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The Minister's Wife
Philadelphia, 1777, during the American Revolution. Abigail St. Clair knows many secrets, and the damage done if those secrets are revealed.
She arrives in Philadelphia during the British occupation with her new husband, a minister for the Anglican Church, knowing she'll soon confront her former lover.
Betrayal wears many faces and impacts more than most could know. When Abigail sinks in scandal not of her own making, fighting wrongs that may never be righted, she steps onto a dangerous precipice, living two very different lives: a devoted minister’s wife, loyal to the Crown, and a colonial spy, tied to a man she loves more than most could imagine.
An awakening draped in fast-paced drama, The Minister’s Wife defines a woman who betrays country, family, and friends to serve a higher purpose, defying a ruthless enemy, ripping wrong from right and exposing sordid secrets. On a subtler level, it explores the human psyche - love, ambition, trust and guilt - as friends and foes change places, and love emerges to conquer all.
She arrives in Philadelphia during the British occupation with her new husband, a minister for the Anglican Church, knowing she'll soon confront her former lover.
Betrayal wears many faces and impacts more than most could know. When Abigail sinks in scandal not of her own making, fighting wrongs that may never be righted, she steps onto a dangerous precipice, living two very different lives: a devoted minister’s wife, loyal to the Crown, and a colonial spy, tied to a man she loves more than most could imagine.
An awakening draped in fast-paced drama, The Minister’s Wife defines a woman who betrays country, family, and friends to serve a higher purpose, defying a ruthless enemy, ripping wrong from right and exposing sordid secrets. On a subtler level, it explores the human psyche - love, ambition, trust and guilt - as friends and foes change places, and love emerges to conquer all.
360 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2022
54 people are currently reading
2563 people want to read
About the author
John Anthony Miller
19 books344 followersJohn Anthony Miller writes all things historical—thrillers, mysteries, and romance. He sets his novels in exotic locations spanning all eras of space and time, with complex characters forced to face inner conflicts—fighting demons both real and imagined. Each of his novels is unique: a Medieval epic, five historical mysteries, two Cold-War thrillers, two 1970’s cozy mysteries, a Revolutionary War spy novel, seven WWII thrillers, and The Castle on the Cliff. He lives in southern New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 10, 2022
The Spies are among us!
This was a very enthralling, historical tomb that I thoroughly enjoyed! Be set in the 1700's gave it an interesting perspective.
This was a very enthralling, historical tomb that I thoroughly enjoyed! Be set in the 1700's gave it an interesting perspective.
March 27, 2023
The Minister’s Wife is a story about a woman who spies for the colonials during the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia. What I liked most about this book was the glimpse into what life might have been like during the British occupation of that city. I imagine that the author did quite a bit of research because the city’s atmosphere of distrust did feel authentic.
Overall, though, I thought the book was just okay. I didn’t care much for the characters, just not invested enough in them to care. There was a love story in it too, but not much passion. And while you might think a book about spies could be a page turner, it just wasn’t for me. So, was there descriptive prose? Not so much. Flashes of deft perception about life? Not really.
I’m rating it 3.0. I read it through to the end and was patient enough to do so without tapping my toe. But I would have liked it to be more than it was.
Overall, though, I thought the book was just okay. I didn’t care much for the characters, just not invested enough in them to care. There was a love story in it too, but not much passion. And while you might think a book about spies could be a page turner, it just wasn’t for me. So, was there descriptive prose? Not so much. Flashes of deft perception about life? Not really.
I’m rating it 3.0. I read it through to the end and was patient enough to do so without tapping my toe. But I would have liked it to be more than it was.
July 4, 2022
1777, Abigale and Ian had hoped to marry, but she left Philadelphia and moved to NYC and married a minister. She and her husband of 2 years have moved back to Philadelphia and the British have taken control of the city. Ian and Abigale still love with each other though there are complications; she is married, a loyalist, a spy and Ian a patriot. There are secrets, betrayals, greed, lies and love. It is impossible to know who to trust in this fast paced, page turning novel as the spies are untrained.
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this novel and loved all the twists and turns.
It had so many elements that kept me hooked - trying to figure out the mystery of who’s a spy, the budding romance, the excitement of an exciting historical period - I couldn’t get enough.
This book is a must read and has something for everyone.
It had so many elements that kept me hooked - trying to figure out the mystery of who’s a spy, the budding romance, the excitement of an exciting historical period - I couldn’t get enough.
This book is a must read and has something for everyone.
February 17, 2023
I was first drawn to The Minister’s Wife, by John Anthony Miller, because I was intrigued by the idea of a woman spy during the Revolutionary War. I love books that highlight strong women in unusual circumstances and this book delivered. I need more books like this!
Abigail, the minister’s wife, has just returned to Philadelphia from New York with her new husband. She comes home to find, in her absence, the city has been captured by the English and the redcoats are everywhere she looks.
However, some things have not changed. Ian Blaine, her former lover, still lives in the city and when he is accused of being a traitor to the crown old feelings begin to rise in her. Though he is able to prove he is innocence, the English are watching him closely, especially the English Commander Duncan.
Soon it becomes obvious that Ian still loves Abigail and he just can’t stay away from her. As Abigail is pulled into the web of patriot spies, there are lies and deceit that abound that will threaten both her and Ian.
This story is full of twists and turns you will not see coming. The plot is fast paced and the suspense was almost unbearable at times. I was on the edge of my seat with worry about Ian and Abigail being caught. They took far too many chances, in my opinion, and it made my heart skip a beat every time they took an unnecessary risk. Then the dramatic ending just sealed my love of this story.
Not only did I got caught up in the drama of the story early on, but it was also the character of Abigail that made me really love this book. She was so brave. She knew she was taking big risks; yet, she found the courage to do what she thought was right.
The type of suspense, and the characters, in this book are what I feel makes a good story great. Perfect book for fans of Historical Thrillers. I also think it will appeal to those Romance readers who enjoy a story that is not all fluff and has a bit of bite to it.
I received a free copy in exchange for by honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
Abigail, the minister’s wife, has just returned to Philadelphia from New York with her new husband. She comes home to find, in her absence, the city has been captured by the English and the redcoats are everywhere she looks.
However, some things have not changed. Ian Blaine, her former lover, still lives in the city and when he is accused of being a traitor to the crown old feelings begin to rise in her. Though he is able to prove he is innocence, the English are watching him closely, especially the English Commander Duncan.
Soon it becomes obvious that Ian still loves Abigail and he just can’t stay away from her. As Abigail is pulled into the web of patriot spies, there are lies and deceit that abound that will threaten both her and Ian.
This story is full of twists and turns you will not see coming. The plot is fast paced and the suspense was almost unbearable at times. I was on the edge of my seat with worry about Ian and Abigail being caught. They took far too many chances, in my opinion, and it made my heart skip a beat every time they took an unnecessary risk. Then the dramatic ending just sealed my love of this story.
Not only did I got caught up in the drama of the story early on, but it was also the character of Abigail that made me really love this book. She was so brave. She knew she was taking big risks; yet, she found the courage to do what she thought was right.
The type of suspense, and the characters, in this book are what I feel makes a good story great. Perfect book for fans of Historical Thrillers. I also think it will appeal to those Romance readers who enjoy a story that is not all fluff and has a bit of bite to it.
I received a free copy in exchange for by honest review. For more of my reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
August 3, 2022
From the first page the reader is plunged into a world of suspense. Ian Blaine is a carpenter with a secret—spying on the English he is determined to do whatever it takes to set his country free.
Abigail is the ministers wife, she returns to Philadelphia at a time when war rages, and the English lay claim to the city. As a royalist this shouldn't be a problem. But her former lover Ian Blaine needs her help. And past events change her loyalties.
Not everything is as it seems at the ministers house. They have their own secretes which will see them pitted against each other.
This book kept my interest throughout. It is an interesting read and I really enjoyed the conflict between Ian, Abigail and the English.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, maintaining the suspense. I didn't see the end coming, and the twist (I'm not going to spoil anything by giving it away) was excellent.
This is the first time I have read one of John Anthony MIller's books and it certainly won't be the last. A throughly enjoyable read.
Abigail is the ministers wife, she returns to Philadelphia at a time when war rages, and the English lay claim to the city. As a royalist this shouldn't be a problem. But her former lover Ian Blaine needs her help. And past events change her loyalties.
Not everything is as it seems at the ministers house. They have their own secretes which will see them pitted against each other.
This book kept my interest throughout. It is an interesting read and I really enjoyed the conflict between Ian, Abigail and the English.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, maintaining the suspense. I didn't see the end coming, and the twist (I'm not going to spoil anything by giving it away) was excellent.
This is the first time I have read one of John Anthony MIller's books and it certainly won't be the last. A throughly enjoyable read.
July 11, 2022
Being a mystery and thriller junky, I was very intrigued when I saw this book for the first time. I like books that consists of mysteries and has lots of twists and turns like most other people and this one was really worth reading.
This story is about a woman who betrays her country, family and friends to serve a higher purpose, defying a ruthless enemy, ripping wrong from right and exposing secrets.
The story gets exciting with every new page.
The plot is amazing and engaging. It kept me hooked right from the first page. The story has an amazing blend of thriller, suspense and mystery. Language is simple and easy to understand. The narration is perfect.
The eye-catching cover with an inviting title itself is the first quality of the book.
Characters are well etched and the story keeps the reader engaged till the very end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is worth reading and I highly recommend this book to everyone.
This story is about a woman who betrays her country, family and friends to serve a higher purpose, defying a ruthless enemy, ripping wrong from right and exposing secrets.
The story gets exciting with every new page.
The plot is amazing and engaging. It kept me hooked right from the first page. The story has an amazing blend of thriller, suspense and mystery. Language is simple and easy to understand. The narration is perfect.
The eye-catching cover with an inviting title itself is the first quality of the book.
Characters are well etched and the story keeps the reader engaged till the very end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is worth reading and I highly recommend this book to everyone.
February 8, 2024
A really good read by an old friend.
Well-written historical fiction novel with intrigue involving spies and the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia. John does a great job of weaving his story through the streets of Philadelphia as it existed at the time. Wonderfully written and told. I look forward to reading another book by him!
Well-written historical fiction novel with intrigue involving spies and the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia. John does a great job of weaving his story through the streets of Philadelphia as it existed at the time. Wonderfully written and told. I look forward to reading another book by him!
March 17, 2024
John Anthony Miller’s novel, The Minister’s Wife, is an interesting, well-developed and delivered story with solid writing.
However, I’m not sure this book can be classified as an historical novel or even a romantic one. There was tension and some background details of the Revolutionary War that made it a rather convincing tale.
But to me what seemed to be somewhat contrived was the spying of the Red Coat Soldiers on the heroine. Yet what appeared to be lacking were scenes of battles and the horrors, the destruction, and the devastation created by war.
Also, all of the romantic elements to make the story believable weren’t in place or fleshed out and had to be imagined by the reader except for the description of two kisses!
Miller is a talented author. I would definitely recommend his writing and I look forward to reading another one of his fictions.
However, I’m not sure this book can be classified as an historical novel or even a romantic one. There was tension and some background details of the Revolutionary War that made it a rather convincing tale.
But to me what seemed to be somewhat contrived was the spying of the Red Coat Soldiers on the heroine. Yet what appeared to be lacking were scenes of battles and the horrors, the destruction, and the devastation created by war.
Also, all of the romantic elements to make the story believable weren’t in place or fleshed out and had to be imagined by the reader except for the description of two kisses!
Miller is a talented author. I would definitely recommend his writing and I look forward to reading another one of his fictions.
June 14, 2022
Loved the book. Intrigue, danger, suspense, romance. Miller has a special talent of putting you in the time and place while you're reading.
November 13, 2022
Not bad
Chose this book because I am interested in stories of women during the Revolution. The plot is interesting but the writing isn't great
Chose this book because I am interested in stories of women during the Revolution. The plot is interesting but the writing isn't great
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews