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The Adirondack Pinkertons #1
A Changed Agent
When schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell meets rugged William Benton on a train platform in Albany, it appears they have nothing in common. He isn’t the sort of fellow a proper young woman of the 1890s would ever speak to, much less become involved with. But when she arrives at her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie is offered a job as caregiver for this mysterious out-of-towner’s niece and nephew, who’ve been tragically orphaned. Heartbroken for them, she accepts.
Unknown to her, William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as a lumber-company foreman. He’s never wanted family—his work is too dangerous. Yet as Elsie transforms his house into a home and he spends time with the children, he feels drawn to family life—and to Elsie.
As a good Christian, Elsie is troubled by William’s secrets…though she does find him intriguing. And when a sinister figure from her past arrives, Elsie and William will have to trust in faith and newfound love to protect their unlikely family from danger.
Unknown to her, William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as a lumber-company foreman. He’s never wanted family—his work is too dangerous. Yet as Elsie transforms his house into a home and he spends time with the children, he feels drawn to family life—and to Elsie.
As a good Christian, Elsie is troubled by William’s secrets…though she does find him intriguing. And when a sinister figure from her past arrives, Elsie and William will have to trust in faith and newfound love to protect their unlikely family from danger.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
122 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Tracey J. Lyons
15 books142 followersTracey considers herself a small town gal writing small town books. A publisher's Weekly best selling author and an Amazon #1 bestselling historical romance author, Tracey sold her first book on 9/9/99! Tracey’s books have been translated into several languages. Tracey is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Novelists Inc. Her books have been a finalist in the Greater Detroit Booksellers best, New Jersey Golden Leaf and the Reader's Choice awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 28, 2020
A CHANGED AGENT is a slow burn historical story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, but the cover really pulled me in. While on her train ride to her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie notices that two children accompany the man who helped her and she is curious as to the circumstances as the children appear to be heartbroken. Once back in her hometown, she finds herself in charge of those two lovely children and in close quarters with the gruff stranger, who happens to be their uncle, William Benton. William is an undercover Pinkerton agent working at the lumber company as foreman to investigate a theft. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Tracey J Lyons always has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go.
A CHANGED AGENT really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Elise is a great teacher with a real love for children, which leads to her problem of being almost forced into caring for William’s niece and nephew. I love how her relationship with the children grow and how she helps provide healing for two very hurt children. I loved the twins, Harry and Minnie, and watched them go from sad, scared kids to those that bloomed with all the love around them.
A CHANGED AGENT is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Tracey J Lyons was taking us and what would happen to Elsie and William. There is so much heart in Tracey’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see A CHANGED AGENT becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A CHANGED AGENT really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Elise is a great teacher with a real love for children, which leads to her problem of being almost forced into caring for William’s niece and nephew. I love how her relationship with the children grow and how she helps provide healing for two very hurt children. I loved the twins, Harry and Minnie, and watched them go from sad, scared kids to those that bloomed with all the love around them.
A CHANGED AGENT is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Tracey J Lyons was taking us and what would happen to Elsie and William. There is so much heart in Tracey’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see A CHANGED AGENT becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 28, 2020
A Changed Agent by Tracey J. Lyons is number one in her Adirondack Pinkertons series. Schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell agrees to help William Benton with the care of his niece and nephew. Posing as a lumber-company foreman, Will, an undercover Pinkerton agent, is there try to find a thief. As Elsie grows to love the kids her heart grows closer to their uncle. But he seems to be hiding something from her. This is one of those stories where when the heroine finds out what the hero has been hiding from her that she gets really upset and uncommunicative. And won’t see that he couldn’t tell her because of his job. It wasn’t that big a deal to me. Otherwise the story was good with a little suspense thrown in for good measure.
I received this book from Just Reads for my honest review.
I received this book from Just Reads for my honest review.
February 29, 2020
From the turn of the first page, readers will become sucked right in to this adventure filled undercover Pinkerton agent story. From a mysterious and unsuspecting lawman and the man he is hunting, to the sweet and adorable children, to the unexpected romance, this story will capture the heart of readers. This story is exciting and will keep readers wondering what will happen next with the development of the characters and their stories and the author’s beautiful storytelling. Readers will not want to put down this fast paced and enjoyable tale!
Series: The Adirondack Pinkertons
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Publication date: July 19, 2016
Number of pages: 242
Other books in the series:
2-The Heart of an Agent
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: The Adirondack Pinkertons
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Publication date: July 19, 2016
Number of pages: 242
Other books in the series:
2-The Heart of an Agent
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2016
William Benton is a Pinkerton agent charged with finding missing railroad bonds--but who also has recently taken responsibility for his orphaned niece and nephew, seven-year-old twins Minnie and Harry. He has no idea how he can do both, especially when his job often requires late nights and overnight trips. His boss suggests he hire help in the form of Elsie Mitchell, the violet-eyed schoolteacher in their small update New York town.
Elsie turns out to be perfect for the job except for the fact she keeps wanting him to go to church and objects to him hanging around the saloon. He can't explain it's for work--that would defeat the whole 'undercover' part of his job.
It's an interesting premise, and I would have liked to have seen more of Will's role as a Pinkerton agent. As it was, the focus of A Changed Agent was very much on the developing relationship between Elsie and Will, and Elsie's strange relationship with her ex-fiance. I liked the scenes with the children, and I especially liked the way the mute Minnie was able to learn to trust as the story progressed.
The ongoing issue with A Changed Agent wasn't the story or the characters, but the writing. The author has a habit of starting sentences with -ing words, which gives the writing a lyrical feel. Unfortunately, that isn't a good thing because while I'm flowing with the lyrical writing I'm not actually reading the words. I think that's because a lot of the writing is passive, which again takes me away from the characters and the action.
I try not to put my freelance editor hat on while reading, but ongoing glitches like this make it difficult because my subconscious says, 'hey! That sentence didn't make sense!'. When I read it for the second or third time, I realise why it didn't make sense, and that it's something the editor should have noticed and pointed out. Having said that, every 'self-editing for authors' book I've ever read points out the dangers of starting sentences with -ing words, and it wasn't the editor who wrote the novel.
Overall, A Changed Agent was somewhat predictable as a historical romance. It had good characters and a solid plot, but could have done with improved revision and editing.
Thanks to Waterfall Press (Amazon's Christian fiction imprint) and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Elsie turns out to be perfect for the job except for the fact she keeps wanting him to go to church and objects to him hanging around the saloon. He can't explain it's for work--that would defeat the whole 'undercover' part of his job.
It's an interesting premise, and I would have liked to have seen more of Will's role as a Pinkerton agent. As it was, the focus of A Changed Agent was very much on the developing relationship between Elsie and Will, and Elsie's strange relationship with her ex-fiance. I liked the scenes with the children, and I especially liked the way the mute Minnie was able to learn to trust as the story progressed.
The ongoing issue with A Changed Agent wasn't the story or the characters, but the writing. The author has a habit of starting sentences with -ing words, which gives the writing a lyrical feel. Unfortunately, that isn't a good thing because while I'm flowing with the lyrical writing I'm not actually reading the words. I think that's because a lot of the writing is passive, which again takes me away from the characters and the action.
I try not to put my freelance editor hat on while reading, but ongoing glitches like this make it difficult because my subconscious says, 'hey! That sentence didn't make sense!'. When I read it for the second or third time, I realise why it didn't make sense, and that it's something the editor should have noticed and pointed out. Having said that, every 'self-editing for authors' book I've ever read points out the dangers of starting sentences with -ing words, and it wasn't the editor who wrote the novel.
Overall, A Changed Agent was somewhat predictable as a historical romance. It had good characters and a solid plot, but could have done with improved revision and editing.
Thanks to Waterfall Press (Amazon's Christian fiction imprint) and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
August 9, 2016
Returning from a little vacation, schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell finds herself in a bit of a bind when her luggage opens up before her train ride home and hr belongings end up strewn all over the ground. Her only recourse is a gruff looking stranger, who to her embarrassment, helps her gather her unmentionables so she can catch her train home.
While on her train ride to her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie notices that two children accompany the man who helped her and she is curious as to the circumstances as the children appear to be heartbroken. Once back in her hometown, she finds herself in charge of those two lovely children and in close quarters with the gruff stranger, who happens to be their uncle, William Benton. William is an undercover Pinkerton agent working at the lumber company as foreman to investigate a theft.
Keeping the secret of who he is and what he is doing is a difficult task with the very observant Elsie. It becomes so much more difficult when he begins to yearn for the ragtag family to be a real family. William had no idea how he was going to keep it together with his dangerous job and caring for his twin niece and nephew, who because of the sudden loss of their parents and being shifted around to relatives have their own issues to overcome.
Elsie is a Godsend when it comes to keeping it all together and she quickly becomes the glue between the children, William and even the community. Could they both open up their hearts to one another as they have for those around them? Read A CHANGED AGENT to find out.
I hope that author Tracey J. Lyons continues to write stories like this one, because I am now hooked. This well written historical set in the Northeast opens a whole new realm for this reader and I crave more. This pair from different backgrounds and circumstances come together with two seven-year old children as the catalyst for a bright future and their journey there is an intriguing one.
While on her train ride to her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie notices that two children accompany the man who helped her and she is curious as to the circumstances as the children appear to be heartbroken. Once back in her hometown, she finds herself in charge of those two lovely children and in close quarters with the gruff stranger, who happens to be their uncle, William Benton. William is an undercover Pinkerton agent working at the lumber company as foreman to investigate a theft.
Keeping the secret of who he is and what he is doing is a difficult task with the very observant Elsie. It becomes so much more difficult when he begins to yearn for the ragtag family to be a real family. William had no idea how he was going to keep it together with his dangerous job and caring for his twin niece and nephew, who because of the sudden loss of their parents and being shifted around to relatives have their own issues to overcome.
Elsie is a Godsend when it comes to keeping it all together and she quickly becomes the glue between the children, William and even the community. Could they both open up their hearts to one another as they have for those around them? Read A CHANGED AGENT to find out.
I hope that author Tracey J. Lyons continues to write stories like this one, because I am now hooked. This well written historical set in the Northeast opens a whole new realm for this reader and I crave more. This pair from different backgrounds and circumstances come together with two seven-year old children as the catalyst for a bright future and their journey there is an intriguing one.
September 14, 2016
This is a story of change, family, and faith.
I love seeing Will slowly start to change . He wasn't a family man until Elsie and the children came along. I laughed in some places, and I loved Elsie for her determination to change Will into what he ought to be instead if who he actually is.
Elsie doesn't know that he's a Pinkerton agarnt hired to help find the railroad bonds that came up missing! !
Elsie is afraid to trust after what Virgil did to her. She doesn't want to give into Will for fear of breaking her heart again in case he up and took off again. Through God's plan she learns to start trusting and she forgave Virgil for what he done to her.
I enjoyed that there were children in the story.
They were what helped change Elsie and will see things as they are supposed to be.
Oh and I figured out won stole the bonds but I won't say!! You won't believe who it is!!
Tracey I loved this novel! It was a page Turner and I enjoyed very much!
I love seeing Will slowly start to change . He wasn't a family man until Elsie and the children came along. I laughed in some places, and I loved Elsie for her determination to change Will into what he ought to be instead if who he actually is.
Elsie doesn't know that he's a Pinkerton agarnt hired to help find the railroad bonds that came up missing! !
Elsie is afraid to trust after what Virgil did to her. She doesn't want to give into Will for fear of breaking her heart again in case he up and took off again. Through God's plan she learns to start trusting and she forgave Virgil for what he done to her.
I enjoyed that there were children in the story.
They were what helped change Elsie and will see things as they are supposed to be.
Oh and I figured out won stole the bonds but I won't say!! You won't believe who it is!!
Tracey I loved this novel! It was a page Turner and I enjoyed very much!
January 28, 2017
I was drawn into this story from the beginning. The sparks between Will and Elsie kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed their story and you will too.
August 5, 2022
Schoolteacher Elsie Mitchell accepts a role helping lumber worker William Benton look after his orphaned niece and nephew. She moves into his house and makes a home for them. She could fall for the handsome bachelor if only he wasn’t so secretive and would halt his mysterious trips to the saloon in town. He claims it’s for business, but his prolonged absences puzzle her. Nonetheless, she can’t control her heart and soon wants their home to become one in reality. But is William ready to commit to a family and to her faith? This story is a pleasant tale with likeable characters.
May 9, 2018
First of all, I loved the story idea. So much that I am tempted to give it more stars.
However:
The lead female character was just so incredibly annoying — she was bossy and self-righteous and always sure that she was right... a little humility would have gone a long way
Also I felt like a main message of the book was that you could actually scold and nag a person into faith. His real issues with faith were never addressed, he just “got his act together” because he felt the woman deserved it, basically....
And negative points for actually using the phrase “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle”.
In truth, I’m being negative because I am somewhat enamored with Pinkerton agents and I had high expectations going into it
However:
The lead female character was just so incredibly annoying — she was bossy and self-righteous and always sure that she was right... a little humility would have gone a long way
Also I felt like a main message of the book was that you could actually scold and nag a person into faith. His real issues with faith were never addressed, he just “got his act together” because he felt the woman deserved it, basically....
And negative points for actually using the phrase “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle”.
In truth, I’m being negative because I am somewhat enamored with Pinkerton agents and I had high expectations going into it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
This book brought back all the memories of when I just read one prairie romance after another!
I enjoyed the part of the story of a Pinkerton working under cover and how the hero and heroine had to work together to care for the two children.
I did get really annoyed with the heroine though. She came across as so bossy, and unyielding that I never really got into her character. I felt like her response in the end was over the top dramatic and it kinda lost me.
This story was okay to me, just not really my cup of tea.
I enjoyed the part of the story of a Pinkerton working under cover and how the hero and heroine had to work together to care for the two children.
I did get really annoyed with the heroine though. She came across as so bossy, and unyielding that I never really got into her character. I felt like her response in the end was over the top dramatic and it kinda lost me.
This story was okay to me, just not really my cup of tea.
September 8, 2016
Ms. Lyons has written another enjoyable story set in a simpler time in our history. Elsie and Will come together out of the need to care for two orphaned children from Will's family. I loved the children and the author's attention to their development. The love story between Will and Elsie is skillfully done with Will's secret life of a Pinkerton Agent standing between them. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romances.
January 1, 2017
I did not like this very much, because I couldn't stand Elsie. I'm all for strong female characters, but she was a shrew. She needed to get over herself and accept that doing one's job does not equal betrayal, nor does it mean that nothing was real. I won't continue this series.
March 25, 2017
Nice sweet story. Easy read.
My first book by this author..enjoyable read. It missed being 5 stars because I didn't like the lead female's reaction near the end of the book.
My first book by this author..enjoyable read. It missed being 5 stars because I didn't like the lead female's reaction near the end of the book.
January 19, 2019
I believe this is the first book I have read by this author and I really liked the story. I found it entertaining and intriguing. I don't know much about the Adirondacks or the Pinkertons, so I did learn a little about both.
Elsie Mitchell is a school teacher on a short vacation in Albany, New York and is on her way back home in the Adirondacks of New York. She meets our hero, William Benton, an undercover Pinkerton agent, at the train station when her luggage is overturned and he tries to assist her with picking up her unmentionables. Then when she gets home to Heartston, she is told the owner of the local lumber company needs to see her immediately and William is also summoned. Once there, the lumber company owner, Mr. Oliver, who is also William's new boss, offers Elsie the the job of caring for William's orphaned niece and nephew in addition to her teaching job. Because Elsie feels sorry for the children and could use the extra money for the adventures she wishes to have away from home someday, she takes the job.
This means Elsie will move into Mr. Oliver's grandmother's abandoned house and live with William and his niece and nephew, in the separate quarters off the kitchen. Soon William and Elsie begin to get closer, but William seems to be a bit secretive about his whereabouts most days and nights. What does he do away from home when not working at the lumberyard? Why does he frequent the saloon if he is not a drinker and doesn't avail himself of the "ladies" company? Can Elsie and William work things out and make it work or is their budding relationship doomed to failure?
If you enjoy a good, clean, historical romance with intrigue, you will like this book. I know I do and will read more by Tracey Lyons. Enjoy!
I won this book through the Christian Fiction Summer Reading Safari Contest and am leaving this review as my honest opinion.
Elsie Mitchell is a school teacher on a short vacation in Albany, New York and is on her way back home in the Adirondacks of New York. She meets our hero, William Benton, an undercover Pinkerton agent, at the train station when her luggage is overturned and he tries to assist her with picking up her unmentionables. Then when she gets home to Heartston, she is told the owner of the local lumber company needs to see her immediately and William is also summoned. Once there, the lumber company owner, Mr. Oliver, who is also William's new boss, offers Elsie the the job of caring for William's orphaned niece and nephew in addition to her teaching job. Because Elsie feels sorry for the children and could use the extra money for the adventures she wishes to have away from home someday, she takes the job.
This means Elsie will move into Mr. Oliver's grandmother's abandoned house and live with William and his niece and nephew, in the separate quarters off the kitchen. Soon William and Elsie begin to get closer, but William seems to be a bit secretive about his whereabouts most days and nights. What does he do away from home when not working at the lumberyard? Why does he frequent the saloon if he is not a drinker and doesn't avail himself of the "ladies" company? Can Elsie and William work things out and make it work or is their budding relationship doomed to failure?
If you enjoy a good, clean, historical romance with intrigue, you will like this book. I know I do and will read more by Tracey Lyons. Enjoy!
I won this book through the Christian Fiction Summer Reading Safari Contest and am leaving this review as my honest opinion.
November 26, 2017
A Changed Agent isn't ground breaking, but takes familiar elements and combines them well to make an enjoyable, comfortable read. William Benton's slow transformation from hardened undercover Pinkerton agent to loving family man is precipitated by one of his sisters foisting their deceased sister's two children on him, forcing him to take them with him on an assignment in Albany, New York. As Elsie Mitchell, the local schoolteacher, cares for the children and insists on his developing a more consistent relationship with them, he slowly falls for the opinionated woman who also insists he attend Sunday services. Of course, when danger comes out of her past William is just the man she needs.
While the living situation seemed a bit unconventional for the historical period, and the story focuses more on the home and relationships than the undercover assignment, I quite enjoyed the domestication of William as well as the glimpses of him in action as a Pinkerton.
If you enjoy Pinkerton stories where the relationships are more important than the mystery, then this is a series to try. A Changed Agent may not be groundbreaking or even completely unpredictable, but reading it was a very pleasant way to spend an evening, and I can foresee reading it again.
This review refers to a purchased kindle e-book. All opinions expressed are my own. Review previously posted on bookworlder.wordpress.com
While the living situation seemed a bit unconventional for the historical period, and the story focuses more on the home and relationships than the undercover assignment, I quite enjoyed the domestication of William as well as the glimpses of him in action as a Pinkerton.
If you enjoy Pinkerton stories where the relationships are more important than the mystery, then this is a series to try. A Changed Agent may not be groundbreaking or even completely unpredictable, but reading it was a very pleasant way to spend an evening, and I can foresee reading it again.
This review refers to a purchased kindle e-book. All opinions expressed are my own. Review previously posted on bookworlder.wordpress.com
May 8, 2023
I grew up in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York, less than an hour north of Albany, so I was excited to read this story set in my beloved mountain range. I've read other stories about the Pinkertons and enjoyed them and at the beginning, I really was enjoying this!
But I absolutely dislike Elsie Mitchell. What a nagging harpy! I'm not quite sure who she thought she was setting down a bunch of rules she only had half a right to make. I won't deny she was very good with the kids, very patient and loving and compassionate, but when she learned that Will was a Pinkerton, in my opinion, she reacted too harshly and without reason. Oh, and her reaction to the other two officers...dang, girl, they don't owe you anything.
I mean, hello, they're not allowed to share who they really are so that the people who they are searching for don't know who to look out for! I just...no, I didn't like her.
Will, however, won my heart very quickly. He did everything he could to be there for his niece and nephew and never lost his temper with them, not even when Minnie refused to talk or they talked him into sharing a bed.
I hope in the future to read a book about Amy, the bakery owner's daughter who enjoys a great tea service, and Mr. Oliver.
Overall, I was satisfied with the ending of this book and am looking forward to reading the next book.
But I absolutely dislike Elsie Mitchell. What a nagging harpy! I'm not quite sure who she thought she was setting down a bunch of rules she only had half a right to make. I won't deny she was very good with the kids, very patient and loving and compassionate, but when she learned that Will was a Pinkerton, in my opinion, she reacted too harshly and without reason. Oh, and her reaction to the other two officers...dang, girl, they don't owe you anything.
I mean, hello, they're not allowed to share who they really are so that the people who they are searching for don't know who to look out for! I just...no, I didn't like her.
Will, however, won my heart very quickly. He did everything he could to be there for his niece and nephew and never lost his temper with them, not even when Minnie refused to talk or they talked him into sharing a bed.
I hope in the future to read a book about Amy, the bakery owner's daughter who enjoys a great tea service, and Mr. Oliver.
Overall, I was satisfied with the ending of this book and am looking forward to reading the next book.
March 25, 2018
I was enjoying the story premise but, once again in a Christian novel, everything is tied up in a pretty bow and they live happily every after. I get it, but the cookie cutter approach to fiction has become tiresome and I do like Tracey Lyons writing style and yet it's so formulaic. Girl meets guy, with two children, moves in to help raise said children against all social conventions of the times. Everyone in town is okay with this with some grumbles from her father? Quickly falls in love. But (of course, there's a but . . . ) guy doesn't tell truth about being an agent. Past love turns bad and is the threat. Agent is revealed. Bad guy captured and no one is hurt. Girl gets angry about guy lying. Too quickly forgives and wedding bells start ringing. There - now you don't need to read the book. Don't get me totally wrong, though. The writing style is good, it's easily read in one day and did hold my interest enough to finish it and write this so it's not all bad but I'm always looking for "something more," and this just didn't fill that bill.
July 26, 2025
3.75 stars.
This is the first in a series. I enjoyed the main characters - Elsie, the schoolteacher takes on the task of looking after William's orphaned neice & nephew. This part of the story was what caught my eye, in deciding to read this book. I am drawn to family sagas. There was a lot to like in this book, the way the main characters had to try to work together for the sake of the children. William couldn't explain to Elsie why he was often out for days on end etc. When the mystery comes to light, it got quite tense. The children in this story were quite endeering.
Whilst the book was a nice read, it wasn't anything special, in my opinion. The latter part of the book, kept me more engaged. I would have liked to have read more about the Pinkertons tbh, but that is just my person opinion. I borrowed this via Kindle Unlimited. I will try the 2nd book in the series, as that is also available on Kindle Unlimited. This is CF, but I didn't think overtly. Elsie does go to Church, and tries to get William to go and to trust in God.
This is the first in a series. I enjoyed the main characters - Elsie, the schoolteacher takes on the task of looking after William's orphaned neice & nephew. This part of the story was what caught my eye, in deciding to read this book. I am drawn to family sagas. There was a lot to like in this book, the way the main characters had to try to work together for the sake of the children. William couldn't explain to Elsie why he was often out for days on end etc. When the mystery comes to light, it got quite tense. The children in this story were quite endeering.
Whilst the book was a nice read, it wasn't anything special, in my opinion. The latter part of the book, kept me more engaged. I would have liked to have read more about the Pinkertons tbh, but that is just my person opinion. I borrowed this via Kindle Unlimited. I will try the 2nd book in the series, as that is also available on Kindle Unlimited. This is CF, but I didn't think overtly. Elsie does go to Church, and tries to get William to go and to trust in God.
March 14, 2018
This book is Christian historical romantic suspense; however, it is not overly preachy and the first time reading this author. This is the story of a young schoolteacher in the Adirondack mountains. She is asked by the town's largest business owner to help a man care for his niece and nephew as he has just been given custody when their parents died. They are residing in the same household but with separate quarters. She agrees to help believing the man is working in the lumber business but unbeknownst to her, he is a Pinkerton agent investigating a case. Of course romance pursues and the truth of his identify comes out complicating their relationship. This was quick read and what is to be expected with this genre. My one quibble with it was the ending was wrapped up a little too quickly given the tension that had just occurred. Despite this, I did enjoy the book and will look to read the next of the series.
July 24, 2020
It was ok but a bit long. Don't think I'll be trying the next book in the series/
William is an undercover Agent for the Pinkertons. Unfortunately, his orphaned niece and nephew have just been handed over into his care, unexpectedly. He doesn't know how he's going to manage undercover with while caring for young twins. His boss, an old agent,has arranged for the schoolteacher to be his housekeeper.
Elsie is trying to get over her beau jilting her. She wants to travel so the extra cash from helping William out would come in handy. As she grows to care for the children, can she guard her heart from the mysterious William?
This is a clean, sweet romance. Elsie is nice to help out but I found her to be rather bossy. I realize she was wanting William to be a good head of the family, but she shouldn't have pushed him so much.
It was a decent read but I thought it was a bit long. Not one I'd re-read.
William is an undercover Agent for the Pinkertons. Unfortunately, his orphaned niece and nephew have just been handed over into his care, unexpectedly. He doesn't know how he's going to manage undercover with while caring for young twins. His boss, an old agent,has arranged for the schoolteacher to be his housekeeper.
Elsie is trying to get over her beau jilting her. She wants to travel so the extra cash from helping William out would come in handy. As she grows to care for the children, can she guard her heart from the mysterious William?
This is a clean, sweet romance. Elsie is nice to help out but I found her to be rather bossy. I realize she was wanting William to be a good head of the family, but she shouldn't have pushed him so much.
It was a decent read but I thought it was a bit long. Not one I'd re-read.
June 24, 2022
"A Changed Agent" by Tracey J. Lyons is a sweet romance set in the 19th century. This was a good fast-paced read that I cuddled up with after a long day, and I didn't want to read a complicated plot. If that is what you are looking for, this is your next read. I'm giving it four stars because I had a couple of moments when I had to suspend my disbelief that the 19th-century small-town locals would be alright with certain actions and living arrangements. There is absolutely no sex, but she is settled in the apartment on the backside of his kitchen, and he and his niece and nephew sleep upstairs. Yes, they are separated, but still under the same roof, and the townsfolk would have had a fit about this in the 1800s.
It is a charming romance, and the kids will tug at your heart. Again, this is it if you want to read a fast-paced, clean romance.
It is a charming romance, and the kids will tug at your heart. Again, this is it if you want to read a fast-paced, clean romance.
November 10, 2017
This was a great break from the chaos of life and, for me, was easily read in a night, but I tend to binge read.
The hero, William, was a strong and focused agent, but really fumbled with his responsibilities for his sudden family. Elsie really does become a necessary part of their family. I love the inner struggles to try and stay aloof from the trio living under his borrowed roof.
Elise was a great teacher with a heart for children, which leads to the predicament of being almost forced into caring for William's niece and nephew. I love how her relationship with the children grow and how she helps provide healing for two very hurt children.
While it was mostly a predictable story, it was the relaxing read I needed to escape from the world.
The hero, William, was a strong and focused agent, but really fumbled with his responsibilities for his sudden family. Elsie really does become a necessary part of their family. I love the inner struggles to try and stay aloof from the trio living under his borrowed roof.
Elise was a great teacher with a heart for children, which leads to the predicament of being almost forced into caring for William's niece and nephew. I love how her relationship with the children grow and how she helps provide healing for two very hurt children.
While it was mostly a predictable story, it was the relaxing read I needed to escape from the world.
December 30, 2018
*Review based on Kindle and Audible editions of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love Elsie's strength and her rules. She is a bit stubborn though.
Will is an undercover Pinkerton agent suddenly in charge of his orphaned twin niece and nephew. Elsie is not only their teacher she has also entered into an arrangement to be their caregiver. Feelings grow between Will and Elsie much to their surprise.
After much danger and many tense moments, there is one exchange that I loved. "Mr. Benton! You cannot just kiss away our problems." "Why not?" "Because I said so!"
You have to read the story for yourself. It's very sweet.
Narrator Lauren Ezzo does a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love Elsie's strength and her rules. She is a bit stubborn though.
Will is an undercover Pinkerton agent suddenly in charge of his orphaned twin niece and nephew. Elsie is not only their teacher she has also entered into an arrangement to be their caregiver. Feelings grow between Will and Elsie much to their surprise.
After much danger and many tense moments, there is one exchange that I loved. "Mr. Benton! You cannot just kiss away our problems." "Why not?" "Because I said so!"
You have to read the story for yourself. It's very sweet.
Narrator Lauren Ezzo does a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life.
March 28, 2023
This book was extremely disappointing in that it was not what I was expecting. I wanted to read a story about the Pinkertons but it wasn’t even close, in my opinion. Will’s employment with the agency was simply the avenue used by Ms. Lyons in which to weave some kind of legitimate reason behind his deception to Elsie. And yes, I am certainly aware of why Pinkerton agents had to stay undercover, I was never at a point where the circumstances were nail biting and suspenseful. When I had figured out in the first three pages how the book’s story line will proceed and end, the entire book was boring. I decided the only reason I finished it was so I could write my review. So if you’re looking for a romance novel, I guess you’d like this. But a Pinkerton agent thriller, it is NOT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...
This book shouldn't have taken me as long to read, as it did. It was very written in a very simple and plain fashion and should've been a quick and easy read. Yet, it failed miserable on keeping my interested. It often getting annoyingly repetitive on the details in regards to the characters feelings and thoughts, and the story-line was weak and common. The plot was very boring and frequently felt like it was leading nowhere, with very little excitement to go off of. It was so boring, every time I set this down I was forget to return to it.
This book shouldn't have taken me as long to read, as it did. It was very written in a very simple and plain fashion and should've been a quick and easy read. Yet, it failed miserable on keeping my interested. It often getting annoyingly repetitive on the details in regards to the characters feelings and thoughts, and the story-line was weak and common. The plot was very boring and frequently felt like it was leading nowhere, with very little excitement to go off of. It was so boring, every time I set this down I was forget to return to it.
May 17, 2021
A great story set back in the late 1800's. Elsie is a school teacher. William is a Pinkerton agent. He is given guardianship of his sister's children, Harry and Minnie. He arrives in town to take care of a job but he needs help for the children. Elsie, heartbroken for the children, decides that the Lord has set this situation up just for her. As Elsie, William, Harry and Minnie learn to live together, Elsie's ex-fiance shows up and starts trouble. As Elsie and William grow closer, danger finds Elsie. Will William be in time to save her?
June 28, 2017
I’m not much of a historical reader, but really enjoyed this story about a schoolteacher and a Pinkerton agent. Elsie was independent and adventurous and quite a match for William Benton. I loved it when she tore into him for leaving his twin niece and nephew outside a saloon. I thought that was just like a man who’d never been around children!
If you enjoy romance mixed with a light mystery, you will love A Changed Agent by Tracey J. Lyons!
If you enjoy romance mixed with a light mystery, you will love A Changed Agent by Tracey J. Lyons!
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June 18, 2019School teacher Elsie Mitchell meets William Benton on train platform in 1890. When she arrives at her small town in the Adirondack Mountains, Elsie is offered a job as caregiver to Benton's niece and nephew, who have been tragically orphaned. Unknown to Elsie William is an undercover Pinkerton agent posing as lumber-company foreman.
Elsie struggles to accept the challenges and secrets to come with her new job. Love, mystery and faith are all part of the story.
Elsie struggles to accept the challenges and secrets to come with her new job. Love, mystery and faith are all part of the story.
December 9, 2018
Sometimes the best thing in life is doing nothing for a day with a real good book. This book hooked me from the beginning and my butt did not leave the couch except to get tea and food until it was done. Well written, amazing characters, great plot and story line. I can not wait to read the next one either (within next few days). Highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2019
I was curious to read a book written by Tracey J. Lyons, an Amazon #1 best selling Christian romance author. This book was enjoyable, comforting, and easy to follow. The narrator of the audiobook, Lauren Ezzo, was wonderful. She brought life to the characters and an Elsie Mitchell protagonist who was adorably sweet.
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