Shadowed by a Spy

by Marilyn Turk

When Lexie Smithfield boards the early morning Long Island train to Manhattan in 1942, she feels safe having left the threat of danger behind her at Jekyll Island. Little does she know, the four men who boarded the train with her are Nazi spies sent to wreak havoc in the United States. Did the so-called Smithfield family curse follow her to New York? What will happen to Lexie when she innocently befriends one of the spies and gets involved in the spy ring? And with her fiance Russell overseas, who will protect her?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Suspense

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true adventure and glimpse into the history of 1942 when German spies infiltrated New York City. History about this event along with the staffing, treatment and nurses in training at Bellevue Hospital, the famous Martinique Hotel, life with a band traveling overseas to perform for the USO, actions of the spies, and the beautiful landscape for the area kept my attention. My emotions and mind was right in the midst of this fabulous intriguing story. Shadowed by a Spy is filled with unexpected events, lively conversations, work conditions, disappointments and fulfillment of dreams by the hero and heroine, Lexie Smithfield and Russell Thompson, along with other characters. Lexie’s care and ministry to the psychiatric patients gave renewed hope to them as well as connecting with John Doe, a catatonic patient. The characters were complex with realistic flaws and dedication to helping others during WWII. There was never a dull moment for Lexie with her training to be a nurse, conversing with others she was warned against, and her love for Russell. But yet she was caution in all she did until an incident happen at the hospital that she could not fathom. The underlying suspense, romance and the tremendous research by Turk made this a top notched Christian Historical Suspense Romance book. I look forward to reading more books by Marilyn Turk. She is an amazing Christian Historical Suspense writer with her books filled with intrigue, detailed research, God’s love and mercy, complex characters and action packed events.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed By A Spy by Marilyn Turk is a marvelous Christian historical war novel that will have you enthralled from the start.
Set in 1942 Marilyn Turk has clearly done extensive research as she blends fact and fiction to produce a fabulous tale. The reader is treated to an epic novel that focuses on patriotism. Patriotism for the American meant something very different to patriotism for the Nazi. Nazis followed Hitler through brain washing or fear or both. Americans were patriotic because they believed in stopping evil and protecting their land and people. The reader hears about war bonds, digging for victory and concerts to raise morale and funds for the servicemen.
Everyone wanted to do their ‘bit’. The reader feels the frustration of a character classed 4F. Not everyone can be a serviceman but everyone can serve their country.
Nurses were needed at home and overseas. Not all scars were visible. The reader ‘sees’ inside Belle Vue where the mentally ill were treated. Some were soldiers suffering from battle fatigue or PTSD as we would diagnose today. To the modern reader, the treatment is brutal and horrific – sedatives, strapping down, electric shock treatment. There were some very hard to read scenes.
Kindness goes a long way to healing. People want to be seen as individuals and not just bodies to be treated.
We all face choices. The novel shows the tough choices that some have to make. The novel shows how people can be used to help others make good choices.
Who do you want to please? God? Or people? God’s opinion is the only one that really matters. People are fickle. God is trustworthy and faithful.
In war battles are fought. Sometimes we fight the battle on our knees. “Prayer is one of the best ways I know to fight.” Prayer is the most powerful force at our disposal. Sometimes we are the answer we are looking for. “I prayed, and God used me to answer the prayer.”
At times we may wander far from God. It may be a conscious decision or we may just wander our way to a life of disconnection from God.
I adored Shadowed By A Spy. As a historian with a passion for all things WWII, I was in seventh heaven reading this book. Marilyn Turk always produces stories that grab my attention and leave me wanting more. Her characters are likable and realistic. They are not perfect but that is good news as they are just like us, showing the everyday struggles that we all face.
If you have never picked up a Marilyn Turk novel, you are missing out – remedy it today and grab yourself Shadowed By A Spy.
A wonderful, warm, welcoming tale.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Ginny Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in New York City during World War II, Lexie thinks she'll have a nice quiet life where she can complete her nursing training then marry the love of her life, Russell. However, a chance encounter with Nazi spies on the train changed all that.
A love story spun together with a fast-paced adventure will leave you with piles of dirty laundry and sink loads of dirty dishes because you won't be able to put it down and attend to those other things.
Also, please read the first book (A Gilded Curse) in this series too.

[Michele Rolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear Jerker & Thriller

WOW! I cried when Russell called Lexus on July 4th. I got Goosebumps when he told her the time he Prayed for her. Marilyn did a great job again putting me right into the book. I felt everything Lexus felt, from her betrayal of Cal (Karl) to her fear when she thought she was going to be killed to her happiness on her Wedding Day.

[Susan Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series by Marilyn Turk. This is a mysterious, historical fiction book that weaves interesting bits of history into the book. I had no idea German spies actually infiltrated the US via rafts during WWII. Great story!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed by a Spy by Marilyn Turk is a captivating story during WWII. Marilyn adds those little details that make a story extra special. For example, some of the medical procedures they were testing and the pastor they went to visit his church were valuable additions to the story.

You cannot help but admire Russell for his desire to serve his country in any way he can since he cannot go to war as a result of his foot injury. We also see how Robert is different than the other band members because of his morals and Christian beliefs.

It was fascinating to think about everything Lexie was learning as she trained to be a nurse during this time frame. Lexie’s specialty was working in the mental health floor. It was sad and fascinating to see what happened to the patients.

Lexie and Russell had a relationship similar to relationships of today where there were missed dates and lunches because of their jobs. I don’t think of that happening in historical fiction. I assume their life was much slower and easier.

The story around the four gentlemen on the train was intriguing but I enjoyed the scenes with Robert and Lexie more. Also the scenes with Lexie working in the mental floor at the hospital were captivating.

I loved the history in this book. You can tell the author did a lot of research and it adds such depth to the story.
Sexual content - no physical scenes, one of the singers likes to flirt and try to be alluring
Violence - some of the medical procedures from that time frame may feel like violence, there is a hint of violence from the four strangers on the train, it is war time and there are war injuries
No profanity or drugs/alcohol

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!!
Marilyn is a talented writer and one I highly recommend. She has a way of adding special surprises to make you keep turning the pages to see what is happening to our favorite characters.
Although I am going to have to say that I like the Guided Curse much better.
This book has a story all in itself though.
I often wondered what times were like in World War 2. (My grandpa fought the Germans in this war so it's kind of special to me.) My the stories he could tell!! (of course they'd change with each telling)
I think I'm still going to continue to admire Russell. Russell for doing his part in the war even though he couldn't do what he wanted to do. His talents are admirable. I went to an awesome piano concert last week and Russell came to mind. How grand to hear him play like this man did. I even imagined him as Russell. I loved his personality as well. I was happy to see that the war hadn't changed it.
Lexie is still the sweetheart she is. I felt like I wanted to strangle her sometimes though. I admired her for her ability to want to help others. She's truly an amazing person. Sometimes our parents can leave more of an impact on us more that we realize later in life. Verbal abuse is sometimes that the physical abuse. I admired Lexie for being able to work through her problems. Learning to trust God in all things is harder than we can imagine. Through Christ all things are possible.
I would reread this book again.
I recieved a copy of this book. No compensations were received. All opinions are my own

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical mystery romance. It's WWII and this book tells the story of how Lexie and fiance Russell choose to do their part for the cause. It's a very interesting book which takes you back to another time, and let's us share some of the experiences that took place. This is the second book and the first book,

The Gilded Curse was the book which precedes the events in this story. If you read the first book, you will become familiar with the characters and the events that lead to where they are in this book. I really felt that this book was a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed it and it was very entertaining, interesting as well as educational in some of the goings on during this difficult period in history.

I highly recommend this book.

[GJ S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Christian historical novel

I loved the historical line & the truths of the Nazis and how cruel they were to so many,& especially jews. The way the medical field treated the head injury and mentally ill patient's seemed very harsh. I recommend this book and the author. Thank you for no sexual content and for Christianity through out.

[Lisa Worthey Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

The author skillfully weaves a tale of love and intrigue with a little espionage and love mixed in. Enjoyable way to spend an afternoon

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reason I read historical fiction is to be introduced to and learn about an event from the past. In this novel we go back to 1942 when Nazi spies landed on Long Island. Called Operation Pastorius, their plan was to attack bridges, water supply, etc.

Turk has done a good job of creating the setting for us. Lexie, who we met in the first novel in the series, unknowingly meets and sort of befriends one of the spies. We readers catch snatches of their devious plans.

The focus of the novel, however, is on Lexie. She was being trained to be a nurse at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital in New York. It was very interesting to read about the patients there and the innovative (and no longer used) techniques practiced in an attempt to help them. We also follow Russell, Lexie's fiancee. He is an assistant manager at the Martinique Hotel but music is his passion. He's a piano player and signs on with a dance band going overseas to play for the USO. That was another interesting part of the novel.

The strength of Turk's writing is the descriptions of New York during the war years. I can tell she has done a great deal of research. The characters are well developed too. There is a little bit of action included. The romance is tempered as Lexie and Russell are already engaged. I do recommend this historical novel to readers who would enjoy being transported to New York in 1942 and learning about the time and place.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed by a Spy is the second book in Marilyn Turk’s WWII series. I was able to read the two books back to back which I liked being able to do although they are easily read as stand-alones. I enjoyed the books, but struggled a little bit relating to Lexie Smithfield, the young female protagonist, but that may be due to the age difference between us. (I could almost be her grandmother.) Lexie struggles with many changes in her life from the death of family members and loss of income to friends going off to war. I like the way the author addresses the issues and shows Lexie’s growth and maturity as the story progresses. Lexie’s fiancé Russell is a stand-up guy, yet has his own insecurities and doubts. I especially enjoyed the segment about his time with the USO. Cultural references, slang, and descriptions effective evoke the era, and it’s obvious Ms. Turk did her research. Lexie’s story is mingled with the true story about German spies who landed on Long Island which adds intrigue and depth to the book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed by a Spy is a WWII historical fiction novel by author Marilyn Turk. It is the 2nd book of the Suspicious Shores series. This novel scores a Wow by me! And, if you haven’t read the first book you’ll want to do that. Although, both books could be read as stand-alone.

In book 2 we meet up with Lexie Smithfield (whom readers met in book 1). She is now in New York in the year 1942. This novel is well researched and emotionally charged. The author has done an outstanding job writing about some tough issues.

I wish there were more books in this series and I highly recommend it. Also, be sure to read the epilogue. There are discussion questions at the end of each novel, making this a great book club read.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie and her fiancé Russell move to Manhattan so she can go to nursing school and he works at a hotel as the Manager. She rides the train from Long Island to Manhattan and again that feeling of being watched and followed is there again, what is up? She keeps passing and seeing the same men and meets one in the diner and begins to gets to know him, even though she is suspicious of being around him. Russell has the opportunity to travel with the USO overseas, so Lexie is alone and she keeps seeing these men and become increasingly suspicious. She works at the hospital in the psychiatric ward and has a catatonic soldier hurt in the war. She works with him and his memory improves but then one day something happens and he disappears from the hospital. Will Russell get home so she can be his bride?

[Charlotte Dance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful book. It does stand well on its own, but it is a sequel to an earlier book. You get to know several of the characters in the earlier book. My aunt was in nursing training during WW2 and she spent the war in New Caledonia with patients suffering from PTSD. That gave me an unexpected interest in the historical detail in the book. This book has several wonderful threads. One is the treatment of mental health and soldiers during that era. Another is the strict way that nursing programs were run. The 3rd is the role of USO performances. Finally there is the whole issue regarding the spies and exactly how our lives may intersect and influence people in ways that we will never know. This is a wonderful book and I will look for the author in the future.

[Sherry Ledet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lexie becomes an outstanding student of nursing, especially for the ward for men with shell shock. Her compassion and understanding causes her instructors to advance her quickly to her senior year. Meanwhile Russell takes a position as a piano player with a USO band traveling in the British Isles before learning that Lexie and he can be married by Christmas because she has been moved ahead in school so quickly. He will be home again in Aug. so Lexie is excited to be able to make wedding plans so soon. There isn't really any suspense in this story. There are German spy's but they are incidental to the story.

[Pamela Haskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read an advance copy of Marilyn Turk’s latest book, SHADOWED BY A SPY. As usual, her stories do not disappoint. She has a way of dropping in bits and pieces of history that made the story of Lexie and Russel come to life. I was easily carried along as suspense builds when the two encounter German spies who sneak into New York City into 1942. It was also quite interesting to get an insider-view of the USO and nursing practices of that era.
I highly recommend this book. I also suggest reading A GILDED CURSE, the first book about Lexie and Russell.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. First, I should say that I didn’t read the first book in the series before reading this one. However, I read the entire book without getting enough of a description of of the two main characters to be able to picture them as I was reading the book. Also, I thought things were wrapped up a little too quickly without enough suspense. But, on the other had, I did appreciate the use of prayer and the song, Amazing Grace.

[Anne Afshar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction about activities that occurred right here in the U.S. during WWII that I never heard about. This was a good Christian novel with different concepts and showed how our actions can make a difference. I didn't realize it was the second book with these characters so now I need to look for the first one.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War 2 . New York City , nurses n service men n women.

A story about a time in history during WWW 2. New York City , The nurses, the service men n women n what it was like. It's believable because it's true! It was an enjoyable step back n how all Americans did all they could for the war efforts.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a really good historical fiction story from the WWII era, I highly recommend this book. Spies in New York, USO performances, and even mental health treatments are all a part of this fascinating book.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history and good story

The backdrop of World War II and Nazi spies in New York makes a very interesting history. The story was good with the action going back-and-forth between Lexie in New York and Russell in England and Ireland.

[Mary Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shadowed by a Spy

In many ways a disappointing book. I was expecting things to happen but the story just faded out with a lack of action

[Lenora Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this suspenseful but sweet story that took me back to New York in another time.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII perspective from NYC covering mental health treatment at the time as well as German infiltration. Very satisfying sequel to the beginning of the story which started on Jekyll Island.

[Felicia Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. A lovely blend of mystery and romance.

[Deon]

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[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and the author did a wonderful job of putting us back in 1942. This was an enjoyable book to read. The characters were believable and just regular people. What I like best about any Christian fiction book, is seeing how someone who is really saved thinks and acts. Although I've been saved for a long time now, when it was all brand new for me, books like this helped me see how scripture should be applied to our lives. I don't know if authors think about this when they're writing, but their books can make a big impact on fellow Christians for that reason. Obviously, depending on how the author does, that impact can be either negative or positive. I'd have to give this book a C or B- for that reason. while the Lord and their faith obviously were important to the main characters, and the author did show how their faith affected their lives, I think a lot more could have been done with that. The ending is good, but I felt it was both sudden and abrupt. All in all, a good book that's thoroughly enjoyable.

[Pamela Proudfoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Marilyn Turk is a suspenseful story of love, intrigue and a healthy bit of the unknown. The characters are carefully refined as the story unfolds. I found it to be a book I didn't want to close. The plot was too compelling to stop reading. I sat in my living room and continued chapter after chapter. I was very satisfied when I reached the end of this book. The ending was the fulfillment of my hours spent reading the book. Thank you Marilyn for a very well rounded, interesting story with several turns and twists. This book was given to me as a thoughtful gift and I am thoroughly pleased to have entered the story and enjoyed the fleshing out of each individual character.
I endorse this book by Marilyn Turk for a quite enjoyable read.