PRINCE OF SPIES by ELIZABETH CAMDEN

Publication date 16/2/21
PRINCE OF SPIES is the third novel in the Hope and Glory series by ELIZABETH CAMDEN. Although it can stand alone I suggest you read the books in sequence - you will not be sorry.
In 1902 the feud between the Delacroix and Macgruder families reaches new heights. When Luke and Marianne meet, while rescuing her nephew's dog, there is a spark between them which grows against all odds.
Luke is as intense as ever and just as determined to bring down his nemesis, Clyde Macgruder. He joins the "Poison Squad" and is trying to stop dangerous additives from being used in food - something the Macgruders would rather keep quiet. He is a journalist, and is also translating Don Quixote into less stilted, more passionate English. He is altogether passionate, but is trying hard to conform since spending fifteen months in a Cuban jail and nearly dying there. His family is supportive, but they went through a hard time when he was in prison.
Marianne loves her parents. Although she is her father's illegitimate daughter she gets on well with them both. They are very wealthy. Although she does not need the money, she works as photographer for the government. She longs to make a difference and feels she is doing something important.
This is a book that deals with family dynamics, jealousy, betrayal, politics, the desire to make one's life matter, and through it all there is a strong Christian message.
I cannot recommend this novel, and in fact the whole series, highly enough. I was looking forward to this book and am definitely not disappointed.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.



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DREAMS OF SAVANNAH by ROSEANNA M. WHITE

Publication date 5/1/21
DREAMS OF SAVANNAH by ROSEANNA M. WHITE is a historical romance novel which takes place in Savannah during the American Civil War.
Cordelia Owens is a beautiful young lady with a vivid imagination, who loves reading and writes the most fantastic stories in which she is often the heroine who is saved by the dashing hero, in the form of Phineas Dunn. He finds this enchanting, but when hard times come will their tenuous relationship be strong enough? She has dreams which her beloved slave, Selena, also has, which either frighten her or give her hope, and lead her to pray even harder for Phin when he is away at war.
When Delia takes an interest in her parents' slaves and their stories, she is ashamed that people can be owned by someone else and seen as inferior beings because of their skin colour, even though the slaves in their household have always been treated relatively well.
When Phin finally comes home from the war, injured and somehow different, with a huge mute black man called Monty, Delia sees a big change in him.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
There is a really good Christian message of redemption and God's protection and the importance of knowing and following the Scriptures. It is a really lovely book and well worth reading.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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ENDLESS MERCY by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

Publication date 1/1/21
ENDLESS MERCY is the second novel in the Treasures of Nome series by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. It is a lovely book with well developed characters and ploand a strong Christian message based largely on John 16:33 where Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world."
The main story starts in 1904 in Nome, Alaska, with a flashback to 1891 in the prologue. The three beautiful Powell sisters are still great favourites as they perform their music at the Roadhouse, but quite a lot seems to be happening at once to turn their lives upside down. A great deal of wisdom, mercy and forgiveness is required of each one of them.
This is mostly Maddie's story. What a beautiful yet naive young girl, with her strong faith and love for her family and her flock of sheep.
I am looking forward to the third book in the series.
Endless Mercy is a most enjoyable read and one I can highly recommend for anyone who enjoys historical romance.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.


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