Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green ~ CFBA Tour & Review

Lucie's Review:

An novel awash with rich history, I felt like I learned so much by the end of the book about what was going on during and after the Civil War. Like that there really was a spy network set up by Mrs. VanLew, and that many exciting plot points were inspired by true events!

Sophie Kent never set out to become a spy. But in her pursuit of freedom for those trapped in slavery, she is always looking for ways to "do more."

There is an excellent mix of fictional and true life characters. I really liked Dr. Lansing who is a prisoner at Libby. And I liked how I recognized many of the characters from the previous books in the series, even though this is a great stand alone novel. I liked how they brought back Bella and her husband, Abe.

One character that I guess you could say that I loved to hate, was Sophie's horrible sister Susan, who was just so terribly bitter and scheming. She was just terrible, and to some effect, I felt like there was no real reason for her to go to the lengths that she did to hurt other people.

I really respected the restraint that Harrison shows in his relationship with Sophie. And I really came to like him.

Overall, this a well written saga, and I loved the heroine, and how she shows courage countless times, depending on her friends, and God to see her through. A well done historical novel.




I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Spy of Richmond River North (March 1, 2015) by Jocelyn Green

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jocelyn Green is a child of God, wife and mom living in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is also an award-winning journalist, author, editor and blogger. Though she has written nonfiction on a variety of topics, her name is most widely recognized for her ministry to military wives: Faith Deployed. Her passion for the military family was fueled by her own experience as a military wife, and by the dozens of interviews she has conducted with members of the military for her articles and books, Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives and its sequel, Faith Deployed...Again: More Daily Encouragement for Military Wives. She is also co-author of both Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan and Stories of Faith and Courage from the Home Front (forthcoming, May 2012). Her Faith Deployed Web site and Facebook page continue to provide ongoing support, encouragement and resources for military wives worldwide.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Trust none. Risk all. Richmond, Virginia, 1863. Compelled to atone for the sins of her slaveholding father, Union loyalist Sophie Kent risks everything to help end the war from within the Confederate capital and abolish slavery forever. But she can't do it alone. Former slave Bella Jamison sacrifices her freedom to come to Richmond, where her Union soldier husband is imprisoned, and her twin sister still lives in bondage in Sophie's home. Though it may cost them their lives, they work with Sophie to betray Rebel authorities. Harrison Caldwell, a Northern freelance journalist who escorts Bella to Richmond, infiltrates the War Department as a clerk-but is conscripted to defend the city's fortifications.

As Sophie's spy network grows, she walks a tightrope of deception, using her father's position as newspaper editor and a suitor's position in the ordnance bureau for the advantage of the Union. One misstep could land her in prison, or worse. Suspicion hounds her until she barely even trusts herself. When her espionage endangers the people she loves, she makes a life-and-death gamble.

Will she follow her convictions even though it costs her everything-and everyone-she holds dear?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Spy of Richmond, go HERE.