THE BACHELOR SPY by Pepper Basham, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
"Beg your pardon, but Lady Astley does have a keen ability to attract. . . Curious happenings.”

Pepper Basham’s signature wit and humor shine throughout this final book in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series. It was entertaining to see what shenanigans and adventures Grace was involved in this time around. Set in England in 1915 against the background of WWI, The Bachelor Spy stars some of the characters from previous books in the series. It could possibly be read as a standalone book, but I feel it’s best to read the books in order, to get all the back story.

When Grace and Freddie’s estate, Havensbrooke Hall, is turned into a hospital for convalescing soldiers, Grace finds herself running the estate while Freddie is involved in the war effort. Freddie’s cousin, Stephen Blake, travels to Havensbrooke incognito in search of a German spy. Mayhem and mysteries ensue, and Grace is once again in her element as she works with Blake to figure out what’s going on at Havensbrooke.

“Oh, happy day! It had been far too long since she’d been part of a proper mystery.”

I enjoyed Grace’s plucky and spontaneous personality and her love of solving mysteries. It was fun to see some of the characters from previous books in the series playing a part in this tale. This is an entertaining and amusing story filled with mystery and romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

 

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA and REBECCA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out? 

Barbour Publishing, July, 2026

Available in digital ebook, and paperback

Buy THE BACHELOR SPY at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

 

PROPOSING MISCHIEF by Regina Jennings, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Just the chuckle I needed!

“She thought she could sneak away from the consequences of her actions for just half an hour, but consequences and bad decisions were not finished with her.”

Farm girl Maisie is cute as a button and can do most anything including get into trouble. After choosing the wrong beaux, she realizes his character and is forced by her family to keep out of his way. But she feels cooped up on the farm. Out fixing fences near a mine, she gets snoopy and removes boards from a nailed up entrance to a mine shaft to go exploring. Not only does she find a beautiful hidden cave, she finds the owner, Bragg Boone. They both marvel at God’s handiwork and agree that this discovery must be shared. Boone asks her to strike a deal to help him save his failing mine. A marriage of convenience for these two Christians makes for some interesting interactions. Lots of funny scenes, especially when Maisie and Boone play such games as hide the crystal, arm wrestling or walk on stilts. They grow closer and Boone has found in Maisie: “A rich treasure hidden beneath a rough surface. He was growing fonder of that type of treasure day by day.”

Funny and heartwarming, the mischief was refreshing and an all around good time.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and an underpinning faith thread

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
“Loving isn’t foolish. Only in loving the wrong things is a person foolish.”

I loved Maisie Kentworth in the first book in Regina Jennings’ Joplin Chronicles series, and I adored her even more as the star of Proposing Mischief. She is such a quirky, spunky, fun heroine who usually leaps before she looks and is the perfect match for the sometimes clueless Boone Bragg. I chuckled, snorted, and laughed out loud at these two main characters. Jennings is a master at creating colorful, endearing characters and plopping them down in hilarious situations and places. A fantastic cast of supporting characters makes this a favorite read of this year. I enjoyed returning to Joplin, Missouri and learning more about the history of the area while reading a delightful tale.

With plenty of intrigue, suspense, adventure, and a dash of romance, this story kept me turning pages and smiling. Regina Jennings is a favorite author of mine. Her historical romances are such fun, and I love learning more about little slices of history and geography. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series brings. This one has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. 

 *4.5 stars. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
Only one person can give her the freedom she seeks--but is it worth the risk?

Maisie Kentworth is being forced to stay on her parents' ranch. After a short-lived relationship with the wrong man, she's worried about inflaming things further between her former beau and her protective family. Left to rue her mistakes, she keeps busy exploring the idle mine at the edge of their property, where she discovers a great treasure.

Boone Bragg is also stuck. With his parents on vacation, the management of Bragg Mining falls on him, and one of his advisors wants him as a son-in-law. One wrong move, and Boone will end up either offending an associate or marrying a woman he can't endure.

While closing up a spent mine, Boone gets two surprises. One is a spitfire farm girl who's trespassing with a pickax, and the other is the amazing crystal cavern that she's discovered. Suddenly Boone sees a way to overhaul the family business. With part of the cavern on Kentworth land, Boone makes Maisie a proposal that he hopes will solve all of their problems. Instead it throws Joplin into chaos, and it will take all of Maisie's gumption to set things right. 

Bethany House Publishing, December 2021

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

Buy Proposing Mischief at Amazon

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