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Velocity of a Secret
An intrepid heroine confronts the dark underworld of espionage and war in this daring historical romance by Violet Marsh, the award-winning author of The Aviatrix.
It’s spring 1919, and the Great War has ended. New life flourishes on the red cliffs of the Northern Isles of Scotland―sea pinks and primrose, puffins and guillemots. But this windswept corner of the world harbors a dark secret.
Rose Van Etten has always reveled in danger and defiance. When the war started, she went from racing cars to driving ambulances and learned of an insidious spy ring from a dying soldier. Now that the war is over, she ventures to Scotland in search of the truth.
The isles’ stark beauty quickly captivates her, but so does one of the locals. Unlike most men, the rugged, Viking-esque Thorfinn Sinclair respects Rose’s independent spirit. It seems she’s met her equal.
But Thorfinn has secrets of his own. Fiercely loyal to home and family, he will do whatever it takes to protect the land he loves. As the spies close in, Rose must decide for herself: Is Thorfinn friend or foe?
It’s spring 1919, and the Great War has ended. New life flourishes on the red cliffs of the Northern Isles of Scotland―sea pinks and primrose, puffins and guillemots. But this windswept corner of the world harbors a dark secret.
Rose Van Etten has always reveled in danger and defiance. When the war started, she went from racing cars to driving ambulances and learned of an insidious spy ring from a dying soldier. Now that the war is over, she ventures to Scotland in search of the truth.
The isles’ stark beauty quickly captivates her, but so does one of the locals. Unlike most men, the rugged, Viking-esque Thorfinn Sinclair respects Rose’s independent spirit. It seems she’s met her equal.
But Thorfinn has secrets of his own. Fiercely loyal to home and family, he will do whatever it takes to protect the land he loves. As the spies close in, Rose must decide for herself: Is Thorfinn friend or foe?
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First published February 8, 2022
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About the author
Violet Marsh
5 books129 followersTwo-time Golden Heart finalist Violet Marsh is a lawyer who decided it was more fun to write witty banter than contractual terms. A romance enthusiast, she relishes the transformative power of love, especially when a seeming mismatch becomes the perfect pairing.
Marsh also enjoys visiting the past--whether strolling through a castle's ruins, wandering around a stately manor, or researching her family genealogy online (where she discovered at least one alleged pirate, a female tavern owner, and several blacksmiths). She indulges in her love of history by writing period pieces filled with independent-minded women and men smart enough to fall for them.
Marsh lives at home with Prince Handy (a guy who can fix things is definitely sexier than a mere charmer), a whirlwind (her toddler), and a suburban nesting dog (whose cuteness Marsh shamelessly uses to promote her books).
Marsh loves to interact with her readers on social media:
www.facebook.com/violetmarshauthor,
www.instagram.com/violetmarshauthor, and
Marsh also enjoys visiting the past--whether strolling through a castle's ruins, wandering around a stately manor, or researching her family genealogy online (where she discovered at least one alleged pirate, a female tavern owner, and several blacksmiths). She indulges in her love of history by writing period pieces filled with independent-minded women and men smart enough to fall for them.
Marsh lives at home with Prince Handy (a guy who can fix things is definitely sexier than a mere charmer), a whirlwind (her toddler), and a suburban nesting dog (whose cuteness Marsh shamelessly uses to promote her books).
Marsh loves to interact with her readers on social media:
www.facebook.com/violetmarshauthor,
www.instagram.com/violetmarshauthor, and
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 7, 2022
American socialite Rose Van Etten likes to live life at a fast pace, she races cars and she wants to use her ability to drive to help her country. She becomes an ambulance driver in WW I, and when Tin Lizzie's staffed by a German plane she knows she’s in big trouble. She’s transporting a seriously injured British officer, he whispers with his last breath that he want's tell someone he's sorry and gives Rose a key.
Rose returns home to Florida, to recuperate from being gassed and catching the Spanish flu and she’s also suffering from flashback from the war. In 1919, Rose is well enough to travel to the Northern Isle of Scotland to the Orkney’s, her friend Myrtle Morningstar is accompanying her, and Rose believes the mysterious British officer is from here?
Rose sees the natural beauty in Frest and the crumbling mansion Muckle Skaill, she buys it from its unscrupulous owner and want's to renovate the property. She employees Thorfinn Sinclair to be her land agent, he’s a local and he knows the area and the people who live the crofts. While the men were away fighting in the war, Sinclair kept the community going, and he’s the perfect person for the job. The islanders main source of income’s from sheep, they sell the meat and hides to the navy, spin the wool and knit beautiful jumpers. Rose is aware of the natural beauty in the remote area, she doesn’t want to change the local’s way of life, she wants to promote their cottage industries and increase their incomes.
Of course, Rose has another reason for going to Scotland, that’s to pass on the dying man’s message, he gave her a key, and who can she trust with her secret. Nearby, the old German imperial fleet is being guarded by the English Navy and Rose and Myrtle start doing some after hours surveillance.
I loved reading about the Scottish customs and traditions, and especially celebrating the Ceilidh and Rose's relationship with the Flett children. Violet Marsh has written a story that honors the brave women who served in WW I, the price they paid and the strength they needed to adjust to living in civilian life afterwards and many suffered from shell shock and Rose's characters one of these women.
I received a copy of Velocity of a Secret from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review, my mum’s Scottish, and I love reading Historical Fiction set in her home country and about The Great War. I highly recommend reading this wonderful book, due to be released on the 8th of February and five stars from me.
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Rose returns home to Florida, to recuperate from being gassed and catching the Spanish flu and she’s also suffering from flashback from the war. In 1919, Rose is well enough to travel to the Northern Isle of Scotland to the Orkney’s, her friend Myrtle Morningstar is accompanying her, and Rose believes the mysterious British officer is from here?
Rose sees the natural beauty in Frest and the crumbling mansion Muckle Skaill, she buys it from its unscrupulous owner and want's to renovate the property. She employees Thorfinn Sinclair to be her land agent, he’s a local and he knows the area and the people who live the crofts. While the men were away fighting in the war, Sinclair kept the community going, and he’s the perfect person for the job. The islanders main source of income’s from sheep, they sell the meat and hides to the navy, spin the wool and knit beautiful jumpers. Rose is aware of the natural beauty in the remote area, she doesn’t want to change the local’s way of life, she wants to promote their cottage industries and increase their incomes.
Of course, Rose has another reason for going to Scotland, that’s to pass on the dying man’s message, he gave her a key, and who can she trust with her secret. Nearby, the old German imperial fleet is being guarded by the English Navy and Rose and Myrtle start doing some after hours surveillance.
I loved reading about the Scottish customs and traditions, and especially celebrating the Ceilidh and Rose's relationship with the Flett children. Violet Marsh has written a story that honors the brave women who served in WW I, the price they paid and the strength they needed to adjust to living in civilian life afterwards and many suffered from shell shock and Rose's characters one of these women.
I received a copy of Velocity of a Secret from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review, my mum’s Scottish, and I love reading Historical Fiction set in her home country and about The Great War. I highly recommend reading this wonderful book, due to be released on the 8th of February and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
April 16, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
I loved this authors previous book, The Aviatrix, and this is just as good. Probably gets a little bogged down with mechanical jargon on occasion but the story of Rose and Sinclair makes up for it.
I loved this authors previous book, The Aviatrix, and this is just as good. Probably gets a little bogged down with mechanical jargon on occasion but the story of Rose and Sinclair makes up for it.
November 23, 2021
This book was absolutely fantastic! A strong female protagonist, a charming Scottish background, and the mystery of espionage just after Word War One made this book absolutely addicting.
Rose Van Etten is a strong and likable main character who is smart, strong-willed and defies the societal norms that women in 1919 are expected to follow. The banter between Rose and the islander, Thorfinn, is endearing and entertaining. The espionage plot added to the thrill although the ending to this plot did feel a bit rushed.
Violet Marsh did an excellent job in this novel, and although I personally feel the ending was a bit rushed, this book is an excellent read and hard to put down. Historical Fiction lovers interested in a strong female lead will be thrilled to add this to their reading list.
This ARC was provided to me on Netgalley.
Rose Van Etten is a strong and likable main character who is smart, strong-willed and defies the societal norms that women in 1919 are expected to follow. The banter between Rose and the islander, Thorfinn, is endearing and entertaining. The espionage plot added to the thrill although the ending to this plot did feel a bit rushed.
Violet Marsh did an excellent job in this novel, and although I personally feel the ending was a bit rushed, this book is an excellent read and hard to put down. Historical Fiction lovers interested in a strong female lead will be thrilled to add this to their reading list.
This ARC was provided to me on Netgalley.
December 30, 2021
3.5 / 5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Velocity of a Secret had a description that drew me in.
A book set in the aftermath of World War I? Check.
A strong, independent female protagonist that isn’t afraid of danger and risk-taking? Check.
A secret spy ring, threatening the peace? Check.
Toss in a gruff male protagonist with a secret heart of gold, and I was in.
I wanted to absolutely love this book, and there were some aspects that I really enjoyed. Rose was a lovely female protagonist, equally comfortable at a high-end social function as she is racing cars and doing labor. I loved the glimpses of her time as an ambulance driver in the war and the way that propelled the mystery of the spy ring forward. Thorfinn and his siblings were some of my other favorites from the book; I just loved so many scenes with his younger siblings and the one-on-one scenes with Thorfinn and Rose. The friendship between Rose and her best friend was another highlight for me.
My biggest issue was the pacing. There were parts of the book that felt super rushed, and there were others that seemed to drag on for much longer than they needed to. The writing sometimes pulled me out of the narrative, and I found myself able to set this book aside when I was reading easier than I’d hoped.
Warning: This book discusses some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers including death, war, physical trauma, violence, and attempted murder.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Velocity of a Secret had a description that drew me in.
A book set in the aftermath of World War I? Check.
A strong, independent female protagonist that isn’t afraid of danger and risk-taking? Check.
A secret spy ring, threatening the peace? Check.
Toss in a gruff male protagonist with a secret heart of gold, and I was in.
I wanted to absolutely love this book, and there were some aspects that I really enjoyed. Rose was a lovely female protagonist, equally comfortable at a high-end social function as she is racing cars and doing labor. I loved the glimpses of her time as an ambulance driver in the war and the way that propelled the mystery of the spy ring forward. Thorfinn and his siblings were some of my other favorites from the book; I just loved so many scenes with his younger siblings and the one-on-one scenes with Thorfinn and Rose. The friendship between Rose and her best friend was another highlight for me.
My biggest issue was the pacing. There were parts of the book that felt super rushed, and there were others that seemed to drag on for much longer than they needed to. The writing sometimes pulled me out of the narrative, and I found myself able to set this book aside when I was reading easier than I’d hoped.
Warning: This book discusses some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers including death, war, physical trauma, violence, and attempted murder.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2022
The story
Rose is an American heiress, she loves fast cars, parties and rebellion. It’s WW1 and she is driving an ambulance in the thick of the war fields when a dying Englishman whispers to her about a spy ring he has discovered. After the war ends, Rose travels to the islands in Orkney where the Viscount lived. Her “Viking” is Thorfinn, the illegitimate son of the owner of the islands, whose mother was mistreated by him. He has stayed home in the war, due to his disability and cared for his half-siblings. Can Rose and Thorfinn trust each other to find the missing pieces of the story?
My thoughts
I enjoyed this easy to read historical story. Rose is a strong female character who does as she pleases and is (mostly) fearless, backed by her wealth and standing. It opens doors for her but also creates the sense for her that she doesn’t truly belong anywhere. When she finds purpose helping the people on the island, she opens herself to new possibilities and people that love her for herself and not what she represents. When I was reading, I got a feeling that this was an adult interpretation of an Enid Blyton story. Rugged coastline, spies and adventure. But the author’s telling about her inspiration made the story more believable. A lovely read!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers.
Rose is an American heiress, she loves fast cars, parties and rebellion. It’s WW1 and she is driving an ambulance in the thick of the war fields when a dying Englishman whispers to her about a spy ring he has discovered. After the war ends, Rose travels to the islands in Orkney where the Viscount lived. Her “Viking” is Thorfinn, the illegitimate son of the owner of the islands, whose mother was mistreated by him. He has stayed home in the war, due to his disability and cared for his half-siblings. Can Rose and Thorfinn trust each other to find the missing pieces of the story?
My thoughts
I enjoyed this easy to read historical story. Rose is a strong female character who does as she pleases and is (mostly) fearless, backed by her wealth and standing. It opens doors for her but also creates the sense for her that she doesn’t truly belong anywhere. When she finds purpose helping the people on the island, she opens herself to new possibilities and people that love her for herself and not what she represents. When I was reading, I got a feeling that this was an adult interpretation of an Enid Blyton story. Rugged coastline, spies and adventure. But the author’s telling about her inspiration made the story more believable. A lovely read!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers.
January 3, 2022
When I read the blurb of this book, I thought I was going to love it. I enjoy historical romance, I’m Scottish and love books set in Scotland, and I love intrigue. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this book at all. This was my first read of 2022 and I would have DNF’d the book otherwise, I just felt it was better to start the year with a low rating as opposed to a DNF.
The prologue was intriguing. I was interested to find out where the story went from there but by chapter 2 my interest was lost.
The storyline was predictable and the spies were very obvious. I had hoped that the book would take a twist and I was so excited for a twist that never came.
Rose, as a main character, was so unlikeable. She was entitled, arrogant, reckless and rather thoughtless. She bought an island without any consideration for the people who actually lived on the island. I enjoyed Sinclair at the start of the book but then he just became less a character and more an accessory to Rose.
Every conversation she had seemed to involve her thinking that person must be a spy. Her constant ‘that’s what a spy would say’ got old, very quickly.
I don’t need to love the characters in order to enjoy a book so long as the story grips me but I wasn’t gripped by the story or the characters.
The romance went straight from 0 to ‘we’re in love’. I enjoy a romance to have at least a bit of a build up.
I think that there are people who will love this book. I know people who will love this book. Unfortunately I am not one of those people and I didn’t enjoy this book at all.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
The prologue was intriguing. I was interested to find out where the story went from there but by chapter 2 my interest was lost.
The storyline was predictable and the spies were very obvious. I had hoped that the book would take a twist and I was so excited for a twist that never came.
Rose, as a main character, was so unlikeable. She was entitled, arrogant, reckless and rather thoughtless. She bought an island without any consideration for the people who actually lived on the island. I enjoyed Sinclair at the start of the book but then he just became less a character and more an accessory to Rose.
Every conversation she had seemed to involve her thinking that person must be a spy. Her constant ‘that’s what a spy would say’ got old, very quickly.
I don’t need to love the characters in order to enjoy a book so long as the story grips me but I wasn’t gripped by the story or the characters.
The romance went straight from 0 to ‘we’re in love’. I enjoy a romance to have at least a bit of a build up.
I think that there are people who will love this book. I know people who will love this book. Unfortunately I am not one of those people and I didn’t enjoy this book at all.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ebook in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2022
really looking forward to read it sadly it did not live up to expectations, iam sure others will love it just not for me. dnf
February 16, 2022
Almost everything about this book makes for an enjoyable read. The characters, the setting and the way things come together as the story unfolds are well done. Some of the second half drags a little, but it was still good. I really liked Rose and Myrtle.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
February 8, 2022
There are many people who won't like this book. There will be many people who will love this book. I fall about in the center.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. It was well researched and thought out. I liked the prologue and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. When we get to the body of the book, there were times when it just seemed to drag. Sometimes the dialogue seemed to go much too slowly and sometimes it seemed that there were things that needed more of an explanation but were glossed over.
Having said that...I enjoyed Velocity Of A Secret and loved the last 25% of the book. It just flowed. There was love, danger, espionage, fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion. The characters finally seemed to come into their own.
I LOVED the Historical Note supplied at the back of the book. How interesting to see where the author got some of the background for her novelization of post WWI living for an heiress.. Not that any heiress did any of the things in the book, but just the expectation of how to live. The wide divide between the upper crust and the commoners.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Marsh, and although there were a few issues with this book for me, I loved the historical accuracy and will continue to read her books.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. It was well researched and thought out. I liked the prologue and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. When we get to the body of the book, there were times when it just seemed to drag. Sometimes the dialogue seemed to go much too slowly and sometimes it seemed that there were things that needed more of an explanation but were glossed over.
Having said that...I enjoyed Velocity Of A Secret and loved the last 25% of the book. It just flowed. There was love, danger, espionage, fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion. The characters finally seemed to come into their own.
I LOVED the Historical Note supplied at the back of the book. How interesting to see where the author got some of the background for her novelization of post WWI living for an heiress.. Not that any heiress did any of the things in the book, but just the expectation of how to live. The wide divide between the upper crust and the commoners.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Marsh, and although there were a few issues with this book for me, I loved the historical accuracy and will continue to read her books.
November 30, 2024
First of all: NEIL ELLICE!!!!! Both narrators did an amazing job but before I am a woman, I am a Neil Ellice fan, and by golly did he deliver a performance that had me giggling to myself like the bonnie lass I felt like I was. The first and only audio book I’ve ever listened to and I’m pleased to note it was all that and a glass of apple juice.
Super sweet story, felt like a movie was playing in my head, and now I need a Thorfinn Sinclair of my own please and thank you. ily Neil. Mwah.
Super sweet story, felt like a movie was playing in my head, and now I need a Thorfinn Sinclair of my own please and thank you. ily Neil. Mwah.
February 5, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I discovered Violet Marsh last year, and was excited to find an author writing 20th century historical romance. Velocity of a Secret follows in a similar vein, looking at the aftermath of World War I.
Rose caught my attention almost instantly. She really stands out among the heroines I’ve read about, due to the depiction of the impact of war on her. She deals with PTSD as a result of her experiences, but also remains dedicated to her cause, this time determined to root out a spy ring. I also love that she’s aware of her privilege due to her being born an heiress, and tries to work hard to help others.
Thorfinn also drew my attention as a hero. I found kinship with him, as like me, he also only has one good eye. In spite of his insecurities about this and not being able to serve in the war, I appreciate that he still had a sense of duty and kept his head up for the most part. And while he has a grumpy exterior, he has a genuine love for his siblings, and upon meeting Rose, she further helps to erode his façade.
Plotting wise, it is pretty engaging throughout. There were inconsistencies in pacing, where some bits felt slower, while others felt a bit too rushed and lacking development.
This book is mostly enjoyable, and the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for slightly different historical romance or a new take on World War I-era romantic historical fiction, I recommend picking this up.
I discovered Violet Marsh last year, and was excited to find an author writing 20th century historical romance. Velocity of a Secret follows in a similar vein, looking at the aftermath of World War I.
Rose caught my attention almost instantly. She really stands out among the heroines I’ve read about, due to the depiction of the impact of war on her. She deals with PTSD as a result of her experiences, but also remains dedicated to her cause, this time determined to root out a spy ring. I also love that she’s aware of her privilege due to her being born an heiress, and tries to work hard to help others.
Thorfinn also drew my attention as a hero. I found kinship with him, as like me, he also only has one good eye. In spite of his insecurities about this and not being able to serve in the war, I appreciate that he still had a sense of duty and kept his head up for the most part. And while he has a grumpy exterior, he has a genuine love for his siblings, and upon meeting Rose, she further helps to erode his façade.
Plotting wise, it is pretty engaging throughout. There were inconsistencies in pacing, where some bits felt slower, while others felt a bit too rushed and lacking development.
This book is mostly enjoyable, and the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking for slightly different historical romance or a new take on World War I-era romantic historical fiction, I recommend picking this up.
February 13, 2022
I kind of sat here just thinking about how to rate this one. I toggled between 3 and 4 stars. I think it probably sits in the middle between the two at a good 3 1/2 stars for me. There is something so cozy about the way this historical mystery and romance was written. It reminded me of curling up and reading Nancy Drew as a child and I mean that as a compliment. Nancy Drew is always a compliment in my book. I think where the mixed feelings come in is when I think about the narrative. There a lot more telling here than showing, and that made what would be a compelling story less so. It is still a good read overall though.
My favorite aspect of this was the romance and the dichotomy between the two characters. The author explains in these characters are role reversals of traditional roles during the time period they exist in, and I love that. Thorfinn is such a precious, gentle soul and Rose is fierce. I thought they were compelling together. I think if you are fan of this time period and historical romance, this will be a fantastic read because of what these characters bring to the table.
Like I said, I just did not love the way it was written necessarily. The plot felt bogged down by repetitive character introspection. It got to a point I could predict the inward monologue of a character because they often thought the same thing over and over. Yet I must also say I enjoyed this read overall so I am not too mad at its faults. I liked it and think if you enjoy books in this genre, you will like it too.
My favorite aspect of this was the romance and the dichotomy between the two characters. The author explains in these characters are role reversals of traditional roles during the time period they exist in, and I love that. Thorfinn is such a precious, gentle soul and Rose is fierce. I thought they were compelling together. I think if you are fan of this time period and historical romance, this will be a fantastic read because of what these characters bring to the table.
Like I said, I just did not love the way it was written necessarily. The plot felt bogged down by repetitive character introspection. It got to a point I could predict the inward monologue of a character because they often thought the same thing over and over. Yet I must also say I enjoyed this read overall so I am not too mad at its faults. I liked it and think if you enjoy books in this genre, you will like it too.
February 22, 2022
There are many people who won't like this book. There will be many people who will love this book. I fall about in the center.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. It was well researched and thought out. I liked the prologue and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. When we get to the body of the book, there were times when it just seemed to drag. Sometimes the dialogue seemed to go much too slowly and sometimes it seemed that there were things that needed more of an explanation but were glossed over.
Having said that...I enjoyed Velocity Of A Secret and loved the last 25% of the book. It just flowed. There was love, danger, espionage, fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion. The characters finally seemed to come into their own.
I LOVED the Historical Note supplied at the back of the book. How interesting to see where the author got some of the background for her novelization of post WWI living for an heiress.. Not that any heiress did any of the things in the book, but just the expectation of how to live. The wide divide between the upper crust and the commoners.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Marsh, and although there were a few issues with this book for me, I loved the historical accuracy and will continue to read her books.
I enjoyed the historical aspects of the book. It was well researched and thought out. I liked the prologue and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. When we get to the body of the book, there were times when it just seemed to drag. Sometimes the dialogue seemed to go much too slowly and sometimes it seemed that there were things that needed more of an explanation but were glossed over.
Having said that...I enjoyed Velocity Of A Secret and loved the last 25% of the book. It just flowed. There was love, danger, espionage, fast pace, and a satisfying conclusion. The characters finally seemed to come into their own.
I LOVED the Historical Note supplied at the back of the book. How interesting to see where the author got some of the background for her novelization of post WWI living for an heiress.. Not that any heiress did any of the things in the book, but just the expectation of how to live. The wide divide between the upper crust and the commoners.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Marsh, and although there were a few issues with this book for me, I loved the historical accuracy and will continue to read her books.
Want to read
November 1, 2021I read this book in ONE morning. ONE. It very much reminded me of "The Nightengale" by Kristin Hannah. Obviously it was set BEFORE World War II (time period the Nightengale was set in) but the main characters definitely have some similarities. Rose Van Etten is an amazing main character. She's smart, strong willed, and clearly doesn't like following the average "norms" a woman in year 1919 is expected to follow. I very much liked the "rebellion" the author portrayed in Rose's character (though nowadays i dont think it would be considered rebellion versus sticking up for ones self). Rose is smart, and takes her own path to find our what really happened. The author did a great job in showing Rose's apprehension with the Thorfinn character- and how she was hesitant- i can only imagine the hardships she went through- just by being a woman so strong and so driven to find her way in Scotland. I definitely recommend this book- especially if you like a strong main female character in your historical fiction books. #amazonpublishing #montlake #netgalley #goodreads
February 22, 2022
This book was very good and had romance and of course mystery.
Rose has not had a good life growing up she was more or less ignored. She was an ambulance driver in the War which is not long ended and she was helping a dying soldier who told her about spies on Orkney. She ends up in Orkney trying to find the spy and feels she cannot trust anyone. She meets Thorfinn Sinclair who seems to be the spokesperson of the island. She starts to investigate the mystery surrounding the island.
I enjoyed the characters thought they were strong people. The description of the island and the surrounding area was good.
I would recommend this book.
Rose has not had a good life growing up she was more or less ignored. She was an ambulance driver in the War which is not long ended and she was helping a dying soldier who told her about spies on Orkney. She ends up in Orkney trying to find the spy and feels she cannot trust anyone. She meets Thorfinn Sinclair who seems to be the spokesperson of the island. She starts to investigate the mystery surrounding the island.
I enjoyed the characters thought they were strong people. The description of the island and the surrounding area was good.
I would recommend this book.
February 17, 2022
I loved Rose, and the fact that she wants to make a difference. Thorfinn is also such a wonderful character. He’s Rose’s Viking thanks to his large stature and his obvious strength. I liked the prologue, and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. I LOVE historical novels. This book is definitely enjoyable, and I highly recommend picking this one up. (Thank you NetGalley)
April 13, 2022
Wow! What a great read! This has everything I look for in a book: an enthralling storyline with likable characters, a bit of suspense and some romance.
I love that the main character Rose had a take no crap exterior, even though she was soft & sensible on the inside. There’s nothing like a strong female character, especially in the WW1 era when women were still expected to be subservient.
I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was in the spy ring and was completely caught off guard when it was revealed.
I definitely recommend this novel if you’re a fan of historical fiction.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the Kindle copy won in a giveaway.
I love that the main character Rose had a take no crap exterior, even though she was soft & sensible on the inside. There’s nothing like a strong female character, especially in the WW1 era when women were still expected to be subservient.
I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was in the spy ring and was completely caught off guard when it was revealed.
I definitely recommend this novel if you’re a fan of historical fiction.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the Kindle copy won in a giveaway.
May 17, 2022
I loved the history, the setting, the slow burn romance. Rose is such a wonderful character and I admire the author’s emphasis on turning gender tropes on their heads. I would have liked a little bit more smut to the book or at least more of a physical component, but on the other hand I appreciate that this books wasn’t all about the romance. I enjoyed it a lot!
*I won this as a part of a Goodreads giveaway!*
*I won this as a part of a Goodreads giveaway!*
December 31, 2023
I enjoyed the period romance vibes of this book, the meaningful writing/thematics, the feisty FMC, and the sweet, hardy bucolic lifestyles represented by characters in this book.
The romance ended up being intended for perhaps an older adult audience than I. It was sweet but I didn’t find myself fully invested.
NOTE: Beware that a few romantic scenes took me off guard and while it doesn’t cross the line, it was too handsy and uncomfortable for me.
The romance ended up being intended for perhaps an older adult audience than I. It was sweet but I didn’t find myself fully invested.
NOTE: Beware that a few romantic scenes took me off guard and while it doesn’t cross the line, it was too handsy and uncomfortable for me.
March 18, 2022
Overall, I thought it was a good story. Solid 3.5, so rounded up to 4. There were some slower parts and some parts where I had figured things out and couldn’t decide how Rose had not. There weren’t any major surprises, but it was a solid historical fiction read. I don’t regret reading it, and I’m grateful to have won a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
March 28, 2022
My Musings
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and the plot is intriguing. There is slight sagging middle, but the end more than compensated. The narrators are strong for the most. There are a few times, they overplayed it, although, not enough to take away from my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are engaging and the plot is intriguing. There is slight sagging middle, but the end more than compensated. The narrators are strong for the most. There are a few times, they overplayed it, although, not enough to take away from my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!
July 23, 2025
It was a fun little read. Wholesome.
Everything wrapped up in a neat little (and a somewhat predictable) bow, which kind of took me out of it.
A historical fiction romance is not my first choice, usually, so maybe this is pretty normal. Perhaps it just wasn’t for me, but check it out if this is your niche.
Everything wrapped up in a neat little (and a somewhat predictable) bow, which kind of took me out of it.
A historical fiction romance is not my first choice, usually, so maybe this is pretty normal. Perhaps it just wasn’t for me, but check it out if this is your niche.
March 3, 2022
Fortune in Life:
This was a fantastic story of how people loo! At each other in station that life bring good thing . It turn looking for life adventure finding life hold together family value.
This was a fantastic story of how people loo! At each other in station that life bring good thing . It turn looking for life adventure finding life hold together family value.
May 26, 2022
Skeletons in the closets, spies and treachery
A love story amongst treachery, international spies
And danger.
Who do you trust?
In the end 2 people must have trust in each other and confront their own demons before they can find a true love that had exuded them.
A love story amongst treachery, international spies
And danger.
Who do you trust?
In the end 2 people must have trust in each other and confront their own demons before they can find a true love that had exuded them.
February 20, 2022
Beautiful story
You will enjoy! It is precious!! Easy to follow the characters. I read allot and third one is great. Enjoy
You will enjoy! It is precious!! Easy to follow the characters. I read allot and third one is great. Enjoy
May 10, 2022
I won this book in a Goodreads contest. It was a fast paced book about world war 1. Lots of intrigue. I recommend it.
December 31, 2023
Nancy Drew vibes. A ride or die bestie. Excitement and romance. A hot Scottish man in an eyepatch. All very relevant to my interests.
I absolutely love 👏 this 👏 book 👏! The heroine is so complex and interesting, her love interest is earnest and charming, the supporting cast is simply fabulous, and the plot kept me enthralled throughout. At times, the prose got a tad bit flowery for my tastes, but I was having such a good time that I hardly noticed. This book got me out of a huge reading slump. Definitely a new favorite for sure.
I absolutely love 👏 this 👏 book 👏! The heroine is so complex and interesting, her love interest is earnest and charming, the supporting cast is simply fabulous, and the plot kept me enthralled throughout. At times, the prose got a tad bit flowery for my tastes, but I was having such a good time that I hardly noticed. This book got me out of a huge reading slump. Definitely a new favorite for sure.
June 24, 2022
I loved Rose, and the fact that she wants to make a difference. Thorfinn is also such a wonderful character. He’s Rose’s Viking thanks to his large stature and his obvious strength. I liked the prologue, and it was fascinating to see what some women volunteered to do during WWI. I LOVE historical novels. This book is definitely enjoyable and I highly recommend picking this one up. (Thank you NetGalley for the book)
March 28, 2025
3 and 1/2
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