What do you think?
Rate this book
The Accidental Spy #2
A Dangerous Performance
History can change in the blink of an eye...
Annabelle’s bravery unraveled a destructive plot and saved the president, but now the thwarted conspirators grow desperate. While trouble turns more deadly in Washington, Matthew and Annabelle escape to New York, where they have finally succeeded in finding Matthew’s brother. But breaking him out of Elmira prison is about as likely as saving her fractured inheritance.
Protecting Annabelle put Matthew on the wrong side of some very dangerous men, but he’d do anything to save the woman he loves—even if it means keeping her from the truth. With time running out and an unexpected miracle testing what remains of his faith, Matthew must confront his fears or risk losing her heart forever.
★ A Dangerous Performance is a 2020 rewrite of the previously published title Losing Lincoln (The Liberator Series book two)
Annabelle’s bravery unraveled a destructive plot and saved the president, but now the thwarted conspirators grow desperate. While trouble turns more deadly in Washington, Matthew and Annabelle escape to New York, where they have finally succeeded in finding Matthew’s brother. But breaking him out of Elmira prison is about as likely as saving her fractured inheritance.
Protecting Annabelle put Matthew on the wrong side of some very dangerous men, but he’d do anything to save the woman he loves—even if it means keeping her from the truth. With time running out and an unexpected miracle testing what remains of his faith, Matthew must confront his fears or risk losing her heart forever.
★ A Dangerous Performance is a 2020 rewrite of the previously published title Losing Lincoln (The Liberator Series book two)
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2016
220 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Stephenia H. McGee
30 books796 followersStephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 1, 2016
This is my 2nd book of Stephenia McGee. I absolutely love this series. Started with Leveraging Lincoln. and now we continue with book 2 with Annabella and Matthew who are still looking for Matthew's brother in a prison camp in New York. This story keeps you on the edge of your seat and Stephenia McGee is so wonderful at painting a picture that makes you think you are right there. Very descriptive and you can tell she did a lot of research of President Lincoln around the end of the civil war. I love when I can read a book and believe that it really happened. You will find mystery, suspense mixed with a bit of CLEAN romance. I can't wait for book 3.
July 8, 2017
"We meet this evening, not in sorrow, but in gladness of heart." - Abraham Lincoln
The events surrounding the close of the Civil War were fraught with danger, desperation, and despondency on both sides of the conflict. Annabelle Ross and Matthew Daniels; thrust together by familial circumstances beyond their control, have managed to make it to Elmira, New York where Matthew's brother, George is believed to be imprisoned. Privy to information about dark intentions towards the president, they have walked a fragile line between hope and despair, while trying to cloak their personal feelings, for it is believed that Annabelle is betrothed to Matthew's brother, should he live.
Enjoy this adventurous trek through our nation's history, as the lost is found, the unthinkable happens, and love never fails. The "Liberator Series" by Stephenia McGee is an outstanding blend of fact and fiction.
The events surrounding the close of the Civil War were fraught with danger, desperation, and despondency on both sides of the conflict. Annabelle Ross and Matthew Daniels; thrust together by familial circumstances beyond their control, have managed to make it to Elmira, New York where Matthew's brother, George is believed to be imprisoned. Privy to information about dark intentions towards the president, they have walked a fragile line between hope and despair, while trying to cloak their personal feelings, for it is believed that Annabelle is betrothed to Matthew's brother, should he live.
Enjoy this adventurous trek through our nation's history, as the lost is found, the unthinkable happens, and love never fails. The "Liberator Series" by Stephenia McGee is an outstanding blend of fact and fiction.
August 9, 2017
Amazing story line
Love the history included in this wonderful book. Hard to put down after I began reading it. Amazing how she includes the fictional parts with history. A must read and you will not be disappointed.
Love the history included in this wonderful book. Hard to put down after I began reading it. Amazing how she includes the fictional parts with history. A must read and you will not be disappointed.
March 18, 2018
Wonderful Civil War Series
First I have to say I am as obsessed with the old south as the author. This is one of the very best I have read because of the Subject - Abraham Lincoln and it is historically very accurate! Just loved this Series!
First I have to say I am as obsessed with the old south as the author. This is one of the very best I have read because of the Subject - Abraham Lincoln and it is historically very accurate! Just loved this Series!
July 26, 2022
I am so wrapped up in this trilogy and can't wait to see what happens in book three. This was book two and our group of wood-be spies have left Washington feeling better about stopping the plot to kill President Lincoln. They are now in New York where they will try to find and save Matthew's brother from a Union prison. There is still danger and secrets and so much at stake. Annabelle is still headstrong and Matthew is still determined for her to be safe and cared for by his brother if they ever find him. His love for her grows but he knows he isn't the one for her future. She will not acknowledge her feelings for him as she believes he does not want her.
When our group arrives at her grandmother's things really get interesting and we have more interesting characters to join our group. The plot thickens and there is more to learn as they move forward on their quest.
This story is so good and well thought out and has enough factual history mixed with fiction to keep you entertained. It is well researched as you can tell by the references and painted a picture that took me back in time as though I was there with Annabelle and Matthew. I love it and highly recommend this trilogy. Remember it is a three part book so you will need to start with book one.
When our group arrives at her grandmother's things really get interesting and we have more interesting characters to join our group. The plot thickens and there is more to learn as they move forward on their quest.
This story is so good and well thought out and has enough factual history mixed with fiction to keep you entertained. It is well researched as you can tell by the references and painted a picture that took me back in time as though I was there with Annabelle and Matthew. I love it and highly recommend this trilogy. Remember it is a three part book so you will need to start with book one.
December 2, 2020
This is the second of three books in the Accidental Spy series. The artful weaving of the story’s characters, historical facts, personal journal entries of the conspirators, and scenes from the deplorable conditions of the war prison camp make you feel you are there.
I appreciated all of the research that went into writing this book and learning more with the afterward historical notes. In fact, I have spent hour afterwards of reading about those people who took part in the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln and other key government leaders at that time. If you like historical fiction then this series should be added to your TBR list.
I listened to this as an audiobook on Audible and enjoyed the portrayal of Annabelle's spirited and feisty grandmother, Mrs. Smith by Bryn Austin. You could hear the authority of this powerful matriarch and what she must have been like.
Thank you to the author for an audio version of the book. I was not required to write a review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I appreciated all of the research that went into writing this book and learning more with the afterward historical notes. In fact, I have spent hour afterwards of reading about those people who took part in the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln and other key government leaders at that time. If you like historical fiction then this series should be added to your TBR list.
I listened to this as an audiobook on Audible and enjoyed the portrayal of Annabelle's spirited and feisty grandmother, Mrs. Smith by Bryn Austin. You could hear the authority of this powerful matriarch and what she must have been like.
Thank you to the author for an audio version of the book. I was not required to write a review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
August 16, 2025
In this second book of The Accidental Spy Series Matthew Daniels gets caught up with John Wilkes Booth's plot to kill Lincoln, however, he’s on the opposite side, trying to learn their plans so that he can report it to the authorities.
Annabelle finds her grandmother in New York who she’s never met. Annabelle has lived her life in Mississippi, whereas her grandmother was a Yankee from whom Annabelle’s father kept her. While visiting with her, she solicits the help of her grandmother who has political connections to aid her in finding proof of the plots against Lincoln.
Meanwhile, Annabelle is concerned for where Matthew is. All evidence shows that he has joined the plot harm Lincoln.
Very good story. Lovely faith arc addition
Annabelle finds her grandmother in New York who she’s never met. Annabelle has lived her life in Mississippi, whereas her grandmother was a Yankee from whom Annabelle’s father kept her. While visiting with her, she solicits the help of her grandmother who has political connections to aid her in finding proof of the plots against Lincoln.
Meanwhile, Annabelle is concerned for where Matthew is. All evidence shows that he has joined the plot harm Lincoln.
Very good story. Lovely faith arc addition
June 6, 2024
This was a wonderful second book to the series. McGee weaves a beautiful tale between fictional characters and historical facts.
I actually learned some history in these books that I was not previously aware of.
Be sure to read the historical note at the end of each book to better understand which part of the story is fiction and which is fact. SOO COOL!!
And of course, the fictional characters, the romance, and the adventure add to these books to create a heartwarming tale. Loving this series 🫶🏼
I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the third!
I actually learned some history in these books that I was not previously aware of.
Be sure to read the historical note at the end of each book to better understand which part of the story is fiction and which is fact. SOO COOL!!
And of course, the fictional characters, the romance, and the adventure add to these books to create a heartwarming tale. Loving this series 🫶🏼
I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the third!
February 15, 2020
Strong characters reveal history as it might have been
This author does a fantastic job of weaving fictional characters among the events and people of history. And that is the best recommendation a reader can give for a work of historical fiction. So I’ll leave it at that. Except just let me say that certain historical events make your eyes water and your throat catch no matter how well you know the outcome.
This author does a fantastic job of weaving fictional characters among the events and people of history. And that is the best recommendation a reader can give for a work of historical fiction. So I’ll leave it at that. Except just let me say that certain historical events make your eyes water and your throat catch no matter how well you know the outcome.
May 1, 2022
It drew me in. I thought the first book in this series would be the usual light historical fiction romance. I was ready for an easy read. But it drew me in, this book, the second, absolutely had me hooked. The romance part perhaps is light, but the history, it is rich , well researched, and presented in an intriguing way. Well done , I am ready for book three !
August 17, 2023
The second book in the series by Stephania H. McGee. It follows Annabelle and her compatriots through the end of the Civil War and the aftermath of the assassination of President Lincoln. Annabelle's grandmother is a woman to be reckoned with and a great addition to the story. Can't wait for the last book!!!
June 28, 2021
Annabelle helps stop the abduction of President Lincoln. With her grandmother, they work to uncover the plan to assinate President Lincoln. Enjoyed the fict ional tale that revolves around actual accounts of the assination and the events surroundng the e.nd to the Cilval War
August 29, 2017
Awesome
This was another good book that kept me on the edge of my seat with a thick plot of twists and turns.
This was another good book that kept me on the edge of my seat with a thick plot of twists and turns.
March 19, 2018
I have never been into historical Christian fiction. But I will say this.....Stephania brings you in and makes you feel like you are a character in one of the books.
December 26, 2019
LR
These were not my favorites as were the Ironwood Plantation books. However, I treasure the way you connect God and Christianity into your stories.
These were not my favorites as were the Ironwood Plantation books. However, I treasure the way you connect God and Christianity into your stories.
April 27, 2020
Sad, but great love story!
Hatred is ugly. So many lives lost from Hatred and greed. Grandmother was a great inclusion to the story. True love wins
Hatred is ugly. So many lives lost from Hatred and greed. Grandmother was a great inclusion to the story. True love wins
Read
August 16, 2023Audiobook
January 17, 2024
Slightly better, character development, and the author added a few additional characters that were more interesting. The tension and plot were a little better than book one.
April 29, 2025
It's fun and easy to follow! Great blend between action packed Spy adventure and historical romance.
July 31, 2025
Another great story!
Loving this series & can’t wait to read more! I’m looking forward to more adventures with these characters but also will be sad when I get to the end.
Loving this series & can’t wait to read more! I’m looking forward to more adventures with these characters but also will be sad when I get to the end.
October 6, 2020
This is part of an awesome christian series. This series had me wanting more at the end. There is 3 books in the series and of course, this is the second book. I would recommend this to anyone that loves this time period. This series would definitely one for your wishlist.
Annabella and Peggy are such a great pairing. Then comes along Matthew and he adds to the mix. I don't give away spoilers. But this Civil War story is thrilling. A little redunit in some places, but with the story it doesn't affect it in any way. I really learned more about President Lincoln that I previously knew. Thank you Ms. McGee for penning such a wonderful series.
Annabella and Peggy are such a great pairing. Then comes along Matthew and he adds to the mix. I don't give away spoilers. But this Civil War story is thrilling. A little redunit in some places, but with the story it doesn't affect it in any way. I really learned more about President Lincoln that I previously knew. Thank you Ms. McGee for penning such a wonderful series.
September 29, 2020
Great book. I’d have to say I’m very glad I happened upon this author. I enjoy the chacters. I think it would be interesting to hear it read. I have enjoyed reading this series. I started the last book tonight. I will be reading more of her books.
September 26, 2020
Saving Lincoln
Ms. McAfee entertains us, keeps at the edge of our seats, and teaches us history as she writes this series of Annabelle, a Southern young lady of courage and hope. The Accidental Spy series is engr.
Ms. McAfee entertains us, keeps at the edge of our seats, and teaches us history as she writes this series of Annabelle, a Southern young lady of courage and hope. The Accidental Spy series is engr.
May 3, 2016
Be forewarned, this is not a stand-alone book. It is necessary to read the first one, Leveraging Lincoln, before reading this one.
In this second installment in the conspiracy to capture Lincoln, several new loveable characters are added and the focus on a love story is more prominent, especially in the first half of the book. However, do not fear, the conspirators against Lincoln raise their ugly heads again and Matthew, as well as Annabelle and the new extended cast, must race to save Lincoln.
The first half of this novel is slower paced than the first book, but it is comfortable and an enjoyable walk through the nuances of unadmitted and self-sacrificial love. Matthew and Anabelle go back and forth between working together and obstinately working alone. As the self-awareness of feelings grows, you long to see the two stubborn characters come together.
Right about the mid-point of the book, the schemes of those seeking to capture Lincoln resurface and morph into plans for assassination. It is once again up to Matthew and Annabelle to risk everything to save the man who was once considered their enemy. The pace picks up and the plot continues all the way to its inevitable end.
Without giving too much away, Mrs. McGee does a very good job of bringing all the details of the conspiracy plot together. I must admit, my history knowledge was not as strong as I thought and I learned quite a bit. It was definitely an ending which had me looking into the history books on my shelves to confirm all the details I hadn’t realized existed.
At the end of the book, you have a sense of closure with still plenty of loose ends to be tied up in the third book. I highly recommend this series. The second book did not disappoint and I am eagerly awaiting the third book.
*I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion, which you have read above.*
In this second installment in the conspiracy to capture Lincoln, several new loveable characters are added and the focus on a love story is more prominent, especially in the first half of the book. However, do not fear, the conspirators against Lincoln raise their ugly heads again and Matthew, as well as Annabelle and the new extended cast, must race to save Lincoln.
The first half of this novel is slower paced than the first book, but it is comfortable and an enjoyable walk through the nuances of unadmitted and self-sacrificial love. Matthew and Anabelle go back and forth between working together and obstinately working alone. As the self-awareness of feelings grows, you long to see the two stubborn characters come together.
Right about the mid-point of the book, the schemes of those seeking to capture Lincoln resurface and morph into plans for assassination. It is once again up to Matthew and Annabelle to risk everything to save the man who was once considered their enemy. The pace picks up and the plot continues all the way to its inevitable end.
Without giving too much away, Mrs. McGee does a very good job of bringing all the details of the conspiracy plot together. I must admit, my history knowledge was not as strong as I thought and I learned quite a bit. It was definitely an ending which had me looking into the history books on my shelves to confirm all the details I hadn’t realized existed.
At the end of the book, you have a sense of closure with still plenty of loose ends to be tied up in the third book. I highly recommend this series. The second book did not disappoint and I am eagerly awaiting the third book.
*I received a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion, which you have read above.*
March 23, 2016
Losing Lincoln, written by Stephenia H. McGee, is book #2 of the Liberator Series. This is the second book I've read by this author and I was thoroughly pleased with the way that McGee wrote this play off of the life of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and the surrounding fictional events (some non-fiction were actually added too) from that time.
We join this book at the time when Annabelle and Matthew are still looking for where George was imprisoned. I think McGee is great at describing the scenes as I truly could imagine what the prison was like for George--as terrible as it was! We also are introduced to a new character, Mrs. Smith, Annabella's maternal grandmother. We see how Annabella inherited her grandmother's independence and strength.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see where this author takes us in the lives of Annabella and Matthew and also other endearing characters that we've been introduced to along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the way that McGee was able to entwine the fiction and non-fiction elements of this time of our country and make it so intense at times. At the end of the book she also states the fiction/non-fiction areas that she used in order for the reader to differentiate as needed. If you are a history buff and like the addition of a touch of suspense and romance, you'll love this book!
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
We join this book at the time when Annabelle and Matthew are still looking for where George was imprisoned. I think McGee is great at describing the scenes as I truly could imagine what the prison was like for George--as terrible as it was! We also are introduced to a new character, Mrs. Smith, Annabella's maternal grandmother. We see how Annabella inherited her grandmother's independence and strength.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see where this author takes us in the lives of Annabella and Matthew and also other endearing characters that we've been introduced to along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the way that McGee was able to entwine the fiction and non-fiction elements of this time of our country and make it so intense at times. At the end of the book she also states the fiction/non-fiction areas that she used in order for the reader to differentiate as needed. If you are a history buff and like the addition of a touch of suspense and romance, you'll love this book!
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2016
"Losing Lincoln" by Stephenia McGee is book 2 of (The Liberator Series) and just as exciting as the first book " Leveraging Lincoln" and the (Ironwood Plantation Series). I am anxiously waiting the next book in this series.
"Losing Lincoln" picks up where "Leveraging Lincoln" ends. I really recommend reading "Leveraging Lincoln" first to get the full impact of this series.
"Losing Lincoln" is based on history with a little fiction involved. The reader is reintroduced to old favorites from "Leveraging Lincoln" and introduced to new favorites.
Not only is a new plot planned to kidnap Lincoln but the plot involves others and not only is kidnapping in the works but something much more dangerous.
I really like the way Stephenia McGee tells the story of the Civil War and involves the romance between Matthew and Annabelle and in "Losing Lincoln" we are introduced to maybe a new romance, at least this reader hopes so, maybe in the next book it will be continued.
If you like Civil War stories and romances then you will like "The Liberator Series".
I am so glad that Stephenia McGee gave me an arc copy of "Losing Lincoln" for my honest review and these opinions are my own.
I am giving "Losing Lincoln" 5 stars.
"Losing Lincoln" picks up where "Leveraging Lincoln" ends. I really recommend reading "Leveraging Lincoln" first to get the full impact of this series.
"Losing Lincoln" is based on history with a little fiction involved. The reader is reintroduced to old favorites from "Leveraging Lincoln" and introduced to new favorites.
Not only is a new plot planned to kidnap Lincoln but the plot involves others and not only is kidnapping in the works but something much more dangerous.
I really like the way Stephenia McGee tells the story of the Civil War and involves the romance between Matthew and Annabelle and in "Losing Lincoln" we are introduced to maybe a new romance, at least this reader hopes so, maybe in the next book it will be continued.
If you like Civil War stories and romances then you will like "The Liberator Series".
I am so glad that Stephenia McGee gave me an arc copy of "Losing Lincoln" for my honest review and these opinions are my own.
I am giving "Losing Lincoln" 5 stars.
July 11, 2016
This book is a continuation of the story Leveraging Lincoln by the same author. If you haven't read that book, you will probably be quite lost, as it continues where that book leaves off. I really enjoyed Losing Lincoln and revisiting the characters from Leveraging Lincoln. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the setting is so intriguing. The author obviously did a lot of research on the Civil War and what was going on in different areas of the country at that time. I would recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction, but be aware that it is a 3-part series, and it's best to read the books in order or you will probably be a bit confused.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 1, 2016
When I got thru reading "Leveraging Lincoln" I was immediately ready for the second book. The book "Losing Lincoln" was everything I hoped it to be. I love Matthew and Annabelle's story. There was just enough romance so that it didn't overtake the story. Even though we know ultimately what happens to Lincoln it still keeps you on your toes. There's enough things happening that I sure never got bored. It was a story well written & I loved it! If you like historical fiction I think you would enjoy this book! I received an ARC of "Losing Lincoln" by the author for an honest review.
August 18, 2016
Another thrilling ride!
Follow Annabelle, Matthew, and Peggy as they meet new friends, connect with family and try to prevent kidnapping and assassination.
The second in a series finds southern belle Annabelle, her maid Peggy and Confederate soldier Matthew deep in the north as they rescue Matthew's brother and meet Annabelles' grandmother. Along the way they attempt to thwart John Wilkes Booths plans.
I enjoyed following the adventures of these three. Issues such as race and family misunderstandings keeps this series current in relevance.
Follow Annabelle, Matthew, and Peggy as they meet new friends, connect with family and try to prevent kidnapping and assassination.
The second in a series finds southern belle Annabelle, her maid Peggy and Confederate soldier Matthew deep in the north as they rescue Matthew's brother and meet Annabelles' grandmother. Along the way they attempt to thwart John Wilkes Booths plans.
I enjoyed following the adventures of these three. Issues such as race and family misunderstandings keeps this series current in relevance.
March 18, 2016
I really enjoyed getting to know more about Annabelle and Matthew's relationship from Leveraging Lincoln. In Losing Lincoln there is a good mix of suspense and romance as well as learning some history about the end of the Civil War.
Anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of Losing Lincoln from Stephenia McGee in exchange of my honest review.
Anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of Losing Lincoln from Stephenia McGee in exchange of my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews