Bookish Thoughts: The Prince of Spies

 

Description:

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, DC. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

About the Author:

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered story lines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com. 

My Thoughts:

I’ve long been a fan of Elizabeth Camden and have greatly enjoyed the previous books in this series, so I was excited to see Luke’s book out in the world!  I’ve been anticipating his side of the story, especially after all of the shenanigans his siblings have credited to him in the last two books.  As usual, this book certainly didn’t disappoint, though I am a little sad to see the end of the series.

As expected, Ms. Camden’s writing beautifully brings to life Gilded-Age Washington, DC.  I always greatly enjoy the different roles and historical nuances her books portray.  For example, I had no idea the government paid photographers to document buildings and such during this time period.  Another aspect of the history that I found fascinating was the push for what became The Pure Food and Drug Act.  The theme had been a part of The Spice King as well and it was interesting to see it become more resolved in this book.  And it was so interesting to read about the plans for the National Mall, along with the differing of opinions regarding its construction!  I’m also just a nerdy reader.   

History aside, I adored Luke and Marianne’s love story!  It was so sweet, but also a little steamy now and then.  Luke is such a kind hero, though his passion for justice and truth can rub against this trait.  And Marianne was someone I think I would dearly enjoy knowing, especially as I saw her character change throughout the story.

Overall, I have greatly enjoyed this entire series and would recommend reading all of the books, if you have the time/inclination!

I don't have much to say today . . . we're preparing for my baby girl's first birthday tomorrow (which is completely surreal), so I'm off to work on things.  But, I will add that you should begin (possibly) to see more posts from me in the future!  I'm reading several books for review right now, plus I'm working on some things to maybe share one day . . . .

Have a lovely day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: When Twilight Breaks

 

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award, her bestselling The Sea Before Us received the FHL Reader's Choice Award, and both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

My Thoughts:

I’ve long enjoyed WWII historical fiction and Sarah Sundin has been one of my go-to authors since I first discovered her books at a library and dove in.  I was excited to read this new book, though I was also a bit surprised to find that it’s a standalone novel.  I enjoyed Evelyn and Peter’s story so much, that I’d happily read another story starring them!

As always, Ms. Sundin’s writing and historical detail is impeccable!  Her writing style pulls me right into the story and draws me halfway around the world to Munich, Germany.  Much of what I’ve read regarding the history around WWII is always after America has stepped in, so this was a different and very eye-opening perspective.  I greatly appreciated how the author sought to have a balanced opinion, showing both sides of the story, which actually did involve some positive changes prior to everything getting out of hand.  It’s easy to look back and judge all Germans of that era, expecting that they held the same mindset as the regime, but Ms. Sundin strives to remind the reader that there were people who quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) opposed the oppression and fought back against tyranny.

Historical matters aside, I also just really enjoyed getting to know Evelyn and Peter and watching them slowly grow into love.  I can’t say that they “fell in love,” because it seemed to be more gradual than that and beautifully told.  I can easily imagine them as someone’s grandparents, telling their grandkids about how they met in Germany, amidst tumultuous times, and found love in a little cafe and in the forest between Germany and France. *happy sigh*

Do you enjoy WWII fiction? If so, who is your favorite author of that time period?

As always, thanks so much for stopping by!  I'm including a new link below for The Story Graph.  I've seen some of my friends using it, and while I haven't taken much time to become overly acquainted with the site, it seems pretty user friendly.  So if that's your thing, I now have a link for it! 

Have a ducky day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: Tidewater Bride

 

Description:

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

About the Author:

Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. When she’s not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State.
Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.

My Thoughts:

I haven’t read a novel by Laura Frantz in a while, but this one caught my eye, so I thought to give it a go.  And I quite enjoyed it! I had forgotten how rich and colorful her stories are and it’s not often I read a book set during the settling of America, so I found the history behind the fiction very interesting.

Ms. Frantz has a beautiful way of bringing history to life and this book is full of such lively descriptions and details, that I often found myself having to stop and remember that I’m in the 21^st century.  I enjoyed getting thoroughly engrossed in the story, though at times, I found it difficult to read, especially in solving the mystery towards the end.  It wasn’t graphic, or anything like that, just the ugliness and racism that was so prevalent hurt my heart.  Despite that, it’s also the mark of a great storyteller, if their words on a page invoke that kind of reaction.  I really liked Xander and Selah, though at times I wanted to Gibbs slap them both and tell them to stop fiddling around with their feelings!  I will say that is one place where the story drug just a bit for me, where they were tiptoeing around, unsure of their own feelings and questioning if the other would feel the same.  Though I know it wasn’t very common for such things to be spoken of, especially during that period.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this foray into early American history!

I honestly read this book a few weeks ago and don't have much else to comment on about it . . . but links are always below!

Have a lovely day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Dreams of Savannah

 

"They are pauses we all need.  Those moments of beauty we can look back on,

take strength from, when we're in the valley of shadows again."

- Sidney Dunn

Description:

Savannah socialite Cordelia is an optimist. Although the Yankees have captured her sweetheart, Phineas, she touts his bravery and looks forward to his homecoming. But when Phineas returns, he's injured, changed, and not at all sure that the Confederate pro-slavery cause was just. Where will the new America take them---and will they go there together?

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated 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've been racking my brain trying to think of what to say about this book. . . It definitely left me with a hangover! And a lot to think about. Ms. White always does, though. I found much of it very timely and I'm not sure why that surprised me, but it did. It shares perspective of the Civil War that I've not seen/read before, as well as revealing opinions and misconceptions that some held regarding skin color and slavery.  

"Though mankind did have a remarkable ability to be blind to what they didn't want to see."

Luther Bromley

As always, Ms. White's writing is both beautiful and at times, heart-wrenching. Her words drew me into the story from the first few sentences and I often found myself going about my day, wondering what was going to happen next! I loved that Cordelia is a storyteller with a colorful imagination! Her outlandish stories often made me laugh, while also revealing her heart and her desire for hope in a country at war. And though parts of it were painful for him, I greatly enjoyed following Phineas as his perception of the world changed, even so far as to how he viewed himself. In a time of great turmoil and unrest, he and Cordelia both had to decide if they would continue to fight for what they had been taught their entire lives, or if they would allow their change in perspective to also change their actions. I also really appreciated how the author showed that the conflict behind the Civil War wasn’t only in regards to slavery. That was something I remember being taught in history class, but didn't really understand as much until reading this story. 

If you're looking for a book that might very well challenge your understanding of history and the people who lived it, I would highly recommend this book!

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

I hope everyone is having a good New Year so far, despite the turmoil in our lives right now . . . especially if you live in America.  We've been battling repeated sickness in my house, with my husband being sick, then as soon as he gets better, I'm sick, then when I'm almost well, the baby gets it. . . prayers are always much appreciated! 

Is there any way I can be praying for you right now?  If you don't feel comfortable leaving a request in a comment, please feel free to email me.  (or if you came across this blog from a social media link, you're welcome to send me a PM on there)

And back to the book - as always, links are below if you'd be interested in learning more!  Honestly, parts of this story are still lingering in my mind and it's been almost a month since I finished it.  I don't know about you, but I love stories that encourage me to see things in a new/different light! 

Have a ducky day! 

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Bookish Thoughts: Active Defense

 

Description:

As a former field surgeon in Afghanistan, Heather Fontaine is used to life-or-death situations. She just didn't expect them to follow her home. When she returns from a party to find that someone has broken into her house--and threatened her friends--she assumes it is the stalker who has been following her and creeping her out. She hopes to find safety and peace of mind by leaving the city and hiding out in a small town. But trouble has followed her even there.

Luckily, a stalker isn't the only one watching Heather. Travis Walker has been secretly watching out for her for weeks. As owner of his own security agency, it's what he does. Together, Travis and Heather must figure out who wants her dead--and why--before it's too late.

About the Author:

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the Publisher's Weekly, CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.

My Thoughts:

I was eager to begin this story, as Lynette Eason has long been one of my favorite authors of suspense. Though I have learned to make sure I have a block of time and that it’s not right before bed when I start a new one of her stories, otherwise, I might not sleep! Or get anything else done, with my mind trying to puzzle out what's going to happen next. 

As always, Ms. Eason kept me guessing and racing to the finish, wondering what would happen next and how everything would play out in the end. I've been greatly enjoying getting to know the characters in this series, Heather and Travis definitely not being an exception! I also loved that characters from the previous books had more than a cameo in the story.  Reading this one made me want to go back and reread the rest of the series, as well as her other books!

I would say that my one negative comment is that I found the villain's reasoning behind everything a little shallow and it didn't seem to make sense with the severity of crimes committed. But it did allow the author to drive some points home regarding bitterness and not allowing circumstances to define you.  I don’t want to say much more on that, due to possible spoilers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting what might be the final book in the series, though I definitely don’t want to wish for time to pass any more quickly than it already is!

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Bookish Lists: Anticipated books for 2021!

 Happy New Year!  A few days late, but the sentiment remains.  And something I'm always excited about for the new year are the many new books releasing!  I have quite a few on my list from last year that I haven't had the opportunity to read, yet, but that doesn't mean I'm not still looking forward to these! (much to my husband's amusement) 

These are some of the books I'm most excited about for the year, though most likely not all of them.  I'm very sure I'm missing at least a couple, one of them being that I haven't seen anything about the next book in Dani Pettrey's Coastal Guardians series.  When I do, that one is sure to make the list, as well! 

These are in order of publication and as usual, you can click the book's title to learn more about them. :)

1) Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

I'm actually reading this one right now!  I'm a little less than halfway through

and can say that I'm greatly enjoying it!

Release Date January 5th

2) When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

Sarah is one of my very favorite authors of WWII historical fiction and I'm always excited

for another of her books.

Release Date February 2nd

3) The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

This is the final book in the Hope and Glory series and I've been eagerly awaiting Luke's story!

Release Date February 16th

4) Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter

I don't really know what to say about this one. It's by Kristi and it's Aaron's story, 

both of those facts ensure that I must read it. :)

Release Date April 20th

5) Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

This one is the second book in the Misty River Romance series and I'm 

super excited and curious to see what happens!  I was given just a little glimpse into the 

characters in Stay With Me and I must know more!

Release Date May 4th

6) The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

Isn't this cover beautiful!  And again, by a favorite author!  I think it might also be the 

first in a new series!  I'm not entirely sure about that, but I might have seen it somewhere?

Release Date May 4th

7) The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer

There's no cover for this one yet, that I could find.  But I love Karen's books

and it's the next in her Hanger's Horsemen series, so I'm looking forward to it!

Release Date June 1st

8) Jewel Of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

Tessa is one of the only authors of Biblical fiction that I've read and I greatly enjoy

her books!  I haven't yet read her 2020 release, something I shall have to rectify!

Release Date June 8th

9) Plot Twist by Bethany Turner

I just discovered Bethany's books last year and the one I had the pleasure of reading 

was hilarious!  I saw this one and couldn't resist adding it to the list!

Release Date June 14th

10) Hostile Intent by Lynette Eason

I just realized as I was finishing this list that I totally forgot to include the 3rd book

in this series on it.  I got to read it before the first of the year, so I didn't even think . . . but

anyway!  This book is looking like it might be the final one in the Danger Never Sleeps series

and I'm super happy that she's sharing Caden's story!

Release Date August 3rd

11) Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

We're going back to Prince Edward Island!  I loved her Prince Edward Island Dreams series, 

so I obviously can't miss this one!

Release Date August 3rd

12) To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano

Okay, so is there anyone who doesn't like this cover?  If so, I'm not sure we can

be friends any longer . . . . Also, if you've read To Steal a Heart, this is Daphne's story!

So, that's my list so far!  Do any of these catch your attention?  Any books on your list that I don't have here? (I'm always up for suggestions!)

Bookish Lists: My Favorite Books of 2020

Though 2020 has been a difficult and strange year in many ways for a multitude of people, I'm seeking to focus on the happy and good things that happened, especially as I look back and ponder through journal entries and possible blog posts.  One of those things is that I actually read quite a bit more this year than I thought I would!  I thought having a baby would slow my reading down a lot.  And in some ways, it has.  But I'm learning that naptimes are great times to read, if I'm not sleep deprived and there isn't a ton of bottles/dishes/laundry waiting for me.  So, this is my annual "favorite books of the year!" post.  Complete with alphabetizing by author and links if you click on the book title.  Not all of these books released this year, but I did get to read them at some point during the year, so I'm saying it counts.  So, without further blathering:

1) Cry of The Raven by Morgan L. Busse

This is the third book in the Ravenwood Saga and I was so excited to read it!

It's also the first book I read after I had my little girl and I actually read most of it

out loud to her. Getting her started early.

2) Daughter of Light by Morgan L. Busse

I don't typically include two books by the same author and I find it kind of amusing

that the first book is the last one in her newest series and this one is the first book in her

very first series.  But this one challenged me, a lot.  I haven't gotten to read the rest of the series yet, but simply based on this one, I'll have to finish it very soon!  I must know what happens!

3) Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

One of my friends is an avid fan of Nicole's and has told me for a while now that I just

have to read one of her books.  I don't remember how I came to have this one, but I chose to read it on

a whim one day and I was so good!  I am now a believer, Denise!  I haven't gotten to read any others from her, yet.  But this one was beautiful, funny, sweet, and so many other things.

4) Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

This book had loads of suspense!  It also included a drug trial, something I found interesting,

being a pharmacy tech.  Plus, I loved Sarah and Gavin!

5) Start With Me by Kara Isaac

There are so many things I could say about this book . . . but I think it all 

boils down to, "you need to read it!"  Truly, I'm a huge fan of Kara's and this book might by my favorite.  Maybe.  I'm terrible at choosing these things . . . .

6) The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano

This book surprised me in so many ways!  I hadn't read anything by this author

since her debut novel and I fell in love with this story!

7) Some Bright Someday by Melissa Tagg

If you enjoy rom-com, even if you just like it, and you haven't read

any of Melissa's books yet my first question is, "why not???" 

8) Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

I think one of Jen's books ends up on my list every year.  I just can't help it!  

I love to laugh and her books inspire much laughter in my house!  They're also some 

of my library that I happily loan, so they can elicit laughter in other homes, as well!

9) Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

This book was my first from Bethany Turner and it surprised me!  It honestly wasn't

super deep or anything, but it was so funny!  And during a pandemic, you need all the humor

you can find, right?

10) The Best We've Been by Beth K. Vogt

This book is a little outside of my normal scope, being that it's more women's fiction

than romance, but after reading the first 2 books in the series last year, I had to get the last one.  And it was really good in a heart-wrenching, soul-searching kind of way.  A fitting end to the series, for sure.

11) Stay With Me by Becky Wade

Becky has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read My Stubborn Heart and then

reread it before it was due back at the library.  And she has yet to disappoint me!  This book

was . . . you know, just read it for yourself.  That's about all I can say.

12) A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

This is the final book in The Codebreakers series and I loved it just as much as the 

first 2!  Honestly, I'm pretty sure every book in this series made me cry at one point or another.  But there's so much truth, even amidst the pain and war.  And beauty, especially found by Lily's camera.

What were some of your favorite books from 2020?  Did any of these make your list, too?  Please share!  I'm always looking for more titles to add to my never-shortening TBR list!