the daughter are not in agreement with their fathers because they both love someone else.

Blaine defies his father and returns home to court Ida.

Both Blaine and Ida are very strong in their Christian faith and while Blaine supports Ida’s efforts he is concerned for her safety. The community is very against both the Second Street residents and the Chinese community. They have forced the Chinese out of the main part of town and into Chinatown where feuding gangs rule. With the help of the local pastor, Ida makes a plan to minister to them.

Will her plan work?

Why are her Aunt and Uncle so opposed to her mission?

Why are Blaine’s parents so against his relationship with Ida?

Why is one particular Second Street lady so adamant about her staying away?

This is from the publisher’s website:

“How Can Compassion be Considered Wrong?

When life is weighed down by challenges, pillars of enduring hope and love are always waiting to be discovered.

Ida Dempsey has grown up in a privileged life of luxury thanks to her aunt and uncle. Although Second Street—where women of ill repute ply their wares—is off limits to respectable citizens, her heart of compassion compels her to frequent the area, hoping to make a difference in their lives. Ida has also befriended Qui Shau, a Chinese woman who keeps house for her family, but friendships between the whites and Chinese are taboo in Eureka. Ida tries to keep secret her forbidden compassion, but someone is watching and will use it against her.

When Blaine Prescott meets Ida at a church picnic, his parents warn him away from any relationship with the young lady who has been seen on Second Street in the company of a Chinese woman. But how could such a kindhearted, lovely young woman be anything but good? But when riots break out in Chinatown and Ida disappears, Blaine will do anything to find out where and why she has gone."

This is a wonderful faith based story of love, grace and forgiveness spun with mystery, secrets, overcoming prejudice and forbidden love.

There are historical notes in the back that are very interesting.

Go HERE to read an excerpt

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”