Archer

Lady Wynwood’s Spies #1

by Camille Elliot

Part one in a Christian Regency Romantic Adventure epic serial novel with a supernatural twist

She met him again by shooting him.

After four seasons and unmarried because she is taller than most of her dance partners, Miss Phoebe Sauber receives the shocking news that she is being callously banished from her father’s estate because he is remarrying. Feeling betrayed by her father and by God, and wanting to escape her family’s presence, she attends an archery tournament with her friends.

But her perfect aim fails her, and her arrow hits a piece of paper held by Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones, whom she hasn’t seen much in society in several years. But strangely, her arrow tears a section of the paper with a partial symbol that looks eerily familiar to her.

He met her again while searching for a killer.

Michael had quit his work as a spy for the Foreign Office when his brother was poisoned. His search for the murderer leads him to Apothecary Jack, a criminal underworld leader with a penchant for poisons, who is gathering a powerful army through an alchemical potion that can give men supernatural strength.

But his path unexpectedly crosses again with Miss Sauber, who saves him from a trap laid by Jack. She and her Aunt Laura, Lady Wynwood, have found a vital connection to Apothecary Jack and the mysterious group he works for.

Now Michael, who had vowed to never again allow civilians to come to harm, must work with a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets, a human lie detector, a chemist, a fellow former spy, and the one woman he’s never allowed himself to get close to.

And it is only this ragtag group that stands against a traitorous organization that could enable Napoleon to conquer the world.

PLEASE NOTE: Like the novels published in Jane Austen’s time, this is a novel in multiple parts. Each volume has a completed story arc, but this is NOT a stand-alone novel and ends on a cliffhanger.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Christian

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2020

About the author

Regency romance with Zondervan under her pen name, Camille Elliot, Camy writes Christian romantic suspense with Love Inspired Suspense as Camy Tang.

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE ME A MESSAGE, please go to my other Goodreads author profile, since I don't log into this one very often:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archer is unlike anything else I’ve read this year, full of the sensibilities of the time, but also science, espionage, treason, and a dash of romance – oh, and archery, of course! In her note at the end, Elliot mentions that she wanted a story that combined Mission Impossible and the Regency world, and she definitely delivers in that regard. A Goodreads friend of mine said “Jane Austen meets Marvel,” and that’s pretty much on the mark, too.

This story centers more on Phoebe Sauber, our archer of the book’s title, but also Lady Laura Wynwood and Solomon Drysdale, who readers will be familiar with from the prequel novella, The Gentleman Thief, which I do recommend reading first, although you can still enjoy this story without having read it. You might also read The Spinster’s Christmas since it’s that time of year, but if you only read one prequel, make it The Gentleman Thief. Our other characters include two former spies, a lady chemist, as well as some servants with what we might call a particular set of skills. I really thought that the story worked well in terms of the character development of both Phoebe and Laura. They are both at a bit of a crossroads in life, know what they want, but still have obstacles to overcome in order to get there.

Often I get bored during fight sequences in suspense novels, but I felt like the scenes were very well written, without going overboard on details. They’re exciting though and definitely held my attention. There are also some scientific things that I’m still not quite sure how they work, but I’m thinking there will be more explanations – not to mention evil machinations – in the coming books. I’m just glad to know there is more of this unique series to come, and I look forward to going on more adventures with this intriguing group of people.

I received an advanced copy of this novel; I was not required to post a positive review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun cast of characters including a female member of the ton that is practicing to be an accurate knife thrower. This first novel of the Lady Wyndwood's Spies Series is a blend of Regency and Action. Main character Phoebe feels displaced after her dad announces he will remarry and no longer wishes for his daughter who has already gone through four seasons to live in his home any longer. Fortunately, Phoebe has a loving aunt more than happy to take her in.

The secondary story line is about a mysterious drug that is causing normal men to have ultra power.

Warning: cliffhanger ending!

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camille Elliot's regency romance has always been top notch; but this time she combined it with a hint of Marvel Comic's The Incredible Hulk, and the action never stops. Phoebe Sauber is a tall young woman who has been through 4 seasons without finding a husband. She's also a talented archer. When, during a match, she finds a piece of paper with an unusual symbol that leads her to a trail of mysteries along with hidden stories behind some men of her acquaintance, suspense begins to unwind with twists and turns that never stop even when you come to a cliffhanging ending in this first in a group of serial novels.

The main characters were very well written with unique characters that all combined to make a perfect mystery team. Lady Wynwood is such a caring person and took Phoebe in so readily after her father's obnoxious decision. She's also very independent and intelligent. Solomon Drydale with his wisdom is a great team leader as he hides his feelings for Lady Wynwood behind his busy work for the government. Michael Coulton-Jones has quit his spy work but finds himself pulled into the mystery when it might connect with his brother's murder. It will take a team effort to solve this mystery. Throw in some astonishingly evil villains, and you certainly have a read you can't put down and will leave you screaming: When is the next book coming out?

**I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author for this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great, fantastically unique novel! This is the first book by Camille Elliot that I've read and I enjoyed this take on regency London. I really liked Phoebe and I could relate to her quite a lot as I too am tall for a woman, and I am an archer (though I am much less skilled than Phoebe and I only do target practice for fun, I don't compete like she does) and I loved seeing her rise to the occasion and help people in ways she wouldn't previously have thought possible. There were a lot of characters in this book and I sometimes had trouble keeping them all straight in my mind. There were lots of exciting parts in this story but overall it didn't hold my interest throughout the way I'd hoped for. I've never read a serial novel before so I don't know what is normal for the development of a romantic relationship in this type of story, but I was a bit disappointed there wasn't more romance between Phoebe and Michael in this story, though I do realize their relationship will likely develop further in future books.
Overall, I'm glad I read this super unique and original regency story and I definitely recommend it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first began reading Archer, it took me a bit to sort out who the characters were and what was happening. The story jumped right in, after a quick prologue, and I realized that there were things that had happened in a previous story that I did not know about. I have discovered that those events are covered in a prequel novella. However, the author did a very good job of filling in the details in a general way and so I was able to start enjoying this book from that point on.

What a dynamic and exciting story! This is a serial novel series and the book is definitely a full-length novel. It wraps some things up, but an overarching problematic situation continues throughout the entire series.

I really liked the characters in this book. I was appalled at the way Phoebe’s father and his intended bride treated Phoebe. I couldn’t help but empathize with her, feeling her anger and hurt. Michael was another interesting character. His focus on finding out who was behind the poisoning death of his brother pretty much set all kinds of dangerous events in motion in the story.

The two characters I found myself most interested in were Laura, who is Lady Wynwood, and her friend, Sol. I felt an underlying tension and possible attraction between these two that may have been showing itself as a friendship for the past ten years. However, things are not so simple and there are plenty of secrets that they have been keeping from each other which could definitely end in hurt.

I am very excited to see what happens in the next book and am happy to see that it is already available to read!

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Pegg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm floundering a bit on how to review this book, which is unusual for me. If you love a historical romantic suspense series, you'll likely enjoy Archer. The characters are diverse, the setting is well displayed, and all the story elements are there. But it just didn't come together for me.

It's not a bad book. The writing was solid but didn't seem to bring all the elements to their full potential. I found myself skimming large areas of text. And it's one of those series books that doesn't have an ending, it just stops. It's not a cliffhanger, it just ... stops ... with many questions left unanswered. Obviously, the story picks up again in book two, but it lacked a really good, solid hook to entice me to read the next book.

Or maybe I was just in too curmudgeonly a mind-frame when I read it.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I've read I was on the look-out for Camille Elliot's next regency book. And this year we are spoiled with a serial - please be warned that each book should be read in order and book 1 ended with a cliffhanger.

This book was different. It was Regency and all you love about that, with a dash of lots of action and then the cherry on top was the "visionary" part with the super strong villians.

I loved all the characters we got to meet in this first Book, and there was a lot. I found the book a bit on the slower side because of that, but the action and suspense build towards the end and then you are left with big question marks by the end. Laura is such a fun character and I'm really intrigued with the secrets she is hiding.

“Laura.” He took a small step back to the edge of the front step. “Not hiding a pistol in your skirts, are you?”

Looking forward to see what will happen next.

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You may not know this, but men rarely feel the need to talk about anything."

I have not read any historical from Camille Elliot so this was a pleasant introduction. There is a Christmas novella and a prequel novella in this series before this book and reading them first may help the reader make better sense of the atmosphere as this book begins. Unfortunately I did not read them before starting this book, so I had to pay extra careful attention to all the characters and plot to find my footing. As is typical in Regency era novels, the dialogue is delightfully fun, the plot involves an almost spinster daughter, and the London Season is in full swing. There is plenty of dialogue and conversation that carries the plot at the beginning of the story. Atypical of Regency era novels is the fast-moving suspense-filled plot that comes into play about halfway into the story, after all the necessary characters and their roles are introduced. Some of the moving pieces and backstories start clicking into place but the book does end in a cliff-hanger of sorts. The series has an overarching theme that will be carried throughout the series so make sure to start with the prequel novella and read the books in order.

There are indeed quite a number of characters in the story but they're easy to keep track of. Phoebe and Michael, Keriah and Septimus, and Laura and Sol make a great team of spies, chemist, and botanist. Laura (Lady Wynwood) has a group of servants who are wonderful secondary characters. Even the villains in the story have a voice, which adds another layer to the suspense and intrigue of the plot. I'm not certain why the series is named Lady Wynwood's Spies but I'll be sure to keep reading the series to find out the answers to all the questions I have after finishing the first book.

Those who love Regency and suspense will enjoy this book. I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Merged review:

"You may not know this, but men rarely feel the need to talk about anything."

I have not read any historical from Camille Elliot so this was a pleasant introduction. There is a Christmas novella and a prequel novella in this series before this book and reading them first may help the reader make better sense of the atmosphere as this book begins. Unfortunately I did not read them before starting this book, so I had to pay extra careful attention to all the characters and plot to find my footing. As is typical in Regency era novels, the dialogue is delightfully fun, the plot involves an almost spinster daughter, and the London Season is in full swing. There is plenty of dialogue and conversation that carries the plot at the beginning of the story. Atypical of Regency era novels is the fast-moving suspense-filled plot that comes into play about halfway into the story, after all the necessary characters and their roles are introduced. Some of the moving pieces and backstories start clicking into place but the book does end in a cliff-hanger of sorts. The series has an overarching theme that will be carried throughout the series so make sure to start with the prequel novella and read the books in order.

There are indeed quite a number of characters in the story but they're easy to keep track of. Phoebe and Michael, Keriah and Septimus, and Laura and Sol make a great team of spies, chemist, and botanist. Laura (Lady Wynwood) has a group of servants who are wonderful secondary characters. Even the villains in the story have a voice, which adds another layer to the suspense and intrigue of the plot. I'm not certain why the series is named Lady Wynwood's Spies but I'll be sure to keep reading the series to find out the answers to all the questions I have after finishing the first book.

Those who love Regency and suspense will enjoy this book. I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I have read a book by Camille Elliot, but I am so glad to read her Regency-set novels again.

These characters are unique. The woman who wants more out of life is somewhat familiar in Regency fiction, but to find a male character who sees her and is attracted to her for her unique abilities, rather than in spite of them, was refreshing and welcome. God gears each of us differently, and provides others around us who can support and encourage us, challenging us to become better. I really loved that aspect of this book.

Another part that I enjoyed was the exploration of what gives us value as a person, both for ourselves and to others, and even further along those lines, what gives us real worth as opposed to a false sense of it. These are real questions that concern real people, and reading about the character’s journey shows we aren’t alone in our struggles.

This is a spy novel, a very exciting one with a lot of mystery involved. There are rougher elements to the book, but the author keeps things firmly in the clean category with descriptions of fighting, injuries, and language, but without losing realism. There are certainly elements of the story that can be uncomfortable, like brothels, violence, and lying as a way of life, but these things are not glorified.

My only caution for this book is that it is part of a serial novel, and not all threads will be tied up at the end but will continue into the next installment. This is the length of a standalone novel, however, with a well-developed cast of characters, an incredible plot with plenty of surprises, and a satisfying, though incomplete, ending to this volume.

I highly recommend this book for older teens and up, especially those who enjoy mysteries, Regency England, or spy novels, but without the language or gory scenes that can often stray into disturbing territory. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I’m looking forward to more!

I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen meets Marvel.
You've gotta read it to believe it.

This is one of those books that you just have to start talking about, even before you've finished (and I did). The concept is incredible and unique, and will keep you on the edge of your seat!

I really appreciated the author's ability to make the characters' abilities more realistic than your common fiction read - they don't win every fight, they get injured, they each have there own special talents that all have to work together (rather than a bunch of people who can all do anything that needs doing). They're smart (after all, we're talking about spies), and they figure things out as the reader does instead of frustrating you with their seeming stupidity after being called intelligent through the rest of the book! :) I kept thinking "How is she going to keep this plot going, if they keep solving the puzzle so quickly!?" And then something else would happen, and a few more layers get pulled back...

Hold on to your carriage seat - you're about to take a wild ride through Regency London!

*I read The Spinster's Christmas and The Gentleman Thief before diving into Archer, and I'm really glad I did.

**I will add for my fellow Christian Fiction lovers that the spiritual content is light in this book, but I'm assuming that's because it's really only the first part of the whole story and needs to build through the series. I would recommend to mature readers for a few words, innuendos, or phrases from the era, and descriptive fighting scenes.

[I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's uncharacteristic of Phoebe Sauber when she loses her aim at a "friendly" archery tournament. Her wayward arrow leads her into the path of Michael Coulton-Jones, a man who's been avoiding Phoebe ever since he once danced with her. He unintentionally draws her into a mysterious mission concerning a dangerous potion that gives men phenomenal strength in Lady Wynwood's Spies, Volume 1: Archer by author Camille Elliot.

Having enjoyed all of Elliot's books so far, I was excited to hear about this ChristFic Regency suspense serial novel. And the fact that it's got a science-fiction-esque twist to it? Even better.

Now, much of this first volume was slow-going to me, and some of what concerns Phoebe becomes pretty redundant. Perhaps the lags in my interest were the reason why I had a hard time getting a grip on what all was happening on the suspense side and why it mattered for the characters. (I skipped reading the book blurb beforehand on purpose.) Also, while I trust the complete novel will be romantic on the whole, this first installment just lays a foundation for romance to come.

Even so, I liked the science and archery action parts best, and some of the read was kind of like watching Marvel's The Avengers. I'm looking forward to reading more of this serial.
_________
I received an advance reading copy of this book for an honest review.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start to a swashbuckling Regency serial, this first book introduces many of the characters as well as the stakes.

Slow to start it takes a while to pick up steam, but once it does there isn't any stopping. A new intrigue filled adventure, with a splash of speculative fiction.

I loved the Phoebe finds friends that she can trust, my favorite was Keriah, who is wonderfully supportive and skilled with healing.

Overall, this book introduces the plot and characters of a new series. At times it was difficult to read, with the slower start and the inhumanity of what the bad guys were doing. But it really picks up at the end, leaving me aching to know what would happen next in true serial style!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly and cleverly crafted. A truly extraordinary tale filled with escalating intrigue, mystery, mayhem, loyalty and more. This new to me author has decidedly caught my attention with this riveting and addicting Regency-with-a-twist serial novel. Especially appealing to me are the particularly plucky female characters – fabulously created! I am grateful for the opportunity to read this unique novel and certainly look forward to continuing the series! Very highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.

[(Jen) The Artist Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing historical fiction under her pen name, Camille Elliot, Camy Tang has recently launched an exciting and ambitious Regency series full of adventure and romance. The British Regency Era is one of my favorite historical periods and it is a mainstay of the Christian historical fiction genre with its proper ways and manners, often delightfully paired with verbal sparring and flirting. Julie Klassen, Sarah E Ladd, Kristi Ann Hunter, and countless other authors have followed in Jane Austen's footsteps, but I've yet read a Regency novel quite like this! In Archer, the first entry to the Lady Wynwood's Spies series, Camille Elliot is back in fine form with her first full length Regency since 2014.

Unique in comparison to most Christian historical fiction, there's a touch of fantasy that slightly reminded me of steampunk (if steampunk was set in the Regency Era rather than Victorian) with the incorporation of an alchemist plot. The supernatural elements in this fictionalized version of London I associated more with a superhero/villains vibe rather than the paranormal that is often combined in a historical setting. I think part of the reason Elliot is able to utilize such uncommon elements is because she is independently publishing her series.

Another unusual component to this series is the structure itself. Elliot has shared on her website that she was inspired by serial novels and light novels in the creation of Lady Wynwood's Spies. Again, her choice to independently publish helps make this possible, since the serial novel format is quite rare with traditional publishers today. As such, this book does end on a cliffhanger, with the fate of supporting characters unknown and the main villain still at large. Though perhaps unusual for a romance series, those who read fantasy or other such genres will be used to this. Fortunately, at the time of this review, Berserker, book two of the series has released, so readers can dive into the next installment immediately if they desire. There is also a prequel novella that was published a few years ago, The Spinster's Christmas, but I don't think it is essential to read prior to starting Archer if you aren't able to.

While in my opinion the spiritual elements were fairly subtle at this point, with several characters' journeys of faith left still unresolved, this is understandable since as the first entry, Archer had a lot of focus on setting up the series. I look forward to getting to know Phoebe, Michael, Sol, Aunt Laura, and some other introduced characters in future novels. Overall, if you want a unique, faith-based Regency with some fantastical elements, be sure to try out the Lady Wynwood's Spies series!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes through the Celebrate Lit Blogger Program.]

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Regency Romance turned Regency Mystery, with spectacular results!

With an attention-grabbing opening scene, our story begins. What then seems to be a “typical” Regency Romance (a debutante facing yet another another season without prospects of a betrothal), suddenly transforms into another art form. Mysteries, homeland agents operating in disguise, then the appearance of ‘Incredible Hulk’ or Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde-type characters wreaking havoc and death, the story developed into a complex kaleidoscope, wherein every chapter presents a new permutation or another aspect of one of the character’s past life is revealed.

The storyline is well-developed, providing a solid basis for subsequent books furthering our acquaintance with the plethora of distinctive individuals to whom we have been introduced (good character development). A clean book I will not hesitate to recommend to my teenage granddaughter. I look forward to the next books in the series.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Archer, is a Christian regency thriller, adventure, romance book that is a penned by author Camille Elliot. Ms. Elliott is one exceptional storyteller with an imagination to match. This first offering in her Lady Wynwood’s Spies Series reads like a chart topping action adventure movie.

This is the story of sassy Phoebe Sauber. She is our rarcher from the book’s title. It is also the tale of feisty Lady Laura Wynwood. These are two colorful characters. Both of these ladies had me smiling all of the way throughout this action adventure tale.

The author has a pleasant style of writing. I was immediately invested in the story. The pace was even throughout the book. While there are “fight” scenes, there are no cringe-worthy ones that made me want to stop reading. All of the characters are multi-layered and easy to find interesting. This is not a boring book!

I found many life and faith lessons included in this story. It relates how God has His hand in everything. There are no coincidences because God knows what is happening as well as what will. His hand is upon all. What an important lesson for everyone.

This delightful action adventure historical story will keep you on your toes and have you begging for more. If you are looking for something different, this is it. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

[Shannon McNear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE this Regency series with its blend of suspense and supernatural/speculative, strong and smart (but very human) characters (and the women's intelligence doesn't make the men stupid by comparison). Be aware, however, that once you start, you're in for the long haul ... but IMHO, it's a very worthwhile commitment. (I've read up through #5 at this point.) Camille Elliot has become a must-read for me!

(cross-posted up through book 5)

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never thought I would be a fan of "Regency" novels. Not even sure I knew what that meant.

But Camille Elliot has capitaivated me! I am loving Laura and Sol but especially Phoebe. Watching her become her own woman has been delightful. (Seems like something they would say in a Regency novel)

My only complaint is I don't have the next one in my library! MUST GET IT SOON!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe has had enough! Her father has proven that he simply does not care about her and she refuses to go to Bath to spend, probably her last season, taking care of her aunt so her father can have her horses and carriage! She decides she'd rather go to her mother's sister in town and with that decision she is thrust into the biggest adventure of her life, and perhaps it could cost her her life.

Michael is working on his own to find that man that poisoned his brother. Phoebe and Michael's paths cross when she misfires her arrow and it pierces the paper that he is holding, a piece with a symbol on it, which for some reason she recognizes!

There is a lot of action in this story which I really like, and the dialogue is quite good. Yet, there are times when the author puts in some modern crude language that is bothersome. Shortly after the arrow pierces the paper and Michael is talking to a man that can lead him to Apothecary Jack, the man makes a crude comment about where the arrow almost hit him. Totally unnecessary. Near the end a comment is made about how there was a boy in the factory who was brave, and a modern comment was made there that again was totally unnecessary and inappropriate for the time period.

I'm impatient, so when something bad happened near the end I didn't care what Aunt Laura was thinking about everything happening around her and how she was seeing her niece flourish and she was drowning in the past! Michael is in trouble - who cares about her feelings right now, save the poor guy! That was the only part where I wasn't interested in where the author took me, I wanted to get to where the action was and save the guy!

For the most part, this is a clean read. No bad language, just some crude language, and no sexual content at all.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer begins the Lady Wynwood's Spies by Camille Elliot. It was so great to have another book by her in my hands again. I love her writing and this one does not disappoint. This book has a lot that I love reading in a story. This includes: mystery, suspense, history, romance, intrigue, adventure, action and danger. The writing is unique and refreshing. I loved every single page of this book. I am adding it to my very limited keeper shelf so I can read it again and again in the future.

I am giving Archer a very well deserved five plus stars. It would have been one hundred stars if it was possible. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy clean regency era romance. I look forward to book two from the Lord Wynwood's Spies series, Berserker.

I recommend Archer from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer by Camille Elliot is the first book in her Lady Wynwood’s Spies serial. Miss Phoebe Sauber, an archery expert, and Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones, an agent for the British government, must work together to protect their country against a traitorous group bent on helping Napoleon conquer the world. The story started out a little slow for me. But once I got into the story it became a late-night, up too late kind of book! I really enjoyed Phoebe’s character. She seemed like such a real person. The supernatural twist doesn’t overwhelm the story just gives it another layer. I can’t wait for the next part.
DISCLAIMER: This is a serial novel. Each part has a complete story-line, but is not a stand-alone novel. It ends in a cliffhanger!


I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I truly enjoyed the prequel to this series, The Spinster's Christmas, and I want to believe in Elliot's rise in Christian historical romantic fiction, this first in the series seems more in the world of fantasy and science fiction. Too much of the story is implausible: from the berserkers to the rescue of Michael, it stretches the imagination in believability and groans with contrivance. Then there were the emotional brick walls that often brought me to a complete halt for lack of elegant composition. All of the above would usually prompt me to toss the book aside, but I loved The Spinster's Christmas and wanted to believe the romance(s) might salvage it; but, alas, it lacked too little romance to even begin to make up for the above. Very sad.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a good book. Part 1 of an overall story that is spread over several books. A lot to take in with a lot of characters, including their relationship to each other in English society. Espionage, murder and people with special skills, all endearing in their own way. An especially dark threat to be out maneuvered for them and their country. Keeps you on your toes every moment. Very entertaining. Unconventional people who are quite real. I highly recommend this - you won't be bored!

I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#LadyWynwoodsSpies #Archer #CamilleElliott #CamyTang #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout @CamilleElliott @CamyTang

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for quite a while and it’s been taunting me. I think it was the cover. I love it. Plus, I really wanted to know what the title Archer was all about.

Well, it was introduced early in the book, but it wasn’t until the end you get a real understanding, and was it ever suspenseful! Wow!

Normally you don’t think of Regency Era Christian fiction and being full of suspense and bad guys drugging people and chase/fight scenes…especially including women! This was so different.

I realized why I had put this on the "probably-will-not-read" list years ago. Cliffhanger. Yup. There's not really an ending. But if you have all six books, making up a very long serial, then you’re in for a treat. Things happen in these book you will NOT expect!

[HAL · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for an innovative novel but it had some drawbacks for me. The story was too long to hold momentum, Elliot tackled too many events and of those a few were too far fetched for the era. I've enjoyed Elliott books before but for me this one was a bit hard to finish. The transition at the end was a little strange. Please don't write this author off your list. Try thisbook but try her others, too. Sorry.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me and drew me right in. There are enough different characters and plot threads going on that it took a while to sort them all out, but I was intrigued enough to keep reading. If you like suspense and/or the Regency period, I think you'd really enjoy this. Now I've got to read the next one!

[Louy L. Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grandma always said the same phrase when the farmer's girl next door prissed by coming to siphon off our good well water, "That girl ain't nothing but a tow sack full of shit and pee." Then Grandma would bite a goodly piece of chaw, and spit ever so far! It helped that Aunt and she were in a hidden garden.

[Cathy Bickerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate measures

Set during war with Napoleon, this diverse group of characters use their unique talents to work together for common goals.
Will they be able to save their world? What sacrifices will have to be made? Will there be romance? I want to know.

[Janay Abale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The "supernatural" elements take the story to the next level and the villain is fabulous. His oddities make the story very interesting and pose many challenges for the team of good guys, most of whom are living a double life. A delightful read!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regency Adventure

This book left my head spinning! It literally pulls you along and I had a hard time finding places to pause while reading it.
Not sure what I think about it being a serial series, but it’s an amazing start to one!