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Secrets of the Blue and Gray #2
Enemy Lines
Inspired by the spellbinding adventures of female Civil War spies, a sweeping epic of women whose courage and resilience helped turn the tide of war.
March 1863. As the Civil War rages on, Union spy Hattie Logan makes a harrowing escape from Libby Prison. Now she’s determined to track down double agent Luke Blackstone and make him pay for betraying her and the man she loves. Her desire for vengeance takes her to Tennessee, where she teams up with fiery, unpredictable Pauline Carlton, an actress turned spy.
With the help of a Nashville prostitute, Hattie uncovers a treacherous plot involving Blackstone and one of the South’s meanest guerrilla fighters. But John Elliott, the handsome soldier who oversees her spying, doesn’t believe her. Only when Pauline is captured and Hattie defies him does the lieutenant relent. Forging an uneasy truce, Hattie and Elliott go together behind enemy lines, where Hattie must decide how far she’ll go to get her revenge.
Drawn in part from real hidden histories, this moving story of friendship, love, and courage will capture your heart.
March 1863. As the Civil War rages on, Union spy Hattie Logan makes a harrowing escape from Libby Prison. Now she’s determined to track down double agent Luke Blackstone and make him pay for betraying her and the man she loves. Her desire for vengeance takes her to Tennessee, where she teams up with fiery, unpredictable Pauline Carlton, an actress turned spy.
With the help of a Nashville prostitute, Hattie uncovers a treacherous plot involving Blackstone and one of the South’s meanest guerrilla fighters. But John Elliott, the handsome soldier who oversees her spying, doesn’t believe her. Only when Pauline is captured and Hattie defies him does the lieutenant relent. Forging an uneasy truce, Hattie and Elliott go together behind enemy lines, where Hattie must decide how far she’ll go to get her revenge.
Drawn in part from real hidden histories, this moving story of friendship, love, and courage will capture your heart.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
286 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2022
50 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Lind
19 books50 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 26, 2022
Book two continues the story of Hattie Logan, a young woman who is a spy in 1863. This book is a fast page turner. Hattie takes risks and uses her southern assertiveness to make people listen and react when needed. This is a great historical fiction series in a era where women were meant to be loyal to the cause.
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 26, 2022
I enjoyed reading the book Enemy Lines. I've been a Civil War buff for many years, having had relatives who fought for both sides, and having lived in both the North and the South. What intrigued me about this book and series is the focus on the females who spied (for both sides) during the war. Hattie is the female Union spy we follow in this book and series. Since this is the second book, there is some backstory that one can glean from Hattie's thoughts and dialogue. We start off with Hattie in prison and go from there, and along the way she meets a number of other people such as Pauline, another spy for the North, Mrs. Fletcher, the owner of the boarding house in Nashville where Hattie and Pauline stay, and John Elliott, a Union officer who has his own painful past (as does Hattie). The action moves along quickly and the characters seem true to time and place. I don't want to give away too much of the plot - you can get a summary of it elsewhere.
I liked the way the females in the book took charge of their lives during a very trying period in U.S. history. Whichever side they were on, they made the best of their lot in this book (and one would assume in real life - the women always keep the home fires burning). The writing is competent (there are a few typos/missing words but that's an editing thing and it's not much). There is enough detail to get a feel for time and place without bogging the story down. The author has used several groups of women in the story that actually existed on both sides, giving the book even more authenticity. I did get tired of Hattie's reluctance to tell the Union army officers why she wanted so badly to be in TN - it's a revenge thing and I can't say more without possibly spoiling the story. I can't help but think that she could have received more support had she been upfront with Elliott at the start. But it's a novel and the author chose to have Hattie keep her secrets. My only other criticism is that the ending is up in the air. There are still loose ends to be tied up, presumably in the next book. Since this revenge plot really started in the first book, it would have been nice to wrap up that part in the second book and have Hattie go on new spy adventures in the third.
Overall, this is a different look at the Civil War through the eyes of women from both Union and Confederate sides, and well worth the few hours it takes to read.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
I liked the way the females in the book took charge of their lives during a very trying period in U.S. history. Whichever side they were on, they made the best of their lot in this book (and one would assume in real life - the women always keep the home fires burning). The writing is competent (there are a few typos/missing words but that's an editing thing and it's not much). There is enough detail to get a feel for time and place without bogging the story down. The author has used several groups of women in the story that actually existed on both sides, giving the book even more authenticity. I did get tired of Hattie's reluctance to tell the Union army officers why she wanted so badly to be in TN - it's a revenge thing and I can't say more without possibly spoiling the story. I can't help but think that she could have received more support had she been upfront with Elliott at the start. But it's a novel and the author chose to have Hattie keep her secrets. My only other criticism is that the ending is up in the air. There are still loose ends to be tied up, presumably in the next book. Since this revenge plot really started in the first book, it would have been nice to wrap up that part in the second book and have Hattie go on new spy adventures in the third.
Overall, this is a different look at the Civil War through the eyes of women from both Union and Confederate sides, and well worth the few hours it takes to read.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
October 6, 2022
I received a complimentary ARC of this excellent historical novel from BookSirens, and the author Vaness Lind. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Vanessa Lind to friends and family. She writes a novel with historical accuracy, personable characters, Strong, smart women, and an excellent look into the places and times her characters live.
Enemy Lines is the second novel in the 4 novel series, Secrets of the Blue and Gray, and picks up just where The Couriers Wife left off. Enemy Lines is completely stand-alone. However, the series as a whole takes you into the roles women played in the Civil War, and together make for a compelling story told very well.
Hattie Logan began her career as a Union Spy working under the umbrella of the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Richmond, and when Pinkerton moved his headquarters to Chicago, she began spying for a local network reporting directly to the Union Army. She and her partner Thomas Welton were doublecrossed by disreputable Doctor Blackstone and imprisoned in Richmond at the Rebel prison Castle Thunder. Thom becomes very ill, and Hattie is transferred to the notorious Libby Prison. The only woman jailed there, she is isolated and without a window, quietly going mad, when she is visited by Elizabeth Van Lew, a secret abolitionist native to Richmond and very sympathetic to the Union Cause. Will she and her network of Union sympathizers be able to help Hattie? Will they be able to help Thom? Only time will tell.
Pub date May 26, 2022
Reviewed on October 6, 2022, at Goodreads, BookSirens, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and Kobo. Not available at BookBub.
Enemy Lines is the second novel in the 4 novel series, Secrets of the Blue and Gray, and picks up just where The Couriers Wife left off. Enemy Lines is completely stand-alone. However, the series as a whole takes you into the roles women played in the Civil War, and together make for a compelling story told very well.
Hattie Logan began her career as a Union Spy working under the umbrella of the Pinkerton Detective Agency in Richmond, and when Pinkerton moved his headquarters to Chicago, she began spying for a local network reporting directly to the Union Army. She and her partner Thomas Welton were doublecrossed by disreputable Doctor Blackstone and imprisoned in Richmond at the Rebel prison Castle Thunder. Thom becomes very ill, and Hattie is transferred to the notorious Libby Prison. The only woman jailed there, she is isolated and without a window, quietly going mad, when she is visited by Elizabeth Van Lew, a secret abolitionist native to Richmond and very sympathetic to the Union Cause. Will she and her network of Union sympathizers be able to help Hattie? Will they be able to help Thom? Only time will tell.
Pub date May 26, 2022
Reviewed on October 6, 2022, at Goodreads, BookSirens, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and Kobo. Not available at BookBub.
July 29, 2024
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I loved this book! I loved The Tidewater Chronicles by Vanessa Lind so much, I was sorry she ended the series, but I read the prequel and first chapter of this series some months ago and thoroughly enjoyed them. Having just discovered book 2 as an ARC I read it in little more than a day. Continuing the story of Hattie Logan and her superior and mentor, with whom she had fallen in love - I won't reveal more as it would be too much of a spoiler, Hattie eventually manages to get recruited by the Army police as a spy, and persuades the General in charge to send her to Tennessee in her quest to find the double spy and evil doctor who, she discovers has dastardly plans for killing large numbers of people. This is an edge of the seat story, with Hattie both clever and impulsive, determined to do what she believes right, in spite of the reluctance of her new immediate superior, John Elliott. During a trip to see her old friend, Anne she discovers that she had hastily married a confederate sympathizer with whom she isn't happy and is expecting their child. I really enjoyed it when, Hattie and her husband appeared in the last book in the Tidewater Chronicles as an aunt, and it made me smile when I realised that Anne's baby, who she named Josephine, becomes the heroine in Tidewater in the late 1890s. I've started book 3 and already can hardly put it down!
June 5, 2022
Enemy Lines is the second in Lind’s Blue and Gray Series, and it is quickly climbing to the top of my “favorite series” list.
In this installment, we follow Hattie through the perils of the Civil War – from time spent in prison to undercover work to assisting in a hospital, where she collects information from the “less reputable” members of society.
We have some of the characters from the first novel in this book, but we’re also introduced to several new characters, all of whom are very well written. At times I was frustrated with Hattie, despite understanding her driving motive, which helped with connecting to the secondary characters.
At the start of this book, I was a little worried there were going to be a lot of different plot lines trying to happen at once since at the end of the first book we’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, but that was not the case. Lind focused on one or two major questions/plot lines, which worked nicely to propel the story in a satisfying and engaging way.
While I enjoyed Lind’s first novel, The Courier’s Wife, immensely, her writing in Enemy Lines felt much more controlled and confident. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and I’m left wanting more (the third installment Gray Waters is coming, but I can’t figure out when).
*I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily*
In this installment, we follow Hattie through the perils of the Civil War – from time spent in prison to undercover work to assisting in a hospital, where she collects information from the “less reputable” members of society.
We have some of the characters from the first novel in this book, but we’re also introduced to several new characters, all of whom are very well written. At times I was frustrated with Hattie, despite understanding her driving motive, which helped with connecting to the secondary characters.
At the start of this book, I was a little worried there were going to be a lot of different plot lines trying to happen at once since at the end of the first book we’re left with a lot of unanswered questions, but that was not the case. Lind focused on one or two major questions/plot lines, which worked nicely to propel the story in a satisfying and engaging way.
While I enjoyed Lind’s first novel, The Courier’s Wife, immensely, her writing in Enemy Lines felt much more controlled and confident. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat and I’m left wanting more (the third installment Gray Waters is coming, but I can’t figure out when).
*I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily*
December 4, 2022
Enemy Lines by Vanessa Lind
Hattie returns in this one and she is out for revenge to get Dr. Blackstone for turning her and Thom in for spying. Hattie grows in this one a lot she is slowly stopping her impulsive behavior to set up a real plan to get back at Dr. Blackstone.
I have been pulled so deeply into this story so glad that I picked up book 3 but decided to read book one and two first. I am so invested into Hattie. I love this historical fiction based in Civil War time period. I like how Mrs. Lind weaves in history with story telling. She mentions people and places where things are actually happening during that time period. I cannot wait to read book 3 and finally catch up in this series. I hope book 3 is not the last of the series. I am so pulled into it and do not want it to end.
The books are easy to read and easy to get into. If you are a historical fiction fan then this series should be on your reading list. Hattie is a great person to follow along with in this series. Hattie character is based on a real spy during this time period. Off to read book 3. Please continue to write more books in this time period.
Hattie returns in this one and she is out for revenge to get Dr. Blackstone for turning her and Thom in for spying. Hattie grows in this one a lot she is slowly stopping her impulsive behavior to set up a real plan to get back at Dr. Blackstone.
I have been pulled so deeply into this story so glad that I picked up book 3 but decided to read book one and two first. I am so invested into Hattie. I love this historical fiction based in Civil War time period. I like how Mrs. Lind weaves in history with story telling. She mentions people and places where things are actually happening during that time period. I cannot wait to read book 3 and finally catch up in this series. I hope book 3 is not the last of the series. I am so pulled into it and do not want it to end.
The books are easy to read and easy to get into. If you are a historical fiction fan then this series should be on your reading list. Hattie is a great person to follow along with in this series. Hattie character is based on a real spy during this time period. Off to read book 3. Please continue to write more books in this time period.
July 25, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read this for review from Book Sirens. This book is the second in the Secrets of the Blue and Gray series. I enjoyed this book very much. Once again, we get to see Hattie. She shows remarkable character growth in this book. Early in the book she is informed of the death of her beloved Thom. She blames Luke Blackstone for turning them in to start with. After talking her way into another spying assignment, this time in Nashville. It's there that she meets Pauline Carlton, another spy and actress, along with Lieutenant John Elliot. Hattie and John have a rough start to their relationship. You can tell something could be there, but they are both dealing with grief and are plotting revenge. Hattie's growth comes from being hell-bent on revenge in the beginning, to realizing that no amount of revenge can bring Thom back. She and John were definitely closer at the end than at the beginning of the book. I recommend reading this sequel. Will Hattie and John end up together? I hope we'll find out it the third book!
May 24, 2022
I absolutely devoured this book! A glimpse of some of the women who impacted the Civil War. Stories about female spies during war have always held my interest, and this book had so much depth and story to tell! Brave Hattie doesn't shirk danger and, though she still has much to learn about spying, she's relentless in doing what needs to be done. I learned much about certain aspects and societies that impacted the Civil War. Though Enemy lines is a fictional story, it's based on history. The (new to me) author has done a phenomenal job of researching facts and then incorporating them into the storyline. Well done! I am looking forward to reading more of this series!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion in this review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion in this review.
February 15, 2023
Another great installment in the adventures of Hattie Logan! Hattie continues to be the type of strong woman character I love to read about. But she's not the only one. In historic literature the focus is so often on men. However, this series continues to focus on the lives and contributions of women during the war, adding color and depth to the stories of those often ignored by history. I especially liked the scenes involving Dr Edith and the women at her hospital. I really like how the author humanizes the "public women" and gives them a voice and story. I also really love Dr. Edith and her very progressive ideas. Can't wait to read the next installment in 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.
March 20, 2025
On Book 2 of the Blue and Gray series, we find Hattie Logan imprisoned for spying in horrible conditions in a prison as the only female captive. After a daring escape she vows to find revenge of Dr. Luke Blackstone, the man who betrayed her and her true love.This quest takes her to Tennessee, where she is paired by Lieutenant Elliot with Pauline, an actress and a spy.
With her incredible amount of research and attention to details, Ms. Lind has given us an extraordinary book about the role of women during the Civil War, their wit, determination, courage and passion to do everything possible to help the war efforts and determine the best possible outcome.
Follow along Hattie's journey to learn more about her story.
With her incredible amount of research and attention to details, Ms. Lind has given us an extraordinary book about the role of women during the Civil War, their wit, determination, courage and passion to do everything possible to help the war efforts and determine the best possible outcome.
Follow along Hattie's journey to learn more about her story.
June 11, 2022
Vanessa Lind's sequel, Enemy Lines, picks up right where "The Courier's wife" ends. You don't have to read the first one to read the second, but I recommend it.
This is a great, quick historical fiction following Civil War spy, Hattie Logan. Modeled after a true person, Lind is able to carefully weave a story with various characters and historical events. She definitely name drops.
That said, the only issue I take is that it feels like she has projected some modern views and perspectives onto the characters of the past.
It isn't enough for me to disparage or not recommend it. Its still good, just popped me down from a 5 to a 4.
This is a great, quick historical fiction following Civil War spy, Hattie Logan. Modeled after a true person, Lind is able to carefully weave a story with various characters and historical events. She definitely name drops.
That said, the only issue I take is that it feels like she has projected some modern views and perspectives onto the characters of the past.
It isn't enough for me to disparage or not recommend it. Its still good, just popped me down from a 5 to a 4.
April 4, 2023
Wonders never cease as we learn more about how women shaped our Nation's history during the Civil War. This story follows a determined young woman searching and challenging a doctor who committed trouble dear to her heart.
Read how a person's ability to find and challenge one's beliefs isn't always the right way to go no matter how strong one feels about it. Each of us learn as we go. Hattie was so determined that she went up against her supervisor because she thought she knew "the answer." We all think differently.
Take a ride with Hattie as she seeks during unsettled times. The enemy could be just around the bend...
Pick up a copy.
Read how a person's ability to find and challenge one's beliefs isn't always the right way to go no matter how strong one feels about it. Each of us learn as we go. Hattie was so determined that she went up against her supervisor because she thought she knew "the answer." We all think differently.
Take a ride with Hattie as she seeks during unsettled times. The enemy could be just around the bend...
Pick up a copy.
March 31, 2024
I'm really getting into reading Civil War historical fiction and this series is great. In this series a woman who's spying for the North ends up in all kinds of trouble trying to get the information the North needs to defeat the South and she's willing to risk everything to get it. I haven't read a lot of Civil War fiction and with this series am really enjoying it. All very interesting and the author, Vanessa Lind did an amazing job of gathering her research to prepare for writing a gripping, thrilling story of resistance and redemption during a war that often times sided one family member against another. Happy Reading!
May 30, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. This is a historical story about courage, friendship and love. This is an emotional story that pulls at your heart in parts. I enjoyed how the author used their writing skills to bring the story to life. This is a fast paced, engaging story that is hard to put down. There is great growth with the characters as well as the plot. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story. They made the story easy to read and certainly entertaining. I highly recommend this book.
February 13, 2023
Hattie Logan's adventures as a spy for the Union during the Civil War continue in this book, which is the second in this series. I still found Hattie herself a little flat as a character, and while I understood the motivation behind her pushing to follow a particular character, the way she withheld so much information from her superiors kind of made me want to shake her. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and enjoyed learning more about female spies in that era. Looking forward to Book 3!
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 15, 2024
The book starts of with a bang with Hattie and Thom both in prison. Hattie manages to escape, but Thom is hanged and the storyline is focused on Hatties need for revenge. She heads to Tennesse where she meets Pauline also a spy and her supervisor Lt. Elliott. The two are attracted to each other, but Hattie is focused on revenge and grieving. As with book 1 there's intrigue, it's fast-paced and there's a tad bit of romance and plenty of well researched histor y. Cannot wait to see if John and Hattie make it work in book 3.
May 24, 2022
An interesting book for the Civil War buff.
This is the next part to Hattie story and it was a dramatic read. Taking place during the spring and early summer of 1863 and a bit of late fall Hattie’s adventure will continue with more danger and loss along the way. So far this has been an excellent series showcasing just how horrible things were. I am looking forward to the next book. I received this book for free from Booksiren and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is the next part to Hattie story and it was a dramatic read. Taking place during the spring and early summer of 1863 and a bit of late fall Hattie’s adventure will continue with more danger and loss along the way. So far this has been an excellent series showcasing just how horrible things were. I am looking forward to the next book. I received this book for free from Booksiren and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 16, 2022
very interesting sequel -- Hattie is once again knee deep in danger and intrigue. She's also a bit hardened and has some lessons she needs to learn. It may not be as nuanced as I may have liked but then again, a war is on. I definitely enjoyed this and really enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the first novel make a reappearance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the 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.
July 1, 2024
This was generally a well-written and well-researched book. There was a lot of historical detail. The focus in this book was less on romance and more on revenge, which was an interesting change. Generally, the story felt realistic; however, there were quite a few one-dimensional characters and errors that made this not quite a 5-star read for me. It was still a good Civil War-era read.
Thank you to Vanessa Lind and BookSirens for the free review copy. These are my honest opinions.
Thank you to Vanessa Lind and BookSirens for the free review copy. These are my honest opinions.
June 14, 2022
This continuation of the Secrets of the Blue and Gray series is a solid story with a few twists. I especially liked the fact that the main character does not fall in love with the next man she meets. I know that sounds odd, but her continued devotion to Thom makes for more realistic character development and more compelling story. I look forward to seeing future novels in this series.
May 26, 2024
Great story!
Would love to know where you researched your Nashville Civil War history. I've lived here all my life and have had several good resources - literary and personal. Once I realized your setting I paid close attention. You did very well. Could even have gone farther.
Would love to know where you researched your Nashville Civil War history. I've lived here all my life and have had several good resources - literary and personal. Once I realized your setting I paid close attention. You did very well. Could even have gone farther.
January 15, 2023
A very good continuation of the series that focuses on Hattie Logan, a spy for the North during the American Civil War. On to book three.
August 24, 2023
The second in the Blue and Gray Series actually managed to kick the adventure up yet another notch. I am finding these books to be enjoyabe, if slightly light, reads.
June 19, 2025
In the second book of the Blue and Gray series, Hattie continues to follow her own mind and finds herself in hot water. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and audio as I read/listened to Hattie's daring moves as she fought to escape prison. Many poignant moments in this book pull on the heartstrings, so readers should be prepared. Book 2 is just as engaging and entertaining as the first in the series. I am eager to be engaged in book 3 to see what our author has in store for Hattie.
September 7, 2022
Book 2 in this series is an enjoyable read. One of the reasons why I dont like to read series is because the author has to repeat some of the story in the succeeding books. However, this author has managed to do this very well. The story also has a better ending than the first book, in that it provides some level of closure so that the reader can choose whether to continue or not.
The story itself is interesting, and the main character is growing and unfolding in a satisfying and realistic way. I look forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself is interesting, and the main character is growing and unfolding in a satisfying and realistic way. I look forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews