Secret Lady

by Beth Trissel

At Lavender House, Evie McIntyre is haunted by the whispers from her bedroom closet. Before she can make sense of their murmurs, the house "warbles" between times and transports her to the Civil War. Past and present have blended, and Evie wishes she'd paid more attention to history. Especially since former Confederate officer, Jack Ramsey, could use a heads up.

Torn between opposing forces, Jack struggles to defend the valley and people he loves. Meeting Evie turns his already tumultuous world upside down. Will solving the mystery of the whispers return her home, and will the handsome scout be by her side?

Against the background of Sheridan's Burning of the Shenandoah Valley, Jack and Evie fight to save their friends and themselves – or is history carved in stone?

Genres: Historical, Romance, Time Travel, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2019

About the author

Married to my high school sweetheart, I live on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with my human family and furbabies. An avid gardener, I grow herbs and heirloom flowers and use them in my stories. The rich history of Virginia, the Native Americans (especially the Shawnee), and the Scots-Irish are at the heart of my inspiration. My English, Scottish, and Scots-Irish ancestors were among the earliest settlers in America. I write historical romance set in the colonial frontier, the American Revolution, Georgian England, and 20th century America. I like a good ghost story, so some of my historical romances have paranormal and ghosts in them. In addition to historical romance and Native American/Western romance, I write time travel romance (some are Scottish time travels), Young Adult wolf shapeshifter paranormal sci-fi fantasy romance, New Adult fantasy paranormal time slip romance back and forth to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World War 1… I also have nonfiction about gardening, herbs, and country life.

My blog is the happening place: https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was a tad different to what I normally read and took me back to the days I devoured this type of fiction by the bucketload.
So this is a time travel romance set in the time of the American civil war: so Union and Confederacy.
This was richly steeped in history throughout which I found incredibly interesting.
The language used here had an almost old-world feel to it and it was also quite flowery in deliverance with a very visually descriptive prose.
This jumps straight into the story and though it took me a couple chapters to feel invested when I did it was great and I felt I had been transported back into the past myself.
So "Secret Lady" was very instalove which surprisingly didn't actually bother me as much as it usually does: maybe because it seemed to fit with the story and was really quite believable: it just felt authentic.
The Hero here Jack was definitely a gentleman and he was also surprisingly open-minded to Evie's current situation and dire tidings of what is her past and Jack's future.
He took her seriously and despite his own doubts, he could still sense her inert honesty.
Evie well she was a relatively easy going girl who I found likeable.
Once I got past my initial issue with the writing style and fell into the flow of things this really was overall an enjoyable experience.
This at heart was a sweet, clean romance infused with history so if that is your bag this one will really work for you.
"Secret Lady" made such a pleasant change to some of the darker reads I lean more towards now.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Secret Lady (Ladies in Time, #3).
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant addition to this amazing series of time travelling ladies! In this story, Evie McIntyre is staying with her Gran in Lavender House, one of the few properties to survive "The Burning" of the Shenandoah Valley by Sheridan's troops during the Civil War. She is always wary of the closet in her bedroom as she hears strange whispers being emitted from it but she never dreamed that it would prove to be part of a portal which transposes her from the current time back to the Civil War. She certainly wishes she'd learned more about that era when she meets Jack Ramsey, a former Confederate officer who is helping to defend the people in the area and acting as a guide for the Unionist Underground Railroad.

It is a story of unexpected romance, danger, history and an intriguing page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I really enjoyed how the author cleverly brings the past to life, contrasting many different aspects then and now as well as giving information of historical events as it impinges on the lives of characters as part of the story. I knew very little about the time of the Civil War and the details shared as part of the story I found fascinating. It is a well crafted story, an enthralling read and I have no hesitation in very highly recommending it - I loved it and can't wait to read more from this exceptionally talented author.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book without obligation and this review is my honest opinion after choosing to read the story.

[Ally Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun, exciting, romantic, historical adventure!

This book starts out at present time in Virginia where Evie is staying with her Gran at the beautiful and historical landmark, the Lavender and Lace Herb Farm in the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley. Evie starts hearing whispers coming from her closet, but before she can really investigate, she is transported back in time to the Civil War. Evie quickly meets Jack, a former Confederate officer, who pretends to be her husband to make the transition there a bit easier for her. With time running out before the Burning of the Shenandoah Valley will Evie be able to find a way back home before it’s too late? Or was she meant to always be sent back to the Civil War to be with Jack? When Evie learns that Jack actually dies in the Civil War will she be able to save him? And bring him back with her to the future? Are these two soulmates and destined for true love? Sorry – no spoilers here! But you’ll definitely want to find out how this one ends!

I really liked the main characters, Evie, Jack, and Gran. They were likable, kind, and genuine.

I loved Evie and Jack together – they fit well together and just had that instant connection you could actually feel leap off the pages!!! I enjoyed that their romance was sweet (PG rating) as it was a nice getaway from the usual modern R-Rated world of today. That’s always the fun part about reading time-travel books that take you to a time where guys spoke slow, romantic sonnets and actually spent time wooing the girl – no swiping rights here lol.

Love is always worth fighting for and I enjoyed following the story and cheering for the characters!

I enjoyed the history lessons that were weaved throughout the book and learning more about the Civil War and the impact on the Shenandoah Valley.

The author’s writing is strong and vividly detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that is was easy to picture! There were a few times I found myself totally caught up in the story!

Furthermore, I also enjoyed reading the passages with the Civil War Era customs and traditions. It is clear, Mrs. Trissel is familiar with the culture and was able to add significant historical refences into fun and interesting scenes while showing a strong knowledge of the area.

There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!

This book is book three in the Ladies in Time Book Series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I had not read the first two books before reading this book, however, as much as I’ve enjoyed reading this book I definitely wish I had. So, I would definitely encourage readers to check out the entire series.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it to all new adult, time-travel, and romance readers!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the “Ladies in Time” Series ends this trio on a high note. Author, Beth Trissel has created another paranormal romance unlike any other I’ve read. This book is based on the historical data native to her beloved Shenandoah Valley in Virginia where she resides.

The book opens in present-day Virginia, where Evie McIntyre lives with her grandmother in what is known as Lavender House. This house holds the distinction of being one of the only dwellings that survived the burnings by Sheridan’s troops during the Civil War.

Evie works for her Gran as a tour guide at Lavender House, usually garbed in the clothes of the Civil War era. When she begins hearing strange whispers coming from the closet in her room, she realizes the house is more unusual than she could have ever guessed.

One night, Evie falls asleep in the lounge downstairs. She awakens to find herself in a different time and place. Thank goodness for Jack Ramsey, a former Confederate officer. He finds her in the nick of time. Jack is a guide for the Unionist Underground Railroad still grappling with the effects and the brutality of the war.

Evie and Jack form an immediate connection, not realizing how deeply this union will prove to be for them. Jack is stunned to find that Evie is from the future. To protect her, he takes her to a nearby homestead which is owned by a Mennonite couple which ironically, is owned by her grandmother in the future.

This Mennonite family is like a foster family to Jack. He realizes that reputations he must preserve reputations, so he explains to his friends that Evie is his wife. The story progresses to the fateful burning of the Shenandoah Valley which is described in poignant detail. Wait until you reach the end of the book!

The house is the catalyst in this story, bringing Jack and Evie together as if to set right the wrongs of the past. The paranormal elements are delicious and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. Author, Beth Trissel is a master storyteller. If you love romance, history, and the right amount of paranormal suspense and magic, this is the series for you!

The author gifted me with a pre-publication copy of this book without obligation. This review contains my personal opinion after choosing to read the story.

MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secret Lady is the third installment from Beth Trissel’s series, Ladies is in Time. I have loved the other books in this series, and this one does not disappoint. I think tis one is my favorite of the series. I loved Evie and Jack’s story. I, especially, loved it being set close to my home town.
Secret Lady gets five plus stars from me. I loved this quick and romantic time travel. I recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was everything I would tell you wasn’t my favorite genre and yet…I couldn’t put the book down. I think aside from this being well-written and very clear, part of the reason might have been the history, which I enjoyed, and the small amount of romance, meaning not lots. Its genre is listed as New Adult, Time Travel, Romance. Would I have listed it this way, probably not. You’re going to ask how I would classify it, at least I hope you are. I think I’d say it was a historical romance with very little paranormal. There were even some very suspenseful moments. Any romantic moments were sweet and enjoyable. It’s a page turner for sure.

Now, having said all that, what is this book about. It’s about family. It’s about being afraid of old houses and dark closets. Many of us can identify with that at some time in our lives. It’s also about modern times and Civil War times all sort of rolled into one story. As I said, always clear, always somehow almost believable. I’m not sure how Beth Trissel got practical, very black and white me to say that in a review, but it’s the truth. Somehow the story held my interest so much that I didn’t even think about what could and couldn’t be.

So, what you have to read here is a fast paced, interesting story. An easy to read book with an excellent sort of flow that makes it even more enjoyable.

Beth Trissel has a lot of books under her belt. All of which have 4- or 5-star ratings. I must have good taste.

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a big fan of time travel books. Probably not all time travel books, but several have become some of my favorites. So, when I received the review request for this one I jumped right on it.

There are several things about Secret Lady that I would normally turn my nose up about. However, they didn't seem to bother me this time! Instalove is one of the tropes that typically annoys me but in this book it seemed to work.

So many books I have read lately have had characters that are annoying or frustrating. Evie didn't get on my nerves! She was a pretty likeable character and that was like a breath of fresh air!

I am glad to have had the opportunity to discover another author that I enjoy!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Evie is staying with her grandmother, and she hears whispers from the closet in her room. Then, in a blink of an eye, things changed and she was right back in the middle of the American Civil War. Specifically, a week before the whole valley her grandmother's house sits in is razed to the ground. A certain solider steals her heart, but there are things keeping them apart, again, and this time, Jack might not make it.

I read this, I finished this, I'm still not sure it was the book for me though!

It's a good book, don't get me wrong, but I don't know if it was THIS book, or the author's style, or what didn't work for me, I really don't. So forgive me, if this review is short. I struggle the hardest to write these sorts of reviews.

I liked that both Evie and Jack have a voice, and those voices are very distinct. Not just in the difference between the male and the female voice, but in the TIME difference too. Evie is very much the modern woman, and Jack very much a man of the 1860's with all their rules, and words, and ways of talking. Made me chuckle in a couple of places.

It is CLEAN, just some kissing between Jack and Evie. It's also, for being set around that time, relatively free from on-screen violence. It IS there, but nothing graphic or explained in any great detail.

I liked the twist that Jack and Evie had been together before, and this was the house's doing to bring them back together.

I just *insert heavy sigh* found it an okay read, and I can't even voice why. And for that, I'm sorry. Someone will LOVE this book, unfortunately, that someone is not me.

A good 3 stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

[Kathy Danheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality of the horrors of war.

This book made me feel so many emotions that I can’t even begin to describe them. I love time travel stories, but it was the timing of it. A time of war is always devastating. That’s what affected me. Beth was able to put in words the extent of the horrible events. I would definitely recommend this book.

[M.T. DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish book tour here.
This is a perfect read for fans of time travel romance. I’ll admit that it’s not what I usually read, but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book. I especially liked the house’s role in orchestrating the time travel. At the beginning, I kind of expected this to be more on the paranormal side, but I was surprised and not in a bad way.
Evie is a great leading lady. She’s smart and sassy, but she still feels turned up-side-down when she suddenly finds herself in the past. I mean, who wouldn’t? I liked how she kept trying to use modern terms or objects in the past and then realize no one knew what she was talking about.
Similarly, Jack is quite the character. He really brings out how war can force one to make difficult choices. It doesn’t hurt that he’s roguishly handsome and has a certain charm to him. He’s also a great match for Evie. They complement each other nicely.
While the time travel was interesting, the story felt a bit rushed. Evidently, Jack and Evie are destined to be lovers and have met at different points in the past. I’ve seen this kind of thing before, but here, the introduction of their ongoing romance came so fast. Then, Evie developed these deep relationships with the past inhabitants of her grandmother’s house. It was all emotionally lovely, but I couldn’t quite get my head around it. It just felt too quick to be realistic.
Overall, this was a quick, cute read with some true wartime tension. Some of the situations are heartbreaking, but there’s almost always a good dose of humor to break things up. I recommend this for time travel romance readers, definitely. If you’ve been wanting to try a time travel romance, this would be a great one to start with.