It’s time for a new season of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to be joining you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from members of our reading challenge participants. If you have a review you’d like to submit for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
January’s Theme: Spies
February’s Theme: Underground Railroad
The Prince of Spies
by Elizabeth Camden
Review by: Crystal Caudill
I am a HUGE fan of Elizabeth Camden’s books, and The Prince of Spies did not disappoint. This Romeo & Juliet style story has a much better outcome than its Shakespearean inspiration. The depth of spiritual growth experienced by the characters was surprising, refreshing, and personally needed. There is no such thing as a perfect family, and this book’s family dynamics are emotionally complex yet real. On the romance side of things, the storyline was exactly what it needed to be. I’m not an over-the-top romance reader, but the sweet moments in this book, the challenges they face as a couple, and the love they shared made for a perfect balance. This story ended up being the perfect wrap-up to the series, and I usually dislike Romeo and Juliet-type stories. I definitely recommend you run out and get a copy.
For Fans of: Gilded Age romances, historical details, Romeo & Juliet type stories
Genre: Historical Romance
Plot Overview:
Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.
Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings 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?
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook.com
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each following month at midnight EST (January = February 7, etc), and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
I read two books that were in this category to me. The first was Archer by Camille Elliot. It is the first of the Lady Wynwood’s Spies Series and was set in Regency London.
The second was Undercover Justice by Cynthia Cooke, which is a modern-day tale with an Undercover police officer, trauma, a pastor, and justice.
Both were good books and I recommend them.
Awesome! I’ve had my eye on Archer for a while. I might just have to go pick up that one sooner rather than later. The contemporary one sounds fun too!
I read The Debutants Code by Erica Vetsch. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to checking out the next book in the series. It was a fun change reading about a debutant in Victorian times learning she comes from a family of spies.
This series is probably my favorite from her. I absolutely adore Juliette and . . . um the hero? LOL I’ve had too many books and character’s names to hold it in my head at the moment. LOL
I read In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin. I also read Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M. White which involves a special agent tracking an SS officer. They’re both excellent books.
I’ve heard great things about BOTH of those books! I look forward to reading them!
I read In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson. I loved it! It is great as an audiobook too.
Oh! I think that was the first book I listened to of hers! EXCELLENT. I’m not much for first-person stories, but if I listen to them, I find I can enjoy them easier!
I read Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M White. I was fortunate to receive an early copy of her new release and really loved it. The weaving of this dualtime, dual wartime novel is amazing.
A couple weeks before, I read In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin and wow! I absolutely loved this story. We have met Marcus in her previous books so his story was anticipated but what a story with all the feels.
I’ve heard great things about both books. I didn’t realize that Yesterday’s Tides was a dual timeline. I’m not a huge fan of that type of story, so I’ll have to investigate more. I love her other stories though, so. . .
I read Stealthy Steps by Vikki Kestell. It was really good, but it left me on a cliffhanger so now I need to find the rest of the series.
It’s both good and bad when a book leaves me on a cliffhanger. Those type of stories, I generally have to binge read. I’ve never heard of that book or series, so I’ll have to check it out.
I read Last Taste of Freedom by Lisa Phillips. It was a hard book to put down. Lots of action and strong feelings!
I have heard such good things about Lisa Phillips. There is a series of her books on BookBub for .99 that I’m considering. I don’t do a lot of contemporary, but when I do, it’s usually suspense.
I read On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna White. And I agree…Prince of Spies was an excellent book!
That one is on my TBR. I’ve really enjoyed Roseanna’s books!
I read Yesterday’s Tides, by Roseanna White. EXCELLENT book!
Lots of Yesterday’s Tides people! LOL
I chose to read something a little different from my normal spy adventure choice. Normally, I like to feel like I am in the action as it happens. This time I went on a journey through memories as I read The Shoreline of Memory by Katherine Payson. It was actually quite fun to take the journey in a different way than I have been accustomed to.
Oh that is interesting. Is it a memoir then?
The main character is dealing with her present day life as a mom while having flashbacks to her days as a spy.
Oh, that is interesting. I might be able to handle that.
I read The Brilliance of Stars by J’nell Ciesielski. I’m always afraid of mis-spelling her last name! The Prince of Spies sounds really good, too.
I get you on misspelling her name! LOL! That book is on my TBR pile too. Did you enjoy it?
I read The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan and Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt. I enjoyed them both and Amanda Barratt’s book is one of the best that I’ve read!
I have heard so many wonderful things about Amanda’s books. I’m just afraid I can’t handle Holocaust time periods at the moment. But I’ve heard what she does is incredible. I’ve heard of the Secret Society. Was it good?
I finally bought a book for January’s reading challenge on January 28th while I was away from home. So, I do not have it read yet. I don’t want to be late with February’s so I’ve started February’s tonight. Then I will go back and read January’s.
I forgot to tell you the name of the book. The book is called “Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer” by Peggy Miracle Consolver.
This is a completely new to me author. I’ll let you know what I think when I finally get it finished.
Please do! I’ve never heard of her or the book. It sounds fascinating!
Awesome! I’m glad you are able to read for both months!
I read two “spy” books in January. First, was the classic, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Le Carre. I would say it is a definitive work in regards to spy/Cold War stories. Then, I read In Sheep’s Clothing by Susan May Warren. I liked the redemptive aspect of the story, and how there was hope for characters who put their faith in God.
Both were good, although sad. One main thing that I liked about them is that both authors know of what they write, having observed or experienced elements of their stories personally. These stories also hit a little closer to home than perhaps a story set elsewhere would have, because I lived in Russia for 4 years (later than the times of either of these novels).
I would recommend both, although the reader should be aware that the first book contains some bad language and sexual content (milder than current secular books/movies), and both contain depictions of violence.
Thanks so much for the warnings and explanations! I think my husband has read the Le Carre book, and SMW has been on my TBR pile for a while. I did get to hear her speak about her time in Russia. It was really amazing to hear how God protected them in some really awful situations.
Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn green
Oh that one has been on my TBR for a long time. I need to really get to it soon.
I read Burying Daisy Doe by Ramona Pope Richards. The main female character was an undercover detective on a cold case. It was good!
I read The Debutante’s Code by Erica Vetsch…. I really liked it!
LOVE The Debuatante’s Code. The whole series is amazing!
That book has been on my TBR pile for a while. I really need to get to it.
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn by Sandra Byrd
Wonderful story!
Oh! I’ve heard of that one. I’ll have to move it up on my TBR pile. Glad to hear that it is wonderful!
I read two books about spies in January. “A Woman of No Importance”, by Sonia Purcell, and “355: The Women of Washington’s Spy Ring”, by Kit Sergeant.
OH!!! Both of those sound fantastic! I’ve heard of A Woman of No Importance, but not the other. I think I’ll be adding them to my list.
Last month I said I would read an Agatha Christie. But then I remembered a book even higher on my TBR 🙂 that has spies – ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens.
It’s not technically as enjoyable as A Christmas Carol, due to the violent parts, and poor people’s suffering. But it is an amazing book 🙂 , and so different from today as far as (settling on one) genre goes.
How many books *start* with an important court case scene? Then romance, a murder, a wedding, and civil war. The characters are richly deep, and generally likeable in some way. Love how caring Lucie Manette and her father are. There is plenty of suspense, excitement, romance, and occasional humor. I can see why its a classic, and am looking forward to finally watching the classic 1940s movie version soon 🙂 .
For next month, I’m planning to read a Sisters in Time book. It’s set in 1840 and its description mentions the main character learning a bit about slavery, so I’ll have to wait and see if the Underground Railroad is in it. If not, I may have to try for better luck with a civil war novel I have called The War Within (its about Jewish Americans, so Idk if U.R. is in it either).
I do love the classics to be sure! Either way, it sounds like the first one for sure would tie in with Black History month, which was part of my goal. 😉
I read The Falcon and the Sparrow by MaryLu Tyndall. I really enjoyed it, 10 out of 10 recommend!
Oh that one is on my shelf. Sounds like I need to pull it off and read it! Thanks!
It’s one of MaryLu Tyndall’s best!
I chose to read Counterfeit Love for January. Loved it! Can’t wait for the next book.
I also ended up reading another book that would fit, Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams/Lynette Eason. Another great book.
I am not quite sure what I am reading for February. I have a couple of books out from the library though. Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana (The Runaway) by Melanie Dobson and Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin
(Not sure how I never actually submitted this last week, but . . .)
Sorry, I missed this! I’m so glad you enjoyed CL, and I think I saw in our group that you read the Love Finds You one! I’m still working on finding a book to read. I’ve got a lot of balls I’m juggling right now.