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Secrets of the Blue and Gray #3
Gray Waters
Inspired by the gripping adventures of actual female Civil War spies, an irresistible tale of strength, bravery, and love that will win over your heart.
March 1864. During a perilous and uncertain time of war, a dark secret pushes Union spy Hattie Logan deeper into her work. With her feelings for Lieutenant John Elliott more confused than ever, she’s determined to prove herself on her own terms. Paired with former Confederate spy Mollie Pitman, Hattie defies the men in charge, insisting they shouldn’t trust Mollie.
But when Hattie dares to uncover a dangerous plot to highjack a ferry and raid a Lake Erie island prison, she finds her own powerful loyalties put to the test. The closer she gets to the truth, the murkier the waters. How far will she go to keep a devoted friend’s trust? Inspired by stunning history, this unrivaled historical fiction novel of hope and resilience will tug at your heart. Perfect for readers of Lisa Wingate, Martha Hall Kelly, and Glen Craney.
March 1864. During a perilous and uncertain time of war, a dark secret pushes Union spy Hattie Logan deeper into her work. With her feelings for Lieutenant John Elliott more confused than ever, she’s determined to prove herself on her own terms. Paired with former Confederate spy Mollie Pitman, Hattie defies the men in charge, insisting they shouldn’t trust Mollie.
But when Hattie dares to uncover a dangerous plot to highjack a ferry and raid a Lake Erie island prison, she finds her own powerful loyalties put to the test. The closer she gets to the truth, the murkier the waters. How far will she go to keep a devoted friend’s trust? Inspired by stunning history, this unrivaled historical fiction novel of hope and resilience will tug at your heart. Perfect for readers of Lisa Wingate, Martha Hall Kelly, and Glen Craney.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2022
46 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Lind
19 books51 followersVanessa Lind loves writing about strong women from the past, especially the ones who’ve got a secret or two. She enjoys heartfelt stories that keep readers turning pages with characters that aren’t easily forgotten.
Vanessa grew up in Illinois but has since migrated to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives near a town rich in history (and breweries). She has a serious book-buying problem, never turns down a cup of tea, and gets her best ideas while walking her boxer dog. Her goal in life, besides writing unforgettable books, is to be a good ancestor.
Vanessa grew up in Illinois but has since migrated to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives near a town rich in history (and breweries). She has a serious book-buying problem, never turns down a cup of tea, and gets her best ideas while walking her boxer dog. Her goal in life, besides writing unforgettable books, is to be a good ancestor.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 25, 2024
Hatties spy work and loss has made her more cautious. She now relies on her judgement and not of the men around her to make decisions to help the cause. A very realistic, but beautifully drawn out book of a courageous woman, who stands tall and brave and maybe has a place in her heart for stalwart John.
September 20, 2022
This is the third book in the Secrets of the Blue and Gray series by Vanessa Lind, and in my opinion, the best so far. Our intrepid female spy Hattie Logan finds herself involved in trying to discover the plans of some secret societies that are sympathetic to the Confederacy during the last year of the Civil War. These societies operate in what was then called the Northwest (the Midwest to us – Ohio, Indiana, Illinois) and want to take the war into these Northern states. Hattie has been spying for the Union for some time, so she has learned a lot. I don’t want to give away the plot or spoilers. Let me say that we get to see some of the better characters (like Dr. Edith Greenfield and Lt. John Elliott) from the second book, Enemy Lines, and we are introduced to a new Confederate female spy, Mollie Pitman, whom Hattie is tasked with tracking down and hopefully helping to capture.
One of my few issues with the second book was Hattie’s lack of sharing of information that seemed pretty critical at times. In this third book, Hattie seems to have learned her lesson and works hard to share what she’s learned, sometimes to skeptical Union officers which is frustrating (but probably realistic). Hattie is faced with a couple of moral dilemmas and she handles those realistically, again in my opinion. The plot is fascinating and is based on real events and people from the Civil War. Ms. Lind explains the real life person each book character is based on in her Author’s Note at the end of the book. While a work of fiction, having much of the book based on real events and real people makes this an even more fascinating read. It’s a part of the Civil War that I had little knowledge of before reading this series.
The writing and editing are excellent, there is good character development, the plot is fascinating, and the conclusion is satisfying. There is room for another book in the series (the Civil War still has another year to go as this book is set in 1864) but this story is complete – no cliffhangers. While it is always helpful to read a series from the start, Ms. Lind gives adequate background through Hattie’s inner thoughts to grasp enough backstory to enjoy book. The last third of the book is almost non-stop action and I read way past my bedtime to finish it.
If you like novels about the Civil War, novels that feature a strong female protagonist, novels with a lot of action, and novels with a unique perspective on a period in our history, you’ll like Gray Waters.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Gray Waters for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
One of my few issues with the second book was Hattie’s lack of sharing of information that seemed pretty critical at times. In this third book, Hattie seems to have learned her lesson and works hard to share what she’s learned, sometimes to skeptical Union officers which is frustrating (but probably realistic). Hattie is faced with a couple of moral dilemmas and she handles those realistically, again in my opinion. The plot is fascinating and is based on real events and people from the Civil War. Ms. Lind explains the real life person each book character is based on in her Author’s Note at the end of the book. While a work of fiction, having much of the book based on real events and real people makes this an even more fascinating read. It’s a part of the Civil War that I had little knowledge of before reading this series.
The writing and editing are excellent, there is good character development, the plot is fascinating, and the conclusion is satisfying. There is room for another book in the series (the Civil War still has another year to go as this book is set in 1864) but this story is complete – no cliffhangers. While it is always helpful to read a series from the start, Ms. Lind gives adequate background through Hattie’s inner thoughts to grasp enough backstory to enjoy book. The last third of the book is almost non-stop action and I read way past my bedtime to finish it.
If you like novels about the Civil War, novels that feature a strong female protagonist, novels with a lot of action, and novels with a unique perspective on a period in our history, you’ll like Gray Waters.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Gray Waters for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
March 26, 2023
Hattie (and Other Brave Ladies) Continue Their War Work
Though I somehow missed book 2 when it was at my favorite book review site, I have so enjoyed the two books I have read so far in this series (books 1 and 3). I love how contemporary authors are reclaiming women's stories, letting their voices be heard about how they’ve affected history. Yes, all US citizens know about the Civil War in the broad strokes of battles won and lost and the greater tides of war, but the smaller stories of individuals—including brave women you've never heard of and common men who die upholding their principles—are mostly lost. This author skillfully blends fiction with known historical facts about female spies, female doctors, and other women actively involved on both sides of the Civil War. As a nurse, I especially appreciated the parts about the female doctor who not only did meaningful medical work but also became a prisoner of war. While her author's note at the end of the story is brief, I appreciate how much the fictionalized story springs from real events and actual people. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! After the disastrous happenings in the prior book—recounted briefly in this one—our plucky heroine still wants to continue working as a Pinkerton spy helping the Union. I love how she gets embroiled in a dramatic, not-so-well-known Civil War plot that historians are still unsure about. I really enjoyed seeing how these strong, underestimated, and mostly unappreciated women made a difference on both large and small scales.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Though I somehow missed book 2 when it was at my favorite book review site, I have so enjoyed the two books I have read so far in this series (books 1 and 3). I love how contemporary authors are reclaiming women's stories, letting their voices be heard about how they’ve affected history. Yes, all US citizens know about the Civil War in the broad strokes of battles won and lost and the greater tides of war, but the smaller stories of individuals—including brave women you've never heard of and common men who die upholding their principles—are mostly lost. This author skillfully blends fiction with known historical facts about female spies, female doctors, and other women actively involved on both sides of the Civil War. As a nurse, I especially appreciated the parts about the female doctor who not only did meaningful medical work but also became a prisoner of war. While her author's note at the end of the story is brief, I appreciate how much the fictionalized story springs from real events and actual people. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! After the disastrous happenings in the prior book—recounted briefly in this one—our plucky heroine still wants to continue working as a Pinkerton spy helping the Union. I love how she gets embroiled in a dramatic, not-so-well-known Civil War plot that historians are still unsure about. I really enjoyed seeing how these strong, underestimated, and mostly unappreciated women made a difference on both large and small scales.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 30, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I absolutely love this series. I've just read this book in just over a day, as I did book 2, enemy lines. Following Hattie Logan, an American civil war spy for the army police out of Nashville - where her supervisor is the handome, charming Lieutenant John Elliott. Hattie, having been told some devastating news about the man with whom she had imagined she would spend her life, casts about for something to prove her usefulness to the cause. Whilst in Tennessee she becomes friends with Dr Edith Greenfield, a surgeon who wears bloomers as a protest against restrictive women's clothing. Visiting her best friend from school and the Pinkerton's agency, Hattie soon finds what she has to do. These books about women spies and their daring achievements are really hard to put down. The writing is brilliant, engaging and the author brings every scene and character to life so that I feel I know them. The author's note at the end is as interesting as the story as Ms Lind tells how the characters are based on real people and the events close to reality. Except of course, the touch of romance between Hattie and John Elliott. I really liked that I realised that the baby, Jo, is the principal character in the historical parts of the Tidewater Chronicles by the same author and Hattie and John Elliott also appeared in the last book in that series.
I do thoroughly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading about strong woman carrying out dangerous work in time of war. I'm about to start book four!
I do thoroughly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading about strong woman carrying out dangerous work in time of war. I'm about to start book four!
March 2, 2023
Having read all four books in this series now, I can confidently say this one was the most exciting. Hattie is struggling to understand if what she's doing is making a difference in the war. When Dr. Edith asks her to accompany her in the north to learn more about secret groups of Confederate sympathizers working to harm the Union, Hattie enthusiastically agrees. I have learned so much about the Civil War as a result of reading this series. I had to idea these secret networks existed, nor did I understand the lengths they would go to further their cause. The last part of the book takes place on Lake Erie and I especially enjoyed these scenes as a Michigan native. It was nice to see our Great Lakes represented! One thing I like about this series is that each book highlights a friend of Hattie's and serves as a way to show how other women also contributed during the war. This book highlighted Dr. Edith, who happens to be one of my favorite characters. I love how well developed each character is. They are each multi-dimensional and have their strengths as well as their faults. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and strong women characters!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2022
I was able to read this ARC thanks to Book Sirens. Another wonderful addition to the series! We see Hattie thwarting another Confederate plot. This time, culminating in her best friend, Anne's, husband, Franklin attempting to stab her. Hattie faced many dangers that kept me on the edge of my seat. My heart broke for her as she learned something from Ms. Warne, her former supervisor, about Thom that she had never suspected. Hattie had to find out for herself if this information was true, though she didn't like the outcome. However, it did allow her to finally face her true feelings for Lieutenant John Elliot. My heart was overjoyed for her when the two finally share a kiss towards the very end. Hattie still has more of her story to tell and I anxiously await book four. Another great job, Ms. Lind.
March 20, 2025
Hattie has learned her lesson from the past, she now understands that sharing information is beneficial not only to her but also to the cause. She also has to confront her feelings for a certain lieutenant in Tennessee who wants more than being her superior.
She is sent to confirm the presence of a female spy spying for the Rebels and to bring her to justice, but she finds in Mollie a fierce adversary, is Mollie truly changing her allegiance and now wants to help the Union or was she says and do truly true, and why is Hattie the only one that doesn't believe her?
As always, the research for the book is flawless making this book about the female presence and their actions during the Civil War, one you cannot put down once you start reading it.
She is sent to confirm the presence of a female spy spying for the Rebels and to bring her to justice, but she finds in Mollie a fierce adversary, is Mollie truly changing her allegiance and now wants to help the Union or was she says and do truly true, and why is Hattie the only one that doesn't believe her?
As always, the research for the book is flawless making this book about the female presence and their actions during the Civil War, one you cannot put down once you start reading it.
September 4, 2022
A captivating and gripping story of spies in the Civil War, particularly Hattie Logan. After losing the love of her life, escaping prison, facing heartbreak, and finishing a job working for her friend while traveling around the U.S., Hattie returns to what she knows best--spying. She interacts with characters we've met from previous stories, risking her life to further the cause. A riveting story based on Ms. Lind's in-depth historical research. I've thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series and can't wait for the next book! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
October 25, 2022
This third book in the series was very slow to start, and I was tempted to abandon it - so glad I didn't because it turned out to be the best in the series so far! After the initial procrastination, the reader is taken on a exciting and action packed journey with Harriet and her assorted colleagues. And all leading to a satisfying ending that does not force the reader to read the next book, but rather leaves it as an option. Well done Ms Lind, I look forward to reading the fourth (and final?) installment of this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2023
Union spy Hattie Logan faced quite a bit of action in this book, the third in the series. Her refusal to believe in ex-Rebel spy Mollie Pitman's sincere switch over to the Union's side felt a little over the top and unnecessary at times, but I guess I could understand where she was coming from, with men of the time tending to underestimate women. I enjoyed learning about the failed Confederate plot to break Rebel prisoners out of a Union prison and then take over Lake Erie. Crazy! I'm looking forward to the fourth (and last?) book in this series.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2022
An awesome piece.
This series has kept me so engaged with the events of the Civil War. This addition has Hattie facing some truths that were so difficult for her. She also must face the truth of her feelings for a certain lieutenant. The twists were brilliantly done and the characters almost jumped off the pages. The author has done her research well this one as the other books in the series are off the charts and I highly recommend this book in fact the whole series cannot wait for the next book. I received this book for free from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to review it.
This series has kept me so engaged with the events of the Civil War. This addition has Hattie facing some truths that were so difficult for her. She also must face the truth of her feelings for a certain lieutenant. The twists were brilliantly done and the characters almost jumped off the pages. The author has done her research well this one as the other books in the series are off the charts and I highly recommend this book in fact the whole series cannot wait for the next book. I received this book for free from BookSirens and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 4, 2022
I really enjoy this series. This is the third in the series and Hattie is as tough as ever. She encounters quite some tricky situations and I really appreciated how she learned in this book to cope with mistakes she has made about initial assessments about people. It is painful for her but she has the integrity to see it through and own up to her mistakes. I also love seeing Edith again! What a great character!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2023
4.5/5
This third book in the series was definitely the most exciting of the series so far. Hattie and her friends find adventure and traitors spying for the North during the Civil War. Hattie's character is so well drawn and the descriptions spot on. I would love to have Hattie for a friend. Definitely recommended but I think you should read the series in order to get the most enjoyment out of the books.
This third book in the series was definitely the most exciting of the series so far. Hattie and her friends find adventure and traitors spying for the North during the Civil War. Hattie's character is so well drawn and the descriptions spot on. I would love to have Hattie for a friend. Definitely recommended but I think you should read the series in order to get the most enjoyment out of the books.
September 4, 2022
I've really been enjoying the Secrets of the Blue and Gray so far, it's a great Civil War series. I've been enjoying this series from the courier's wife. It had what I enjoyed from the previous entries and the characters were what I expected. I look forward to what's next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2022
I enjoyed this story, even though I had not read the previous two books in the series. I liked Hattie. It was very interesting to learn about female spies during the Civil War; I had never heard about them before. There is some violence which is to be expected with a story during a war. There is no sex or bad language, which I appreciate.
Read
October 5, 2022An amazing story that will keep you wanting to be a part of this series forever. Wonderful characters that keep you involved with their lives. Don’t miss out.
July 21, 2024
A little in between
First time in the series I felt like it was a real cliff-hanger. Looking for the next in the series. Got to know what happens next!!
First time in the series I felt like it was a real cliff-hanger. Looking for the next in the series. Got to know what happens next!!
June 19, 2025
An awesome read! Book 3 in this series is just as riveting as one and two were. Hattie continues on her journey, and where a woman of less substance and fortitude would turn away, Hattie plows right into the thick of danger. I do wonder if she takes the time to really think these adventures all the way through before she jumps into them. Nevertheless, they make for great late night reading. Trust is a predominant theme in this novel.
March 12, 2023
I received a free electronic copy of this excellent historical novel from BookSirens, author Vanessa Lind, and publisher Vanessa Lind Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read 'Gray Waters' of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Vanessa Lind writes a thoroughly researched historical, with picture-perfect locales and well-rounded characters. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family.
Gray Waters is the third of four novels in the Secrets of the Blue and Gray series but it will stand on its own very well. As with most sequels, the characters are richer and more compelling when taken as a whole. And Gray Waters is a very active, very fast-paced tale with Hattie Logan all over the map as she spies for the Union forces. We see her in Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio, New York, and even Illinois and Indiana, following rumors, picking up facts, and tracking down truths. This is an excellent look at the lay of the land in Civil War times. We often lose sight of just how small an area was involved in the actual fighting of that war. And just how hard it was to get from here to there. We have friends and enemies carrying on from other novels of this series, seeing them in a different light. And we are introduced to different characters, one's I want to see again. I can't wait for novel #4.
Publishing date September 22, 2022
received October 15, 2022
Reviewed on October 21, 2022, at Goodreads, BookSirens, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Gray Waters is the third of four novels in the Secrets of the Blue and Gray series but it will stand on its own very well. As with most sequels, the characters are richer and more compelling when taken as a whole. And Gray Waters is a very active, very fast-paced tale with Hattie Logan all over the map as she spies for the Union forces. We see her in Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio, New York, and even Illinois and Indiana, following rumors, picking up facts, and tracking down truths. This is an excellent look at the lay of the land in Civil War times. We often lose sight of just how small an area was involved in the actual fighting of that war. And just how hard it was to get from here to there. We have friends and enemies carrying on from other novels of this series, seeing them in a different light. And we are introduced to different characters, one's I want to see again. I can't wait for novel #4.
Publishing date September 22, 2022
received October 15, 2022
Reviewed on October 21, 2022, at Goodreads, BookSirens, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews