Bookish Thoughts: The Spy Keeper of Marseille

 

Description:

Few would suspect a young widow and mother of two small children of being a spy. Fewer still would believe she leads the largest intelligence operation in France.

Marseille, France, 1941. Zelie Bellerose never fit the mold of an army officer’s wife. She was too passionate in her convictions, too indifferent to societal expectations. After her husband is killed in the war, Zelie focuses on securing a brighter future for her children, hoping to help free her country from the Nazi regime by joining the Resistance. She is soon one of the most trusted operatives in Alliance, and when their leader is imprisoned, she takes command, hiding her identity from all but a few. With enemies closing in, Zelie must earn the trust of her network and prove herself to those who doubt a woman’s place at the helm of France’s largest spy ring.

Marcel Laurent was a renowned concert pianist before joining the French army and being sent to a POW camp. Freed in a prisoner exchange by a wealthy businessman with ties to the Resistance, Marcel agrees to spy for Alliance by conducting a youth orchestra, gathering intelligence from patrons who are loose-lipped Nazi sympathizers. Marcel’s weekly radio broadcasts introducing the orchestra’s performances give him the perfect cover to send coded messages over the airwaves.

As Zelie and Marcel grow closer through their shared love of music, she begins to rely on him. But betrayal from within Alliance puts everything they’ve fought for at risk. When a double agent infiltrates their ranks and the two are captured, their bond faces its greatest test . . . and any misstep could jeopardize not only Alliance but the very outcome of the war.

Learn more about the book here! (this for Ms. White's website - more links will be at the bottom of this post)

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. Having successfully launched two homeschool grads, she now spends her time writing fiction, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and check out her full book list at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

My Thoughts:

I started this book during what turned out to be a busy couple of weeks for our family and most often found myself only able to read a page or two at a time.  I found myself frustrated more than once, as I so wanted to be able to just keep reading! As I got nearer to the end of the story, I was thankfully able to read for slightly longer snatches of time, so I wasn’t just completely distracted wondering what would become of Zelie and Marcel.  At some moments I was really wondering if the author was going to follow a possibly historically accurate storyline and there wouldn’t be a happy ending.  Whew!  Thankfully, that was NOT the case!

I confess that I struggled to settle into this story. I really want to read it again, when I have time to just sit down and read a few chapters at a time and see if that makes the difference. Though it took me a little longer than usual, I did finally fall in love with Zelie and Marcel! They felt a little hard to connect with, at least in part because of how little I was able to read in a sitting. Zelie is a bit of a different character, as she seems to always be the one making hard decisions, which made her “feel” a little distant from everyone else.  I loved how Marcel saw her for who she really was, beyond the leader fighting for freedom.

I definitely fell in love with Marcel first.  He is so genuine, a funny thing to say for a man lying to the Nazis. But his love for music, for the young men in his orchestra, for Zelie, for France, made him easy to love.  Though it took me a little longer to connect with Zelie, I loved her heart for her children, her desire for France to find freedom again, and her determination to be part of the fight.

As always, Ms. White does a delightful job of bringing her story world to life!  With her beautiful gift of storytelling I could easily imagine walking down the streets with Zelie, stopping by pianos just for the joy of music with Marcel, and fighting alongside them to undermine the Nazis. This story reminded me of the sacrifices of so many who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed my time spent in France, with these characters! Their story isn’t an easy one, but still beautiful for the struggle and I really enjoyed that it was based on real life people!  If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, I would highly recommend this one!

This is one of the only books I've read entirely in paper this year! Which was both fun and a little more tricky than I realized, with having 4 little ones now. I've been doing most of my reading during the dark watches of the night, whilst up feeding the baby. I'm so thankful for library apps that get many of the new books I enjoy! What time of day do you most often read? Or most prefer for reading?

As always, links to learn more about this delightful book are below!

Have a lovely day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

Bookish Thoughts: Final Approach

 

Description:

She's intent on investigating a sinister plot of revenge, and it will take all her courage to survive.

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

Get your copy here!

About the Author:

Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Double Take, Target Acquired, and Serial Burn, as well as the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at LynetteEason.com.

My Thoughts:

There’s a reason Ms. Eason has become (in my opinion) one of the best known and enjoyed authors of Romantic Suspense in Christian Fiction and this book reminds readers of why that is.  It is the action-packed, suspense driven, delightful romance that we’ve come to love and expect from this author. Though this book is the finale to the series, you technically don’t have to read them in order.  But the previous ones were just as good, so why would you want to skip them? 

  I actually read this book so quickly that I had to go back and reread sections of it before writing my review, because I kept thinking “wait, was that in this book?”  It was so edge-of-my-seat suspenseful that I saw midnight more than once while reading after the little ones were in bed!  I loved getting to know Kristine and Andrew and how naturally their romance developed amid everything happening and all of the questions needing answered.  There were also several red herrings planted that made me question my conclusions, though I did end up being right about part of the mystery!  I so enjoy how Ms. Eason both keeps me guessing, but also leaves just enough clues that I’m not completely frustrated when the answers come to light. 

  I do have to say that I found the final unveiling of the villain and their plan overly complicated and a little unrealistic.  I had guessed the villain and figured out a little of the plot, but when everything was explained, it just seemed a bit much.  But maybe it was supposed to be that way, to drive home the extremity of their obvious derangement?  If that was the intention, then it was spot on!  

  Overall, I really enjoyed this story and getting to see these characters finally get their story!  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspenseful stories that keep you rushing to turn the next page!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my advanced copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

As always, thank you for taking the time to stop by!  I wish I had more to say here, but my bed is calling and my brain is ready to answer.  So I'll simply say "cheerio!" until next time! 

Bookish Thoughts and a blog tour/giveaway! - Saving the Mountain Man's Legacy

About the Book

Book: Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 18, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Sampson Coulter is determined to undo his disastrous mistake that is jeopardizing his family’s future. Now he’s deeply embedded in the corrupt mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland, and has earned the trust of Jedidiah, the brutal right-hand man. The threat reaches much farther than his own family, and he knows he must dismantle the operation from within…or die trying.

Grieving the loss of her mother, Grace Hampton is shocked to discover a newborn baby on her doorstep. When she seeks help from her father, Jedidiah, she never imagines he’ll force her to marry Sampson Coulter, the kind man who only gave her a ride to town. Though her father has always been willing to pass her off, at least she has Sampson’s promise to protect her and the baby. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.

Marrying Jedidiah’s daughter adds an impossible complication to Sampson’s mission. It seems he can’t have it all—redemption for himself, justice for the victims of the corruption, protection for the innocent…and a life with the woman and babe he’s coming to love. From a USA Today bestselling author comes the gripping series finale filled with high-stakes danger, a marriage of convenience, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share the finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series with you! This is Sampson’s story, the black sheep of the family. I thought it might be fun to give you a taste of one of my favorite scenes in the book:

***

Sampson eyed the woman he’d been told to marry. “I’d feel better if you and Ruby weren’t at the mercy of your father. I’d rather give you my name and make sure you have a nice place to live—a safe place. I’ll make sure you want for nothing.” She studied him with furrowed brow. He let his eyes plead with her as he said this last part. “Please consider it. For Ruby’s sake, if nothing else.”

Her expression didn’t change, she simply…stared at him. What thoughts churned in that mind of hers? Did she believe him?

Or did she think he was on her father’s side, trying to manipulate her into giving him control?

Show her the truth, Lord.

At last, her mouth parted as she prepared to speak. Her voice came out hesitant. “Would you expect to…live with us? Like a real husband?”

He shook his head, fighting off the burn in his cheeks at what she really asked. “You can live wherever you like. My family has a ranch a day’s ride from here. You’re welcome to move in there. Or if you want to be on your own, near a town, we’ll find a place you like.” He forced himself to meet her gaze again. They had to be honest with each, and he couldn’t let embarrassment get in the way of anything she needed to ask. “I won’t expect anything from you. Nothing like in a usual marriage.”

Her shoulders sagged a little, as if in relief. But a small furrow remained between her brows. “Why are you doing this? Why would you willingly burden yourself with us?”

He let himself consider her question. Why did he want her to say yes so much? He didn’t owe her anything. She was the daughter of his enemy—kin to the man who stole a year’s worth of sapphires from his family.

But this woman was different. Nothing like Jedidiah. And for some reason, he craved to keep her safe. To protect her from the evil who’d sired her. She didn’t deserve to be at that man’s mercy. Nor did the sweet child.

Sampson could help her so easily. Not only did he have money from his share of the sapphires, which he’d saved for years, he also had his pay from McPharland.

He swallowed as he tried to put all this into words. “I can help you.” His voice graveled with how much he wanted to do that. And then he let himself say the real truth. “And maybe in helping you, I can make up for my own mistakes.”

***

I pray you love Sampson and Grace’s story in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L's Book Impressions, May 31

lakesidelivingsite, May 31

Book Looks by Lisa, June 1

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Simple Harvest Reads, June 3 (guest review from Marilyn)

Melissa's Bookshelf, June 3

Texas Book_Aholic, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Holly's Book Corner, June 7

Cover Lover Book Review, June 8

Devoted to Hope, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Library Lady's Kid Lit, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 12

Jeanette's Thoughts, June 13

Mary Hake, June 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54233

My Thoughts:

A couple things to note, before beginning my review. I knew this book was part of a series, but I didn't realize that it is the last book in the series (and yes, I just realized that it actually says that in the description) - and I haven't read any of the other ones. That seemed very important, the further into the story I read (especially as more characters were added). Also, this book seems to be a little longer than a novella, but not nearly as long as a typical novel, so parts of it seemed very rushed to me.

 So, those notes aside, I really enjoyed this story! I liked Grace and Sampson right away, and who wouldn’t love tiny Ruby?  I loved Sampson’s family and how they welcomed Grace with open arms.  I appreciated Grace’s strength and determination to help with the problems they were faced with.  I enjoyed how the author set the stage to tell this final story and how she wove each of the prior characters into the story, though I didn’t know that until after reading it and going to search out the other books.  If I had been a loyal reader who had followed the entire series, I believe I would have found the ending exceptionally satisfying, with what seemed to be all of the loose ends tied up neatly.  Having not read the other books, I did still quite enjoy how it came to a close.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick historical read with a sweet romance and adventure.  I would also probably suggest trying the other books first, so you would have the further depth of characters that I was missing a little bit.

*I received this book through Celebrate Lit for promotional purposes.  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by!  I hope you have a delightful day!  (also, I'm sorry for a couple formatting issues.  I've tried several times to fix them, but am at a loss.  Hopefully I'll get them straightened out by my next post!)

Bookish Thoughts: Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

 

Hello, Friends!  Goodness, it has been so long since I've shared a review!  Our three little ones have definitely been keeping me busy!  But, I'm super excited to be sharing a couple Christmas novella reviews over the next couple days.  Starting with (drum roll) . . . . Christmas At Sugar Plum Manor!

Description:

The Nutcracker and Edwardian-Era England combine to weave a magical tale of love and friendship at Christmastime.

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their friendship would kindle into something more, but that was before she heard Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will be the heir her stepfather needs, but she’ll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself caught between his affection for her and her family’s misunderstanding of his attachment to Lady Pearl. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah’s hand by Christmas. Will the magic of the holiday season help lead to the discovery of true love, or will duty to country leave all longing for what could have been?

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

My Thoughts:

I want to go back in time and visit Sugar Plum Manor (if it were real)!

But, seeing as how that isn’t an option, reading this book is definitely the next best thing!  I loved it so much!  I’m not usually much of a Christmas novel reader, but when one of your very favorite authors shares that she’s writing one, you smile and start reading it as soon as it’s available.  At least, I do.  Because who doesn’t love Christmas in August? (when my advanced copy arrived)  I’m definitely looking forward to reading it again, closer to December, maybe with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of tea, and some Christmas cookies.

Things I loved: the setting.  A beautiful manor house in England!

The characters:  Lady Mariah was delightful!  I loved her kind and generous spirit and how she seeks to share joy with others.  And Cyril who loves Mariah’s whimsy and discovers a family, if he’s willing to leave his bitterness behind.  The village children!  I can just imagine the fun they had, throwing snowballs and leading the adults on a merry adventure.

The reminders of the season:  a couple of the characters are grumpy and obviously aren’t enjoying the wonder of Christmas and I loved how the author and the other characters drew them, and myself as the reader, into the delight and joy around them.

Overall, if you are looking for a beautiful story to spend a few hours with that leaves you laughing and smiling in contentment as the last page is turned, I would highly recommend this one!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own!

It feels so nice to be sharing reviews again! I really want to say that I'll be doing so more often, but I honestly can't promise anything, with the holidays coming and littles needing lots of love. So, thank you for stopping here today! I hope, if you decide to read this book, that you enjoy it at least as much as I did.

Have a beautiful day!

Purchase Links:

Roseanna's Store

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookish Thoughts: A Noble Scheme

 

Description:

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White (RoseannaMWhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books . . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.

My Thoughts:

I have to admit, I’ve tried to write this review 3 times now and I keep coming back to spoilers. And I do NOT want to spoil anything.  So, this is my attempt at sharing my thoughts, without ruining the story for anyone else.

Welcome (back) to The Imposters series! Ah!! I've been waiting for this book since reading the first one, “A Beautiful Disguise,” and now I get to wait for Yates’ story.  Does anyone else love a great series??? Though this is the second book, you technically don’t have to read them in order.  But you should. Because it’s a series . . . right?  And also, the first book was fantastic. 

This book is about Gemma and Graham, two characters who obviously avoid one another in the first book. After reading it, I was very curious as to their backstory. What had happened to them?  And goodness, you may want a tissue or two, or a few more, if you’re a crier. Because their story is so heart-wrenching.   I’m not normally a crier, but a few tears escaped, reading about their pain and also their path to the beginning of healing.  I so appreciate the kindness and grace with which the author handled their relationship and the restoration of other relationships throughout the book. 

Before this sounds like a complete crying book, it’s not! I found the mystery very intriguing and frequently found myself trying to come up with reasons why reading was just as necessary as sleep.   Reading probably won out a little more often than it should have . . . . Also, I could not have guessed the ending. So, there’s that.  Have I left you properly intrigued?

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and characters that settle right into your heart!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Anyone else struggle to avoid spoiling a book for someone else? I usually just opt for not talking about it too much, if I'm going to spoil it. But, I hope I said just enough to spark your interest! If so, then links to learn more are below!

Have a lovely day!

Amazon

Goodreads

Barnes & Noble

The Story Graph

(You can also purchase a signed/painted copy from Ms. White's website roseannamwhite.com)

Bookish Thoughts: The Maid of Ballymacool

 

Description:

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

About the Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com. 

My Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of reading Ms. Deibel’s prior novel, “The Lady of Galway Manor” and so enjoyed it.  So, when I saw she had a new book, I didn’t even think twice about grabbing it.  I’m not entirely sure, but I may have enjoyed this one even more than the former!

Ms. Deibel does a beautiful job of bringing Ireland in 1935 to vivid life.  Her descriptions paint pictures so vibrant,I often felt as though I was walking the halls of Ballymacool or wandering the woods alongside the characters.  It’s apparent from the beginning how much the author loves the people, history, and culture of Ireland.  I loved “seeing” it through a lens of understanding and love.  

As always, the characters are what makes or breaks a story for me, and I adored Brianna, Michael, Batty, and Finnuala.  Brianna and Michael both have such kind hearts, and the contrast between how Michael cares for Brianna versus how she’s treated by the mistress of Ballymacool broke my heart for her.  I loved getting to see her from Michael’s perspective and how he slowly fell in love with the young woman who was so often overlooked.  Their relationship builds slowly and is so sweet.  And who doesn’t love someone named “Batty” or the supposedly “crazy” woman from the woods (Finnuala)?  I also really appreciated how the dialogue is written as it would be heard/said - as opposed to proper English.  I could almost “hear” the lovely accent as I read.  

I also really appreciated the message of belonging and hope, especially for those who may find themselves feeling isolated or alone.  This story sought to offer hope, something the world often seems to be sorely lacking.  My only mildly negative comment is that I thought the ending was a little rushed.  Brianna spends a few pages trying to understand and accept things (I don’t want to spoil anything), but within a paragraph or two, everything is mostly okay, again.  But maybe that’s just me. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book!  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is looking for a trip to Ireland, lived vicariously. 

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

If you couldn't tell from my review, I greatly enjoyed this trip to Ireland! What is your favorite place to "visit" via stories? Please leave a comment and let me know!

As always, links are below!

Have a ducky day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

GoodReads

The Story Graph