ANCHORING YOU: PIRATES OF SHADOW COVE by Robin Patchen, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

THE WRIGHT HEROES OF MAINE Series #9

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Much as she didn't like this playboy-turned-hero-turned . . . whatever he was now, she was no fan of drug cartels."

Kenzie Wright and Jasper Aylett met under duress, to put it mildly. What began as an ordinary day, doing what Kenzie loved to do best in her life as a yacht captain, turned ugly when pirates appeared out of nowhere and attempted to commandeer her boat . . . but wait! Another team of . . .  .whatever they were . . . whisked Kenzie and her crew away from danger before blowing up her boat!!! Boom!

The drama didn't stop there, in fact, it had only just begun. For while Kenzie's crew left on a rescue boat, Kenzie was left behind with Jasper, a DEA informant. The man had the gall to tell her that she had been transporting contraband; drugs, and lots of them. Before she could digest that disturbing bit of information, Jasper whisked her off to a safe house, put a wig on her head, pulled out a party dress, and off they went, under disguise, straight into a den of vipers.

This starts-fast and never-slows-down action romance hits the road running, but it does slow down enough for deep spiritual conversations and quiet considerations of what life could be like if everything turned out like it does in the movies, where the bad guys get caught and the hero drives off into the sunset with his lady. As you might imagine, it's a lot more complicated than that.

Put on your life jacket, you are going to need it!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

BackCover Blurb:
On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.

A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jaz.

DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as the Ghost. The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Ghost’s web, Jaz risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.

Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jaz, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jaz must work together to unravel the Ghost’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.

 From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together. 

JDO Publishing, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:  Buy ANCHORING YOU at Amazon

A LADY'S HANDBOOK OF GADGETS AND GUILE by Angela Bell, Reviewed by Paula #ReleaseDay

(A Daughters of Genius Society Novel): A Whimsical Steampunk Christian Historical Romance set in Victorian-Era ... Inspectors and Disability Representation

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“There are no spare parts in the Mighty Mechanic’s workshop. Every piece, every person, is made with a divine purpose.” 

This was a delightful and whimsical book that was chock full of literary references from Mary Poppins and Little Women to some of my favorite Christian Fiction authors of today. 

I have a pet peeve with the phrase “she released a breath she did not realize she was holding.” Imagine my surprise when Ms. Bell turned it on its head. “Margaret exhaled the breath she was well aware she had been holding.” Bravo! 

So much fun in this informative story that was based on real women who broke the mold in their own lifetime. 

Margaret was dealing with chronic pain that was aptly portrayed. “All pain matters in God’s eyes.” Hero Charles shows her compassion, and unconditional love. He is a caring, self sacrificing, upright Christian man. 

The romance was precious and played out within the mystery that Margret led her colleagues to investigate. 

A thoroughly enjoyable and special book that will go on my keeper shelf and be among my top reads for 2026.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5+ stars and a strong faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them.  

Bethany House Publishing, July 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:

Buy A LADY'S HANDBOOK OF GADGETS AND GUILE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

THE SPY KEEPER OF MARSEILLE by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Paula, Rebecca, and Winnie #ReleaseDay

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Music could have a more profound effect on people than a bullet.” 

“There was still joy, even in a world of sorrow. Still light, even in a world of darkness. Still music, even in a world of silence.” 

An entrancing story of espionage and courage set in occupied France in 1941. I love how music was woven into every aspect of this story. 

Zelie is a widow who is self-sacrificing and unique as the leader of The Alliance, a secret group of loyal Frenchmen getting information and passing it to MI 6. Marcel, a famous pianist who is set free from prison, joins the team to lead a youth orchestra. He is in the coveted position of passing information via code in the weekly orchestral broadcasts.  

This story is based on a real female spymaster and is packed with historical details. Ms. White has taken these fascinating facts and crafted a story of romance and intrigue. She put me right in the story as the characters faced danger and relied on their faith in God to lead them in their worthy endeavors. 

This author has proven once again that she is a star and shines at telling history in an engaging and inspiring way.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

REBECCA'S REVIEW: 
"She was, without question, the most beautiful woman he'd ever set eyes on."

Concert pianist Marcel Laurent was at a loss for words in the presence of those intelligent blue eyes, while desperately trying to recall why he was in Paris to begin with. Recently freed from a German prisoner of war camp through an exchange, Marcel's companion had cleverly positioned him into the presence of a French resistance spy keeper and if he was not mistaken, the man had also volunteered Marcel to become an agent in her arts division. "What had he gotten himself into . . ."

Widowed with two young children, Zelie Bellerose took her role in the Alliance very seriously, working tirelessly to organize and expand covert activities throughout France, undermining German occupation at every level of society. Having someone embedded within the cultural arts and entertainment sector would be invaluable, especially if this new agent was capable of conducting a youth orchestra that would be traveling unhindered throughout the country; their weekly radio airtime would even allow encoded messages to be broadcast in real time. It seemed Marcel Laurent, a well-known musician already, would be perfect for the assignment. Neither expected there to be so much more to their story.

What an outstanding symphony of perfectly composed characters who faithfully live their lives under inconceivable danger and duress. Layered with incredible finesse, each plot thread strengthens the other, while ultimately yielding to the purposes and plans of the greatest Composer to whom Zelie and Marcel prayerfully seek to serve on earth as it is in heaven.
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“We’re only ragtag, ordinary people doing what we can to help. Who better to lead us than a mother with an addiction to adventure?”

Set in France during World War II, The Spy Keeper of Marseille stars Zelie Bellerose as she leads an intelligence operation for the French Resistance. The widowed mother of two young children hopes to make a better future for her children and the people of France. Concert pianist Marcel Laurent joins the Resistance by conducting a youth orchestra, gleaning information, and sending coded messages over the radio. When Zelie finds herself in charge of the operation, she works with Marcel and others to get messages out. An already dangerous situation gets even more dangerous with betrayals and many twists and turns. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Zelie and Marcel shift and change during the story.

“Why did people tear each other apart just because they disagreed about the best way to achieve a good life? Why did humanity always resort to violence, terror, oppression to make themselves feel more powerful? Why did they seek power for that matter, instead of strength?”

With plenty of action, suspense, danger, and intrigue, this tale also sports a dose of romance and a fantastic helping of history. Roseanna M. White’s stories are always well-researched, creative, and capture my interest. I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end, indicating that the book was based on actual activities during the war. It was fascinating to learn about this slice of history while reading an entertaining tale. This book is very well-written and absorbing, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

 BackCover Blurb:
In occupied France, a woman becomes a spy for the Resistance and rises to lead the largest intelligence operation in the country in this propulsive new World War II historical novel by bestselling author Roseanna M. White.

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

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

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

-A thrilling, propulsive novel based on the real life of a female spy during World War II
-Perfect for fans of WWII historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon, Lynn Austin, Martha Hally Kelly, and Kristy Cambron
-A captivating romance featuring a strong female heroine and a musician hero
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Tyndale Fiction, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE SPY KEEPER OF MARSEILLE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

SPIES, LIES, and ALIBIS by Natalie Walters, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Newsflash, 007 - I don't need rescuing. Not from coffee, produce or a charming billionaire."

Embedded deep into the world of powerful real estate moguls, independently contracted Cybil Langford is assigned to surveil one of the most ruthless crime bosses on the planet, Lorenzo Ramirez. And everything was going so well until she slipped into the toilet trying to retrieve what every spy wears, all black . . . and! . . . she comes face to face (in the dark) with her childhood nemesis-turned-crush, Ben Bradley, who is for some unknown reason calls himself Craig Miller, the name of her let's-forget-all-about-him-forever boyfriend. Ben is gong to ruin everything!

Cybil is going to ruin everything! F. B. I. Agent Ben Bradley is on the hunt to take down the criminal network responsible for the death of a federal agent. What he catches however, is the hem of a very lovely dress wrapped around a very lovely lady shooting darts out of her eyes as if she can tell Ben what to do without speaking a word. Actually, maybe she can.

What a fun story! The clever dialogue is superb and flies back and forth like tennis ball in a game where neither player knows the rules. Cybil and Ben have a past, and in spite of going years without seeing each other, this second chance rom-com with a heavy dose of crime-cute between two undercover agents, sizzles from beginning to end. In spite of getting a little lost at times with the details of the financial transactions, I loved the depth of emotions and hilarious antics that Ben and Cybil brought to the story. Readers who love humor infused suspense will be clamoring for more! 
* I purchased a copy and I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars 

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW: 

BackCover Blurb:
They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Dive into a hilarious, fast-paced romantic suspense that balances danger with wit and charm. Early readers are loving the gripping twists, engaging humor, and clean, chemistry-filled romance that make Spies, Lies, and Alibis such a fun, page-turning ride. Grab your copy today for a story packed with intrigue, heart, and just the right amount of sass. 

Thomas Nelson, May, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, or audiobook:

Buy SPIES, LIES, AND ALIBIS at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House