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Spies in Love #1
Mistress Spy
A determined sister . . .
Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. But when she’s captured by the queen’s men, she’s forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor.
A rakish spy . . .
After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. She’s a distraction he can’t afford, but he also can’t stop thinking about her.
A dangerous lie . . .
It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can. As the line between captor and prisoner blurs, deceit, betrayal, and desire become a perilous mix. Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart.
Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. But when she’s captured by the queen’s men, she’s forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor.
A rakish spy . . .
After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. She’s a distraction he can’t afford, but he also can’t stop thinking about her.
A dangerous lie . . .
It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can. As the line between captor and prisoner blurs, deceit, betrayal, and desire become a perilous mix. Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart.
380 pages, ebook
Published August 27, 2018
About the author
Pamela Mingle
6 books159 followersPamela Mingle is a former teacher and librarian who was fortunate enough to choose writing as a third career. Or maybe it chose her. :) She loves to create romantic tales that play out against historical events and always includes some humor in her books.
Pam and her husband enjoy walking in the UK--even though she's done her share of whining on the longer days. The walking trips have been an ideal way to discover new settings for her books.
Pam's newest book, MISTRESS SPY, released in August 2018 with Entangled Publishing. Previous books with Entangled include A LADY'S DECEPTION (2017) and A FALSE PROPOSAL (2016), Readers can find earlier books listed here on Goodreads.
Pam loves to hear from readers. Go to her website, http://www.pammingle.com/ to sign up for her newsletter.
You can find her on Facebook at Pamela Mingle Author and on Twitter @PamMingle
Pam and her husband enjoy walking in the UK--even though she's done her share of whining on the longer days. The walking trips have been an ideal way to discover new settings for her books.
Pam's newest book, MISTRESS SPY, released in August 2018 with Entangled Publishing. Previous books with Entangled include A LADY'S DECEPTION (2017) and A FALSE PROPOSAL (2016), Readers can find earlier books listed here on Goodreads.
Pam loves to hear from readers. Go to her website, http://www.pammingle.com/ to sign up for her newsletter.
You can find her on Facebook at Pamela Mingle Author and on Twitter @PamMingle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 26, 2018
Series: None – Stand Alone
Publication Date: 8/27/18
Thrilling, exciting, interesting and romantic. This is my first book by this (I think fairly new) author and it definitely won’t be my last. It is well-written and well-plotted and I just couldn’t stop reading. I enjoyed all of the characters, even the villains and that is rare. Another thing I liked is that it wasn’t filled with Dukes, Earls, etc. Just plain folks in the northern region of England in 1569 – well – not plain folks as in farm laborers, etc. but people who had nice homes, but weren’t necessarily the aristocracy.
In an exciting opening scene, we have our heroine, Madeline Vernon, riding into battle against the Queen’s army. Why? She wants to avenge her brother Robert’s hanging as a traitor. Actually, he was a traitor, but he never even got to have a trial for any facts to come out – he was just hanged. Those were some dangerous times between England and Scotland – Elizabeth was the Queen of England and Mary was Queen of Scotland. Mary was imprisoned by Elizabeth and the Catholic religion had been outlawed. Everyone was forced into the ‘new’ protestant religion. Naturally, the Catholics didn’t want to give up their religion and many of them went underground while others blatantly defied the law and openly practiced their religion.
The battle does not end well for the rebels lead by Lord Leonard Dacre. They were a rag-tag group armed with dirks and pitchforks – certainly no match for the highly trained and well-armed Royal troops. Many of the rebels were killed and even more were captured. Madeline (Maddy) was one of those captured and she spent six very trying days in prison awaiting her questioning/torture or her hanging. She had no idea which it would be, but she was sure it would be one or the other. She had so many regrets about what she had done – especially dragging two of her friends into the uprising. Then, her jailer comes to take her up for her interrogation – but – that isn’t really what she got. She receives an offer she can hardly refuse – become a spy in the home of someone the Crown believes is a traitor or hang.
Nicholas Ryder, a representative of the Crown, sat and awaited the prisoner’s arrival – and when she did arrive, she was the most bedraggled woman he’d seen in his entire life. The stench was unbelievable, she was injured, and you couldn’t even see her face for the dirt. He makes her an offer – assume the role of companion/secretary in the home of Lady Jane Dacre aunt to Leonard Dacre. Maddy is to spy on the Dacre’s to find out what, if anything, they had to do with any of the uprisings. This branch of the Dacres appear to be loyal to the queen, but there are doubts.
Maddy enters into what appears to be a loyal, protestant household – but there are so many undercurrents. Add in Mr. Vine, who Maddy knew many years ago as someone other than Mr. Vine – and an innocent sixteen-year-old maid who goes missing and you have quite a tale. Is Mr. Vine as evil as Maddy thinks he is? Where is the sweet maid and did Mr. Vine do something to her? Could Lady Dacre, who is kind to Maddy, really be a traitor?
As Maddy carries out her task and reports weekly to Nicholas, their relationship grows and they come to care for each other – but so very many things stand in their way and do their best to keep them apart.
I absolutely loved Nick’s ward – his nephew Daniel. He was a wonderful addition to the book because he was such a sweet and loving little boy – and so troubled. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him grow.
It is a lovely read and I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 8/27/18
Thrilling, exciting, interesting and romantic. This is my first book by this (I think fairly new) author and it definitely won’t be my last. It is well-written and well-plotted and I just couldn’t stop reading. I enjoyed all of the characters, even the villains and that is rare. Another thing I liked is that it wasn’t filled with Dukes, Earls, etc. Just plain folks in the northern region of England in 1569 – well – not plain folks as in farm laborers, etc. but people who had nice homes, but weren’t necessarily the aristocracy.
In an exciting opening scene, we have our heroine, Madeline Vernon, riding into battle against the Queen’s army. Why? She wants to avenge her brother Robert’s hanging as a traitor. Actually, he was a traitor, but he never even got to have a trial for any facts to come out – he was just hanged. Those were some dangerous times between England and Scotland – Elizabeth was the Queen of England and Mary was Queen of Scotland. Mary was imprisoned by Elizabeth and the Catholic religion had been outlawed. Everyone was forced into the ‘new’ protestant religion. Naturally, the Catholics didn’t want to give up their religion and many of them went underground while others blatantly defied the law and openly practiced their religion.
The battle does not end well for the rebels lead by Lord Leonard Dacre. They were a rag-tag group armed with dirks and pitchforks – certainly no match for the highly trained and well-armed Royal troops. Many of the rebels were killed and even more were captured. Madeline (Maddy) was one of those captured and she spent six very trying days in prison awaiting her questioning/torture or her hanging. She had no idea which it would be, but she was sure it would be one or the other. She had so many regrets about what she had done – especially dragging two of her friends into the uprising. Then, her jailer comes to take her up for her interrogation – but – that isn’t really what she got. She receives an offer she can hardly refuse – become a spy in the home of someone the Crown believes is a traitor or hang.
Nicholas Ryder, a representative of the Crown, sat and awaited the prisoner’s arrival – and when she did arrive, she was the most bedraggled woman he’d seen in his entire life. The stench was unbelievable, she was injured, and you couldn’t even see her face for the dirt. He makes her an offer – assume the role of companion/secretary in the home of Lady Jane Dacre aunt to Leonard Dacre. Maddy is to spy on the Dacre’s to find out what, if anything, they had to do with any of the uprisings. This branch of the Dacres appear to be loyal to the queen, but there are doubts.
Maddy enters into what appears to be a loyal, protestant household – but there are so many undercurrents. Add in Mr. Vine, who Maddy knew many years ago as someone other than Mr. Vine – and an innocent sixteen-year-old maid who goes missing and you have quite a tale. Is Mr. Vine as evil as Maddy thinks he is? Where is the sweet maid and did Mr. Vine do something to her? Could Lady Dacre, who is kind to Maddy, really be a traitor?
As Maddy carries out her task and reports weekly to Nicholas, their relationship grows and they come to care for each other – but so very many things stand in their way and do their best to keep them apart.
I absolutely loved Nick’s ward – his nephew Daniel. He was a wonderful addition to the book because he was such a sweet and loving little boy – and so troubled. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him grow.
It is a lovely read and I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
August 30, 2018
Madeleine "Maddy" Vernon is taken prisoner during a failed rebellion attempt. Maddy joined the rebellion to avenge her brother Robert's death, he had been part of the previous uprising and was hanged as a traitor. While imprisoned, Maddy is brought before Nicholas Ryder.
Nicholas needs a spy, he offers Maddy a full pardon in exchange for her cooperation. She will be placed in service to Lady Jane Darce, a suspected sympathizer to Queen Mary of Scotland. Nicholas wants Maddy to find out if Lady Darce or her step-son have any plans on aiding Queen Mary.
Maddy has no desire to be a spy, but she has even less desire to hang. She agrees to work with Nicholas, but reminds herself that despite her attraction to him, Nicholas is not her friend.
The intrigue starts almost as soon as she arrives, a man from her past is there using a false name, but she doesn't have a chance to tell Nicholas. Later she decides to keep that information to herself. She settles into a routine with Lady Darce and is able to glean a little information.
When she sees Nicholas again, she meets his ward/nephew Daniel. She is taken with the boy and admires Nicholas for his care of his nephew, who stopped speaking after his father's death. She wonders if she misjudged Nicholas. She passes on some of what she has learned, but doesn't tell him everything. Nicholas is fighting his attraction to her and when he learns that her brother is not dead and the Queen has pardoned her, he keeps that to himself - afraid she will leave if she learns the truth.
With danger, secrets, murder and intrigue dogging their every step, is it possible for them to find love?
I thought this book was well written, but I found it to be mediocre and I didn't care for Maddy. I never understood her motivation for keeping information from Nicholas and thought the story lagged a bit in the middle. The love scenes where warm, but I honestly never "felt" the love between them, it was almost as if the author was writing a spy novel and halfway through remembered that it was supposed to be a romance and threw in the required elements. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book and settled for 3 stars because as an intrigue novel, I would rate this 4 stars, but I would be hard pressed to give it more than 2 stars as a romance.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Nicholas needs a spy, he offers Maddy a full pardon in exchange for her cooperation. She will be placed in service to Lady Jane Darce, a suspected sympathizer to Queen Mary of Scotland. Nicholas wants Maddy to find out if Lady Darce or her step-son have any plans on aiding Queen Mary.
Maddy has no desire to be a spy, but she has even less desire to hang. She agrees to work with Nicholas, but reminds herself that despite her attraction to him, Nicholas is not her friend.
The intrigue starts almost as soon as she arrives, a man from her past is there using a false name, but she doesn't have a chance to tell Nicholas. Later she decides to keep that information to herself. She settles into a routine with Lady Darce and is able to glean a little information.
When she sees Nicholas again, she meets his ward/nephew Daniel. She is taken with the boy and admires Nicholas for his care of his nephew, who stopped speaking after his father's death. She wonders if she misjudged Nicholas. She passes on some of what she has learned, but doesn't tell him everything. Nicholas is fighting his attraction to her and when he learns that her brother is not dead and the Queen has pardoned her, he keeps that to himself - afraid she will leave if she learns the truth.
With danger, secrets, murder and intrigue dogging their every step, is it possible for them to find love?
I thought this book was well written, but I found it to be mediocre and I didn't care for Maddy. I never understood her motivation for keeping information from Nicholas and thought the story lagged a bit in the middle. The love scenes where warm, but I honestly never "felt" the love between them, it was almost as if the author was writing a spy novel and halfway through remembered that it was supposed to be a romance and threw in the required elements. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book and settled for 3 stars because as an intrigue novel, I would rate this 4 stars, but I would be hard pressed to give it more than 2 stars as a romance.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Shelved as 'kindle-stash'
April 2, 2020Free! Omg I may read this one right away. I love espionage.
Want to read
April 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/5/2020)! 🎁
Read
July 2, 2019Dang. Nothing wrong with it just couldn’t get into it. Also not a huge fan of the time period.
Read
September 20, 2018DNF @ 12%
The synopsis made me think of Nikita in the Elizabethan era.
Intriguing, right?
Wrong.
The first chapter was a battle scene, but you couldn't tell. It was all about the heroine, her rage, her need for vengeance and her utter hopelessness as a "soldier". Instead of putting the reader in the thick of things, where you can feel the cold nipping at your skin, where you can smell the blood and sweat of your fellow soldiers, the author spent the best part of the battle inside the heroine's head. And let me tell you, it was a very boring place.
The boredom proceeded with the next few chapters where absolutely nothing happened (no torture, no boiling oil, nothing), but for the heroine to notice just how attractive and gentle her captor was. Foreshadowing much?
So I went and read the last few chapters, to see if it was worth it...It wasn't. The last few chapters were as boring as the first few. The characters were rather bland, the pacing was plodding, and as original as the synopsis sounded, the story was nothing but.
The synopsis made me think of Nikita in the Elizabethan era.
Intriguing, right?
Wrong.
The first chapter was a battle scene, but you couldn't tell. It was all about the heroine, her rage, her need for vengeance and her utter hopelessness as a "soldier". Instead of putting the reader in the thick of things, where you can feel the cold nipping at your skin, where you can smell the blood and sweat of your fellow soldiers, the author spent the best part of the battle inside the heroine's head. And let me tell you, it was a very boring place.
The boredom proceeded with the next few chapters where absolutely nothing happened (no torture, no boiling oil, nothing), but for the heroine to notice just how attractive and gentle her captor was. Foreshadowing much?
So I went and read the last few chapters, to see if it was worth it...It wasn't. The last few chapters were as boring as the first few. The characters were rather bland, the pacing was plodding, and as original as the synopsis sounded, the story was nothing but.
August 21, 2018
The blurb sounds more interesting that the story which I struggled through. Nothing much really appealed. I thought both characters rather flat as was the story.
When Maddy’s brother joins the rebellion against Queen Elizabeth and is killed, Maddy rashly decides she wants “revenge”, dresses as a boy and joins the fray & is (naturally) caught. Surprisingly spared (don’t ask me why) she is instead imprisoned and then given the ultimatum to spy on behalf on the Queen to redeem herself or be killed as a traitor.
That whole premise didn’t make me warm to Maddy much, nor the fact that she had been smitten when younger with a rather smarmy snake of a man (who shows up in the household where she is sent to spy) enough to have sex with him.
Nicholas’ behaviour towards Maddy felt uneven in the earlier part of the story. Sometimes indifferent to the point of nasty and other time “she’s so beautiful! I have to keep myself under control”.
When Maddy’s brother joins the rebellion against Queen Elizabeth and is killed, Maddy rashly decides she wants “revenge”, dresses as a boy and joins the fray & is (naturally) caught. Surprisingly spared (don’t ask me why) she is instead imprisoned and then given the ultimatum to spy on behalf on the Queen to redeem herself or be killed as a traitor.
That whole premise didn’t make me warm to Maddy much, nor the fact that she had been smitten when younger with a rather smarmy snake of a man (who shows up in the household where she is sent to spy) enough to have sex with him.
Nicholas’ behaviour towards Maddy felt uneven in the earlier part of the story. Sometimes indifferent to the point of nasty and other time “she’s so beautiful! I have to keep myself under control”.
August 27, 2018
Publisher's Description:
A determined sister . . .
Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. But when she’s captured by the queen’s men, she’s forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor.
A rakish spy . . .
After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. She’s a distraction he can’t afford, but he also can’t stop thinking about her.
A dangerous lie . . .
It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can. As the line between captor and prisoner blurs, deceit, betrayal, and desire become a perilous mix. Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart.
My Thoughts:
Madeleine is a very determined woman with the need to avenge her brother's death. But this need has triggered her capture with the only way to survive being to work as a spy for her enemy. That enemy is Nicholas who after working years as a spy himself for Queen Elizabeth is close to making his own way. Now he has a traitorous beauty to protect.
Maddy is attracted to her captor but this is a perilous mix of deceit, betrayal and desire which tears her in different directions.
Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart. Will the secrets he is holding from her surface and will they be what tears this would be couple apart?
How will this clash of wills play out?
I gave this title 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. The Elizabethan Era is not one of my favorites but this intriguing story captivated me and I couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
A determined sister . . .
Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. But when she’s captured by the queen’s men, she’s forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor.
A rakish spy . . .
After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. She’s a distraction he can’t afford, but he also can’t stop thinking about her.
A dangerous lie . . .
It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can. As the line between captor and prisoner blurs, deceit, betrayal, and desire become a perilous mix. Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart.
My Thoughts:
Madeleine is a very determined woman with the need to avenge her brother's death. But this need has triggered her capture with the only way to survive being to work as a spy for her enemy. That enemy is Nicholas who after working years as a spy himself for Queen Elizabeth is close to making his own way. Now he has a traitorous beauty to protect.
Maddy is attracted to her captor but this is a perilous mix of deceit, betrayal and desire which tears her in different directions.
Ultimately, Nicholas must decide whether duty to the queen is more important than winning Maddy’s heart. Will the secrets he is holding from her surface and will they be what tears this would be couple apart?
How will this clash of wills play out?
I gave this title 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development. The Elizabethan Era is not one of my favorites but this intriguing story captivated me and I couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 15, 2018
Madeleine Vernon’s dreams should be filled with elegant gowns and marriageable men. Instead, she dreams of avenging her brother’s death. Then she’s captured by the queen’s men & forced to become a spy by her mysterious yet undeniably attractive captor. After years of working for his father in Queen Elizabeth’s service, Nicholas Ryder is close to going his own way. But now he’s got a feisty beauty he must protect or risk her execution as a traitor to the crown. It is Nicholas’s job to foil plots against Elizabeth, and he sends Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner what information she can.
I’ve read the author’s regency novels & didn't realise when I received this book from NetGalley that it was an Elizabethan novel – which isn't my favourite period. That said I sat down to read & five hours later I'd finished it, it totally captivated me the story was fast paced, the characters had depth & were likeable but the icing on the cake was it was set in Northumberland around Carlisle & as I often travel to Brampton I could actually visualise the locations which brought the book alive to me. There are twists, turns, secrets & surprises along the way to Maddy & Nicholas' HEA. There’s also Useless & especially Daniel who steal the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I’ve read the author’s regency novels & didn't realise when I received this book from NetGalley that it was an Elizabethan novel – which isn't my favourite period. That said I sat down to read & five hours later I'd finished it, it totally captivated me the story was fast paced, the characters had depth & were likeable but the icing on the cake was it was set in Northumberland around Carlisle & as I often travel to Brampton I could actually visualise the locations which brought the book alive to me. There are twists, turns, secrets & surprises along the way to Maddy & Nicholas' HEA. There’s also Useless & especially Daniel who steal the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 13, 2018
It's an absolutely amazing book full of mystery, romance, and thrill. I loved both Maddy and Nicholas. They're perfect together, both reluctant spies working to uncover traitors to the crown.
After her brother died, Madeleine only thought about getting revenge. Unfortunately, she was captured and faced trial. Only when she thought all hope was lost, she was given a choice. Die as a traitor or become a spy. She chose to live. Her mission is not as simple as it sounds. There will be danger and it might not end well for her. But she is willing to make an effort and so her best. Her future is uncertain but for now she is working with Nicholas to make things right.
Nicholas Ryder does not enjoy working in Queen Elizabeth’s service but when his father needs him, he doesn't have much of a choice. He also dislikes putting Madeleine in danger but this is the only way for her to earn her freedom. So, together they must find all the information needed in order to put an end to any plot against Queen Elizabeth, that maybe brewing in the north.
It's a very well-written book. I especially enjoyed the action packed ending. It's an interesting spy story set in Queen Elizabeth’s time when Mary Queen of Scots was thought to be plotting against her, and laying claim to the British throne. I don't know much about historic facts but the story had me intrigued from the very beginning. I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend to all historical fiction fans.
P.S. I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley.
After her brother died, Madeleine only thought about getting revenge. Unfortunately, she was captured and faced trial. Only when she thought all hope was lost, she was given a choice. Die as a traitor or become a spy. She chose to live. Her mission is not as simple as it sounds. There will be danger and it might not end well for her. But she is willing to make an effort and so her best. Her future is uncertain but for now she is working with Nicholas to make things right.
Nicholas Ryder does not enjoy working in Queen Elizabeth’s service but when his father needs him, he doesn't have much of a choice. He also dislikes putting Madeleine in danger but this is the only way for her to earn her freedom. So, together they must find all the information needed in order to put an end to any plot against Queen Elizabeth, that maybe brewing in the north.
It's a very well-written book. I especially enjoyed the action packed ending. It's an interesting spy story set in Queen Elizabeth’s time when Mary Queen of Scots was thought to be plotting against her, and laying claim to the British throne. I don't know much about historic facts but the story had me intrigued from the very beginning. I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend to all historical fiction fans.
P.S. I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 21, 2018
This was my first book by Pamela Mingle. I'm looking forward to many more!
Madeleine is caught by Queen Elizabeth's men while she is attempting to avenge the death of her brother. In order to escape the noose, she agrees to become a spy for the Queen, and Nicholas will be her handler. Thus begins a page turning spy thriller that takes place in the 16th century. There is also mystery and suspense here, together with romance. The spy thriller part of the story is what kept me glued to the pages. Who is on which side and who can be trusted? I tore through the pages, dying to know what would happen.
The only thing that seemed a little weak to me was the character of Nicholas. Though I loved his interaction with his nephew, his romance with Madeleine wasn't particularly compelling to me. However, I really did like both characters. Nephew Daniel was my favorite character, though. Well, Daniel and Useless the pup! All in all, a very satisfying story.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
Madeleine is caught by Queen Elizabeth's men while she is attempting to avenge the death of her brother. In order to escape the noose, she agrees to become a spy for the Queen, and Nicholas will be her handler. Thus begins a page turning spy thriller that takes place in the 16th century. There is also mystery and suspense here, together with romance. The spy thriller part of the story is what kept me glued to the pages. Who is on which side and who can be trusted? I tore through the pages, dying to know what would happen.
The only thing that seemed a little weak to me was the character of Nicholas. Though I loved his interaction with his nephew, his romance with Madeleine wasn't particularly compelling to me. However, I really did like both characters. Nephew Daniel was my favorite character, though. Well, Daniel and Useless the pup! All in all, a very satisfying story.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
August 17, 2018
What this poor young woman goes thru. Her brother is executed because they feel he is a traitor, there was no trial. She is angry and decides to go fight to get her revenge She is captured and sits in a stinky cell for six days before she is bought for questioning. Nicholas Ryder wants to interrogate her and get her to take a spy job they need intelligence on. The protestant Dacre's are suspected of wanting to help the Queen, Mary of Scots.
There is a lot of things going on in this story. there are so many twists and surprises in this tale The fight to keep Mary and her son free. The interference of the English in Scotish business. The characters are varied and very well written. I have not read this particular author before but I loved her work. When Maddy meets Daniel, he just loves her and clings to her skirt. His parents are dead and he does not speak anymore. The book keeps your interest and time well spent reading it.
There is a lot of things going on in this story. there are so many twists and surprises in this tale The fight to keep Mary and her son free. The interference of the English in Scotish business. The characters are varied and very well written. I have not read this particular author before but I loved her work. When Maddy meets Daniel, he just loves her and clings to her skirt. His parents are dead and he does not speak anymore. The book keeps your interest and time well spent reading it.
August 26, 2018
Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle centres around Madeleine Vernon who has been captured by Queen Elizabeth's men. After the death of her brother, she decides to avenge his death but to escape execution, agrees to become a spy for the crown. Nicholas Ryder organises to send Madeleine into the household of a suspected traitor, to infiltrate and discover any treasonous acts. This is a fast paced 16th century spy thriller, peppered with romance. I must admit that the romance between the two was not the strongest aspect of the story but the detail in the historical aspect and the characters, trumped the romance, making for a good read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2018
Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle is a fast paced, page turning Elizabethan novel. When a line between prisoner and capitor become blurred, all bets are off.
With deceit, betrayal, and desire a perilous mix is created. Add in treason, danger, surprises, you have a definite page turner. Well crafted and well written with charming and engaging characters. The plot is intriguing, unpredictable and captivating. Twists and turns abound in MISTRESS SPY. What a brilliant and exciting story! There is some edge of your seat moments with a HEA. #NetGalley #MistressSpy
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
With deceit, betrayal, and desire a perilous mix is created. Add in treason, danger, surprises, you have a definite page turner. Well crafted and well written with charming and engaging characters. The plot is intriguing, unpredictable and captivating. Twists and turns abound in MISTRESS SPY. What a brilliant and exciting story! There is some edge of your seat moments with a HEA. #NetGalley #MistressSpy
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
August 24, 2018
Mistress Madeline Vernon made the mistake of taking part in a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. She was bullied by the men who took her prisoner into taking work with a suspect household or following her brother to the executioner. She is in a high risk situation, not knowing who to trust.
Nicholas Ryder works for his father as part of the Queen's information gathering network. He is not happy about putting a woman at risk, but needs must. He would much rather look after his nephew and his roses.
The danger and intrigue in this period of history is fascinating. Lots of action and emotion make this a real page turner.
I loved the unusual characters.
Nicholas Ryder works for his father as part of the Queen's information gathering network. He is not happy about putting a woman at risk, but needs must. He would much rather look after his nephew and his roses.
The danger and intrigue in this period of history is fascinating. Lots of action and emotion make this a real page turner.
I loved the unusual characters.
August 21, 2018
1569 the fight for the rightful Queen of England. In reading this story, I felt like I was in the middle of the rebellion because the descriptions and emotions were so real! Filled with suspense, intrigue, spies and traitors combined with betrayal and danger, I was kept on the edge wondering what would happen next. She lost her brother in the fight and she was determined to avenge him by joining a group of rebels. Even dressing like a lad did not help her when she was captured by the enemy and thrown in a dank cell. He was working as a spy for the Queen and used her to gather information in return for her freedom.
So much emotion and twists and turns that me talking to the characters to help them! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author!!!
So much emotion and twists and turns that me talking to the characters to help them! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author!!!
August 30, 2018
I love Pam’s books! She weaves her research seamlessly into the narrative, and creates a suspenseful, romantic read.
August 20, 2018
Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle is an enjoyable historical romance with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. I found the storyline to be interesting and the characters engaging while the world in which everything centered was defined and brought to life by the author’s wonderful writing.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.
August 6, 2018
It's great fun to read out of one's preferred genre (mystery for me). This romance had all the necessary elements of a good one, but with a few twists added in. Madeleine Vernon, in order to save her life after being captured in a rebel battle, is placed in the household of possible traitors to the Queen. She must report back to Nicholas Ryder, who is her "handler." Having to spy in a home where she can't be sure who is a friend or foe is the first twist in the story. But the next surprising twist is that Nicholas has a ward, his nephew Daniel. Daniel is six years old and hasn't spoken since his parents died. Circumstances bring Maddy to his home enough times that the two become deeply attached. And the feelings she cannot deny for Nicholas are enhanced by his obvious devotion to the boy. Add in an irresistible beagle named Useless, some dastardly villains, and a lot of suspense, and you have a wonderfully entertaining read!
August 16, 2018
My 1st book by Pamela & Wow !!!! a very good story... it is a mystery, suspense, spy thriller ...lots of intrigue ... The title of the book caught my interest....am very happy to say the book didnt disappoint...Pamela has done an excellent job ...
This is the story of Madeleine Vernon & Nicholas Ryder...Maddy is captured by the queen’s men when she is on a vendetta to avenge her brother’s death & joins the rebels . She is forced to become a spy by her mysterious but attractive captor who is none other than Nicholas ...He is a Spy working for many years for his father under Queen Elizabeth's service...He blackmails & plants Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner information which can foil plots against Elizabeth....
Maddy & Nicholas are reluctant spies & unhappy but both are under different pressures to work for
the crown... The sizzling but slow chemistry , attraction, romance between the characters is heart warming ...The story line is simple yet captivating... very well written, scripted & presented ...the plot is fast paced & full of twists , turns... Despite the undue circumstances Maddy & Nicholas stay together, overcome many obstacles & achieve their goals ... .
Maddy 's character comes out as a very strong, sensible, bold, brave, smart women who manages to maintain her sanity, courage and dignity despite all troubles faced by her...Nicholas comes out as a lovable , dependable , helpful, compassionate human being ....I would recommend the book ...its atleast a compulsory one time read ...
This is the story of Madeleine Vernon & Nicholas Ryder...Maddy is captured by the queen’s men when she is on a vendetta to avenge her brother’s death & joins the rebels . She is forced to become a spy by her mysterious but attractive captor who is none other than Nicholas ...He is a Spy working for many years for his father under Queen Elizabeth's service...He blackmails & plants Maddy into a household of suspected traitors to garner information which can foil plots against Elizabeth....
Maddy & Nicholas are reluctant spies & unhappy but both are under different pressures to work for
the crown... The sizzling but slow chemistry , attraction, romance between the characters is heart warming ...The story line is simple yet captivating... very well written, scripted & presented ...the plot is fast paced & full of twists , turns... Despite the undue circumstances Maddy & Nicholas stay together, overcome many obstacles & achieve their goals ... .
Maddy 's character comes out as a very strong, sensible, bold, brave, smart women who manages to maintain her sanity, courage and dignity despite all troubles faced by her...Nicholas comes out as a lovable , dependable , helpful, compassionate human being ....I would recommend the book ...its atleast a compulsory one time read ...
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September 18, 2018** ARC provided via NetGalley **
NB: ARC review so will be posted via review account.
NB: ARC review so will be posted via review account.
July 26, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
This is a book I am very pleased to give top marks to .
It’s descriptive, emotional, breathtaking, has you on the edge of your seat , and really there’s no where else you want to be once you start it .
The characters have such chemistry that your cheering for them to achieve their goals , stay together, overcome any obstacles or just plain get to their destination.
It’s a book I would gladly read again and have no problem recommending to other readers .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋💋
This is a book I am very pleased to give top marks to .
It’s descriptive, emotional, breathtaking, has you on the edge of your seat , and really there’s no where else you want to be once you start it .
The characters have such chemistry that your cheering for them to achieve their goals , stay together, overcome any obstacles or just plain get to their destination.
It’s a book I would gladly read again and have no problem recommending to other readers .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
September 1, 2018
All Madeleine Vernon wants is revenge. Instead, she finds herself being forced to work for the Queen as a spy when she's caught by the Queen's men. Luckily, she has Nicholas Ryder on her side, otherwise things could be a lot worse for her in that she could have just as easily been executed for her crimes. Will Madeleine be able to get the information Nicholas needs her to get or will she find herself in too deep?
This is the second book I've read by this author and I've got to say that Ms. Mingle absolutely impressed me with this historical romance, as it has a good dose of suspense towards the end; compelling dialogue that had me loving the growing relationship between the main characters and the journey these two take on their way to happy ever after; and incredible main characters that have interesting back stories.
The way this story started drew me in immediately and had me worried for the heroine, as things don't look good for her, especially since it seems she doesn't really have much of a choice but to accept the hero's terms to be a spy. Will she be able to get the intel he needs? How much danger will the heroine be in? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, driven and I liked how determined she is to carry out the assignment that she's been given, even though she knows nothing about being a spy. I also liked that she didn't give up until she could get all the information she needed to stop whatever was going to happen. Yet, I couldn't help but sympathize with her because of things that she learns along the way that make her feel as though the hero has betrayed her. Will Nicholas be able to get Madeleine to listen to reason as to why he keeps certain things to himself? Things that she needs to know.
While the hero, he's confident, driven, compassionate when it comes to the heroine's situation and I liked the relationship between him and his nephew, as the little boy has been through so much and needs Nicholas every bit as much as the hero needs the little boy. I also liked the decisions the hero makes when it comes to his life and how it isn't easy to do what he does for the Queen anymore. How can he deal with everything the Queen's men do when some of the men are so ruthless? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how he helps the heroine to deal with being a spy.
Overall, Ms. Mingle has delivered an enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was delightful and had me loving that the heroine gave Nicholas a chance; and the ending took me by surprise because of the things the hero was hiding from Madeleine and had me worried for the main characters because of what happens, but had me loving that they find their way back to each other because they're meant to be together. I would recommend Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle, if you enjoy Historical romance, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Anna Campbell, Stacy Reid, Mary Jo Putney and Jess Michaels.
August 4, 2018
Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2018...)
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance ebook collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
__________________________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: A bit faster than slow burn, not quite insta-love
Relationship dynamics: The Queen’s Spymaster with an Orphaned Ward/Captor (H); The Unwilling Spy/Captive (h)
Sexual content: Some. Romantic, “onscreen,” and explicit (but not overly so)
Triggers: Some violence against h (not by H); some “offscreen” violence against women (not by H)
Grammar/Editing: I found a lone typo. As this is an ARC, it will hopefully be corrected in the final, published version.
Review: This book is well-paced and fairly well-written, although it contains some repetition of details and a fair amount of reminiscent summary of the plot. In fairness, there are a lot of details for the reader to remember, so some readers may appreciate these periodic recaps. The action involves and follows the movements of well-known historical figures and ostensibly takes place during historically verifiable events. The author takes some literary license with the actual historical timeline (which I’ll admit I had to look up!), but is consistent in her execution of the details and inserts her characters into the timeline in an entirely plausible way, which should satisfy even the purists.
Maddy and Nicholas are lovely protagonists. They are relatable, honourable, and their romance, although fraught with obstacles as you would expect, is quite sweet and progresses in a fairly natural, if slightly modern-feeling, way. Character investment happened almost immediately for me, which is the mark of great early character development. That investment then grew over the course of the book, which is just as it should be. Supporting characters are generally sufficiently developed, particularly Daniel (Nicholas’s ward). However, some seem a bit more two-dimensional than others. That is, they are introduced as far as necessary for the plot, but not beyond that.
Overall, a quick and satisfying read.
Floral version: Mistress Spy is, without a doubt, a hardy rose. While not without its thorns and not necessarily the showiest variety, it is nevertheless a pleasure to have among my perennials. I will definitely be bringing other varieties from this cultivator into my Kindle garden.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance ebook collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
__________________________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: A bit faster than slow burn, not quite insta-love
Relationship dynamics: The Queen’s Spymaster with an Orphaned Ward/Captor (H); The Unwilling Spy/Captive (h)
Sexual content: Some. Romantic, “onscreen,” and explicit (but not overly so)
Triggers: Some violence against h (not by H); some “offscreen” violence against women (not by H)
Grammar/Editing: I found a lone typo. As this is an ARC, it will hopefully be corrected in the final, published version.
Review: This book is well-paced and fairly well-written, although it contains some repetition of details and a fair amount of reminiscent summary of the plot. In fairness, there are a lot of details for the reader to remember, so some readers may appreciate these periodic recaps. The action involves and follows the movements of well-known historical figures and ostensibly takes place during historically verifiable events. The author takes some literary license with the actual historical timeline (which I’ll admit I had to look up!), but is consistent in her execution of the details and inserts her characters into the timeline in an entirely plausible way, which should satisfy even the purists.
Maddy and Nicholas are lovely protagonists. They are relatable, honourable, and their romance, although fraught with obstacles as you would expect, is quite sweet and progresses in a fairly natural, if slightly modern-feeling, way. Character investment happened almost immediately for me, which is the mark of great early character development. That investment then grew over the course of the book, which is just as it should be. Supporting characters are generally sufficiently developed, particularly Daniel (Nicholas’s ward). However, some seem a bit more two-dimensional than others. That is, they are introduced as far as necessary for the plot, but not beyond that.
Overall, a quick and satisfying read.
Floral version: Mistress Spy is, without a doubt, a hardy rose. While not without its thorns and not necessarily the showiest variety, it is nevertheless a pleasure to have among my perennials. I will definitely be bringing other varieties from this cultivator into my Kindle garden.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2018
Well plotted and interesting, with a likeable, intelligent heroine and a good adventure/mystery. I really liked the period this was set in as it is Tudor, rather than the usual Regency or Victorian setting. The plot centres on Madeline being captured when she follows her brother to take part in a failed rebellion against Queen Elizabeth. She is captured by the queens forces, and forced to spy for them, by taking a position as a companion to an elderly woman who is suspected of colluding with the rebellion. Her spy,aster is Nicholas Ryder, who together with his father Francis, works for the queen.
I liked the heroine very much, she came over as intelligent and capable, apart from her mistake in getting involved with the rebels in the first place. However I thought the hero could have been a bit more dashing. I felt Nicholas was a bit under his father’s thumb. Francis Ryder seems very sinister and controlling at first, when Nicholas finally stands up to his father he seems to crumple. That is the only bit I didn’t think worked as well as it could have, because it didn’t make me understand why Madeleine would fall in love with Nicholas, or ring true to the characters as they were first introduced. I did like the subplot that detailed the relationship between Nicholas and Daniel, his orphaned nephew, who suffers from selective mutism. I thought the interactions between Daniel and Nicholas and between Daniel and Madeleine were handled deftly and touchingly.
I do think the author is a good writer with an enjoyable style and good research, as all the period detail rang true. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the heroine very much, she came over as intelligent and capable, apart from her mistake in getting involved with the rebels in the first place. However I thought the hero could have been a bit more dashing. I felt Nicholas was a bit under his father’s thumb. Francis Ryder seems very sinister and controlling at first, when Nicholas finally stands up to his father he seems to crumple. That is the only bit I didn’t think worked as well as it could have, because it didn’t make me understand why Madeleine would fall in love with Nicholas, or ring true to the characters as they were first introduced. I did like the subplot that detailed the relationship between Nicholas and Daniel, his orphaned nephew, who suffers from selective mutism. I thought the interactions between Daniel and Nicholas and between Daniel and Madeleine were handled deftly and touchingly.
I do think the author is a good writer with an enjoyable style and good research, as all the period detail rang true. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 28, 2018
Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle
In 1569 a young woman and her friends go to join a fight on the losing side. Madeleine Vernon wants revenge for the hanging of her brother. He fought against the queen and was considered a traitor but she found him only misguided and worthy of life. Anyway, she is captured and given the opportunity of saving her traitorous life IF she is willing to go undercover to try to expose plots against the English Queen. Not wanting to hang as her brother did, Madeleine accepts, is cleaned up a bit, given clothing and sent to the Dacre home to spy by her handler, Nicholas Ryder…well…at the behest of his father who is much more into spy-craft and keeping the queen safe at all costs.
So, off Madeleine goes with spying to do, information to get back to Ryder, a guest in the home Madeleine knows is not who he says he is and a lot of tension to endure. Then, a woman goes missing, reivers (or are they?) come visiting, Madeleine’s life is at risk and eventually a plot with an evil killer is exposed and he is done away with. Throw in a cute nephew of Nicholas, a bit of romance and the potential for a HEA and you have a historical romance that I found myself skimming at times as it seemed a wee bit predictable and the characters not different enough to hold my attention fully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled-Amara for the ARC - This is my honest review.
3 Stars
In 1569 a young woman and her friends go to join a fight on the losing side. Madeleine Vernon wants revenge for the hanging of her brother. He fought against the queen and was considered a traitor but she found him only misguided and worthy of life. Anyway, she is captured and given the opportunity of saving her traitorous life IF she is willing to go undercover to try to expose plots against the English Queen. Not wanting to hang as her brother did, Madeleine accepts, is cleaned up a bit, given clothing and sent to the Dacre home to spy by her handler, Nicholas Ryder…well…at the behest of his father who is much more into spy-craft and keeping the queen safe at all costs.
So, off Madeleine goes with spying to do, information to get back to Ryder, a guest in the home Madeleine knows is not who he says he is and a lot of tension to endure. Then, a woman goes missing, reivers (or are they?) come visiting, Madeleine’s life is at risk and eventually a plot with an evil killer is exposed and he is done away with. Throw in a cute nephew of Nicholas, a bit of romance and the potential for a HEA and you have a historical romance that I found myself skimming at times as it seemed a wee bit predictable and the characters not different enough to hold my attention fully.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled-Amara for the ARC - This is my honest review.
3 Stars
August 5, 2018
Threatened with hanging for her part in a 1569 rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, Madeleine Vernon chooses the alternative: placement as personal secretary and companion to Lady Dacre in Lanercost Priory, in Cumbria, near the Scottish border. Maddy deals with the question of the Dacres loyalty to the queen, the uncertainty of her own fate during and after the completion of her assignment and her wildly ambivalent feelings towards her “handler,” Nicholas Ryder.
Despite her tribulations, Maddy manages to maintain her sanity, courage and dignity. Most of the action takes place in the Priory and the author skillfully conveys a feeling for daily life there along with the danger involved.
(I received pre-publication access to MISTRESS SPY thanks to NetGalley.)
Despite her tribulations, Maddy manages to maintain her sanity, courage and dignity. Most of the action takes place in the Priory and the author skillfully conveys a feeling for daily life there along with the danger involved.
(I received pre-publication access to MISTRESS SPY thanks to NetGalley.)
September 3, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 8/27/18.
Mistress Spy is a fast-paced story of historical espionage dealing with an aspect of history (plots involving Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots) that I have a general understanding of but not a lot of specific knowledge--I'll admit keeping track of all the players and the details about the plots Nick and Maddy are trying to uncover was sometimes a bit of a challenge, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
I do wish the romance between Maddy and Nick had had a bit more to it for much of the book, though I suppose working for the crown and partaking in hazardous spy detail must take priority ;) Nick's tendency to run hot and cold, though--one minute all about his work, the next unable to stay away from Maddy--was as frustrating for the reader as it was for the heroine. He makes up for it in the end, but still.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely look for more from the author. It's clear she puts a lot of research into her work and loves what she does. (Plus, you know--spies!!!)
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Mistress Spy is a fast-paced story of historical espionage dealing with an aspect of history (plots involving Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots) that I have a general understanding of but not a lot of specific knowledge--I'll admit keeping track of all the players and the details about the plots Nick and Maddy are trying to uncover was sometimes a bit of a challenge, but overall it was an enjoyable read.
I do wish the romance between Maddy and Nick had had a bit more to it for much of the book, though I suppose working for the crown and partaking in hazardous spy detail must take priority ;) Nick's tendency to run hot and cold, though--one minute all about his work, the next unable to stay away from Maddy--was as frustrating for the reader as it was for the heroine. He makes up for it in the end, but still.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely look for more from the author. It's clear she puts a lot of research into her work and loves what she does. (Plus, you know--spies!!!)
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 15, 2019
This title doesn't reveal how lovely this book is. The author has created a wonderful cast of characters and a sense of place with romance, suspense, mystery and some history of England/Scotland during the time of Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots.
There were several words that I looked up to make sure I had used the context to correctly to decipher the meaning. Words like kirtle, scold bridle (not something pleasant), and palfrey. These descriptions make the story more believable and you can see what life may have been like for many people at that time.
Madeline, Nicholas, young Daniel and their families and acquaintances/confidants make for an engaging story with a satisfying ending. Enjoy this read with a cup of tea and a cozy fire.
There were several words that I looked up to make sure I had used the context to correctly to decipher the meaning. Words like kirtle, scold bridle (not something pleasant), and palfrey. These descriptions make the story more believable and you can see what life may have been like for many people at that time.
Madeline, Nicholas, young Daniel and their families and acquaintances/confidants make for an engaging story with a satisfying ending. Enjoy this read with a cup of tea and a cozy fire.
September 2, 2018
Mistress Spy by Pamela Mingle is the story of Madeleine 'Maddy' Vernon and Nicholas Ryder.
Maddy was out to avenge her brother's death which lead her to be a part of a rebellion attempt. Robert who with his father works for the Queen to gather needed information and protection. Maddy is brought to Robert's attention who he makes a deal with Maddy to become a spy/informant into a household that they think to be traders to the Crown. With no real choose, Maddy has to go forward with working with Robert. But they both have a hard time keeping this to just 'business' when their attraction and feelings become to much.
Maddy was out to avenge her brother's death which lead her to be a part of a rebellion attempt. Robert who with his father works for the Queen to gather needed information and protection. Maddy is brought to Robert's attention who he makes a deal with Maddy to become a spy/informant into a household that they think to be traders to the Crown. With no real choose, Maddy has to go forward with working with Robert. But they both have a hard time keeping this to just 'business' when their attraction and feelings become to much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews