Lady Wynwood's Spies

 

About the Book

Book: Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volumes 1-3 Box Set

Author: Camille Elliot

Genre: Christian Regency Romantic Suspense

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Pride and Prejudice meets Mission: Impossible in this Christian Regency Suspense with slow-burn romance and a touch of the supernatural.

Recovered from her harrowing marriage, Lady Wynwood’s peace shatters as a nefarious secret society linked to her past emerges. She seeks the aid of Mr. Sol Drydale, an old friend with ties to a shadowy arm of the government.

They gather a circle of trusted individuals with unique skills:

• A botanist with deadly aim with a bow and arrows
• An unconventionally trained female medic and chemist in a field dominated by men
• A cat burglar who also happens to be a viscount’s son
• A spy searching for answers to the mysterious death of his brother
• An ex-soldier haunted by regret and self-loathing
• A human lie detector desperately protecting lies of her own
• The most covert phantom agent working for the Crown
• All led by a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets (who feels like he’s wrangling cats)

To protect their loved ones, they must race to stop a treasonous brotherhood, whose dark secrets could enable Napoleon to win the war.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer

An ex-spy and a spinster botanist must find a murderer—with ties to both their families—whose uncanny alchemy could turn the tides against the war with Napoleon.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 2: Berserker

The team searches for their missing comrade before a crazed murderer finds him first.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 3: Aggressor

When French spies land on British soil to steal the ingredient for a powerful alchemical potion, Lady Wynwood’s team falls under attack from the toxins they unleash.

 Review: 

I love this series! I read the books several years ago, so it was a delight to get to read them again. They are even better the second time around! There are spies, heroes, and a maniacal villain who makes me shiver and read as fast as I can to see what other things he is planning.

Archer- Lady Laura Wynwood is an intelligent widow who is compassionate and takes in those who are in need. She has in her employ twin 11 year olds who are expert knife throwers with other street-wise talents. Her niece, Phoebe,  comes to stay with her and is quite good at observing others as well as being an expert archer and is an avid botanist. I loved seeing these four team up with Sol Drydale and his two compatriots, Micahel Coulton-Jones and Septimus Ackett as they gather evidence of a secret society and unmasking Apothecary Jack and his potent formula to make people have superhuman strength. 

Berserker- Wow! This second book in the series had me on the edge of my seat. Apothecary Jack is truly a mad and ruthless villain. He doesn't care who he hurts and delights in watching people suffer. Ms. Elliott has created a creepy, despicable and dangerous threat. Lady Wynwood, Sol Drydale and their team have their work cut out for them as they try to stop him and his super strength men.

There is enough action, suspense, questions, and chaos in this book that I couldn't put it down. The end of the book is a cliff hanger, so plan on buying the next book too! I can't wait to see how this clever and resourceful ring of spies is going to meet the threat of the Root and its use for defeating anyone who stands in Apothecary Jack's way.

Aggressor- The adventure continues in this third book of Lady Wynwood's Spies. Apothecary Jack has competition with the French as they fight over who will have control over the Root. Two of the Crown's agents are affected by this strange and powerful potion, and another of the agents is badly injured by men who are part of Apothecary Jack's crew.

I love how the young ladies and the 11 year old twins are called on to help. Each has their own skill set and each help to thwart the villainous plans that have been set into motion. I particularly loved how the bows and arrows played a key part in the confrontations of the men who affected by the Root. This was a clever and unique way of handling a dangerous situation.

While some things are made clearer, other questions are brought up that makes me excited to read the next book. This is part of a series and is not a standalone book. if you love adventure, spies, and a bit of romance, you will like this series.

TW: violence, death, brothels

Thank you for the gifted copy of the boxed set, Ms. Elliot, and Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Camy writes Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camy Tang and Christian Regency Romantic Suspense as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot. She grew up in Hawaii but now lives in California, where she knits antique knitting patterns and is learning Japanese.

 

 

 

 

More from Camille

What inspired me to write the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series:

While I love Regency Romances and Jane Austen’s books, I also really love action movies. When plotting the rest of the series, especially in light of Sol’s clandestine job for the Crown, I realized that I really wanted to do a mash-up of Mission: Impossible in the Regency era.

So I created Sol’s team of agents, some who used to work for the Foreign Office as spies and some who are civilians with unusual skill sets. And, of course, there will be lots of romance for each of the team members, as well as lots of action and suspense.

What exactly is an epic-length serial novel?

Originally I had written The Spinster’s Christmas, a Christian Regency Romantic Suspense, as a stand-alone novel, and I had planned more stand-alone novels with Lady Wynwood and Sol as minor characters in each of them. However, as I began planning the series past that first Christmas book, I realized the storyline was becoming longer and more complex.

I fought it for a while because it would have been a really long series—I even tried writing the next book as a stand-alone novel, but I wrote almost 90,000 words and I hadn’t even gotten to the 25% mark in the book!

So I decided to structure the series like a Japanese light novel series, in which each book has a complete story arc, but there is an underlying story arc that runs through each of the volumes and isn’t resolved until the end.

This is similar to the serial novels being published in the U.S., but those tend to be smaller installments of around 20,000 words, while each of the volumes in my series is around 100,000 words.

I have already plotted the entire series and it will be 12 volumes, plus 3 prequel novels (The Spinster’s Christmas, The Gentleman Thief, and Lissa and the Spy). At the moment, I’m writing volume 10.

I hope you enjoy my latest Regency series!

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 22

Inspired by Fiction, April 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 23

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 24

Lily’s Corner, April 25

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Texas Book-aholic, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Sydney Schmied Books, April 30

For Him and My Family, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 2

Blossoms and Blessings, May 2

Book looks by Lisa, May 3

Devoted To Hope, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize of a Special Edition Paperback of Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 1: Archer and a Regency-style ribbon bookmark!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/oUeZj/lady-wynwoods-spies-volumes-1-3-box-set-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Lost Story of Via Belle

Searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it.

1940. Via Belle’s sweet romance novels made readers believe in happily ever after. But Via’s reality was much more complicated. While her first husband was alive, her creativity thrived in a beautiful stone estate situated above a pristine lake and moonflower garden. After his tragic death and a whirlwind second marriage shrouded in secrets, Via vanished from public life, leaving behind a shadow of scandal . . . and her final story.

2006. Screenwriter Harper Rayne is desperate for a breakthrough, if only she can find the right story to tell. But when she digs into the life of her late mother’s favorite novelist, she never expects it to become personal. Drawn to the quaint Pennsylvania town where both her mother and Via once lived, Harper discovers more than a mystery to solve—she finds echoes of her own longing for love, healing, and home. As long-buried secrets come to light, Harper must decide if she’ll protect the past or rewrite this particular ending.

Described as a “powerhouse in dual-timeline Christian fiction” (Library Journal), Melanie Dobson delivers another rich, atmospheric novel about the legacy of sacrificial love and the redemptive power of truth.

• Standalone dual-timeline historical mystery filled with drama, faith, and intrigue
• Clean, suspenseful historical fiction, perfect for fans of Susan Meissner, Lisa Wingate, or Patti Callahan Henry
• Includes discussion questions for book groups

Review:

This was an interesting dual timeline story that I thought started out slow and had information about writers that I found a smidge tedious. But, that is because I am not I writer. As the story unfolds I flew through the story and had a difficult time putting it down. I loved how the plots were connected and Ms. Dobson did a great job of showing Via, Izzy, and Harper each overcoming adversity. The villain was truly a man who you really want to see him answer for what he has done. Bravo on portraying his character!

If you are a fan of dual timelines and strong female characters, you should look into reading this book. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher,UPLIT, and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Perplexity

About the Book

Book: Perplexity (The Sceptre & the Stylus Book Two)

Author: Chawna Schroeder

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

 Review: 

In this book you are entering a world of political intrigue, mystery, and puzzles as Xander and Yosi must each battle things that are bigger than them that are at work. I enjoyed the faith component in the story and Xander and Yosi depending upon the Creator for help and wisdom.

I loved the cover for its beautiful patterns. It drew me ion and complimented the story. 

This is the second book in the trilogy, and I needed to read the first book to understand fully what was going on in the story. I would advise you to read Illuminary before reading this story.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

 

 

 

More from Chawna

Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)

Book Looks by Lisa, April 22

The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/zK7oW/perplexity-celebration-tour-giveaway

Windvale

Sir Henry Ainsley is drowning. Years of debt have piled up, and the only thing keeping him afloat is the need to see his sister secure in marriage. When an unexpected lifeline appears to absolve his debts in return for information on a missing merchant ship, he jumps at the chance—though he thought he’d left such dangerous work behind him. The catch is it comes with attending a house party on the Channel Islands, hosted by Mrs. Alice Seymour. But what’s one more gamble, if it could see his sister safely married before his crumbling facade is revealed?

Alice Seymour has no interest in love. Widowed and painfully reserved, she hosts her yearly matchmaking parties more out of duty than delight; it is far easier to help others find their happily ever after. Yet when the inscrutable Sir Henry arrives, his charm and quiet kindness begin to stir feelings she had long believed were too fanciful to be real. But as secrets from his past surface—and pieces of her own begin to fall into place—she is not certain she wishes to open her heart.

But the truth behind the missing ship might be more dangerous than Henry believed, and the possibility of failure threatens to destroy his future and the fragile trust growing between him and his hostess. As the island’s shadowy dealings come to light, Henry’s options grow limited, and Alice must choose between the comfort of the life she knows... or risk everything for the one man who truly sees her.

Review: 

Spies, matchmaking, smuggling, and a love that develops over time between Alice and Sir Henry makes this a terrific story to be invested in their romance.Henry has the best kinds of friends. They never give up on him or trying to help him. Everyone needs people like that in their lives! I love that there are several suspects throughout the story as to who is the arch villain, and there are some surprises that kept me engaged until the very end. 

Things to love: 

beach scene

danger

mystery

Channel Islands

house party

redemption

I highly recommend reading this book that is the fifth book in the Regency Love Stories series. It can be read as a standalone, but I am sure you will want to read the other books too. 

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

Frost and Flame

He’s handsome and broody—the kind of quiet that makes you wonder what’s going on under the surface.

I’m the new rookie at the station—and the only woman firefighter in the history of Waterford Fire. Translation: every move I make is being measured, and quietly evaluated. No pressure. Not to mention the pranks these guys pull.

The only thing on my mind besides proving myself at work is a daughter who thinks baseball is a personality trait. Oh! And, my mom just decided she’s moving in with us.

Romance is not on the schedule. Neither are complications.

Am I distracted by Greyson’s quiet competence or the way he shows up when it matters? Nope.

I’m definitely not intrigued by the hints of softness beneath that military-grade self-control. And I am absolutely not interested in a man who keeps his past locked up tighter than a firehouse locker.

I have enough mysteries in my life. I don’t need one with broad shoulders, a turnout coat, and perceptive eyes that seem to look straight into my soul.

We both have baggage. Mine comes with a lunchbox and a bedtime routine.

But I’ve got a plan: keep my head down, do my job, protect my heart.

Check, check and … well, two out of three’s not bad.

Review:

I have been waiting for Greyson’s story to be told. Is it because he is somber, says little, and there is a bit of a mystery to him? That would be a resounding yes, so it was great to see him get his HEA. The way that Hallie is part of his life was quite a surprise and was a great twist to their story

Things to love:

grumpy /sunshine workplace romance Germany hot cocoa small town secret identity extended families baseball mom/coach knock knock jokes stale vs. fresh bread bit by bit Waterford residents I love that Greyson is a loving, caring, and humble man who is there for those he cares about. This is one story that you can really get behind the characters and root for them. I love the people that are a part of Waterford, TN. and this band of firefighters who are there for one another as they serve their community. “Love is risk.” I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Cerulean Rose

 

About the Book

Book: Cerulean Rose

Author: Demi Griffin

Genre: Romantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Release Date: January 20, 2026

Hidden in a tiny cottage away from the ordinary existence of Cerulean’s citizens, Aural lived a simple life with her father in Sabean Woods. When he is struck by a serious illness, that ordinary life suddenly became extraordinary.

In search of a physician, Aural breaks her promise never to leave the woods. When her path crosses with a Mystic, the manipulative Duchess, and the Prince of Cerulean, Aural realizes something beyond her simple quest to help her dying father has mapped out her journey.

An ancient legend about a brotherly rivalry that resulted in tragedy stirs up the Fates guarding Cerulean. If the Cerulean Rose doesn’t bloom again, the kingdom is destined to perish.

A wild path filled with romance, mystery, and intrigue shapes Aural’s heart in ways she could not have imagined as she gets sucked into the legend. Would it be enough to restore the foundation of true love that established the kingdom of Cerulean hundreds of years ago? Could a simple girl satisfy the Fates, capture a prince’s heart, overcome a king’s prejudice, and save Cerulean’s Rose?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: 

Aural has lived the majority of her life with her father in a secluded woods. When circumstances cause her to leave their cottage, things are set into motion that will change the course of history. Prince Langlee “Lee” wants to be a different kind of ruler than his father. He wants to find his true love and rule for the good of his kingdom. Together, Aural and Lee have the potential of forging a relationship that legends have foretold. 

I enjoyed the different aspects of well known fairy tales that are incorporated into the story. There are villains, secrets, and, of course,  true love. Aural became a selfless and courageous young woman who can see well beyond herself and is willing to make sacrifices for Lee and his kingdom. I liked Lee’s faithful friend and companion, Enris. He is just the kind of man that Lee needed in his life.

The first book in The Fates Trilogy. I am certain that the other two books will be interesting! If you are a fan of clean romantasy, fairy tales, or folklore, look into adding this to your TBR. 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

About the Author

Demi (also D.M. Griffin) Griffin is the author of several novels and has won multiple literary awards. Her novels in The Encounter Series won various Independent Author awards in the category of Religious Fiction.

She writes Christian Fantasy, Biblical, and Historical Fiction. She currently resides in Northern California with her husband of over thirty years. She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

 

More from D.M.

The inspiration behind The Fates Trilogy came after I spent a few years crafting an epic fantasy series called The Illumination Chronicles. I wanted to write something light-hearted and less involved. What began as a simple idea for a single story quickly escalated into a trilogy—all because of the final scene in the first book. Though it isn’t a cliffhanger, my author’s mind grabbed onto the possibilities, and the second book invaded my dreams at night. Then the third. The combination of romance and fantasy was too much fun to stop at writing one book.

The royalty element is what I enjoy most about the stories in this series. Exploring the complicated relationships between fathers and sons, and the unspoken bond of brotherhood, added depth to the otherwise light-hearted stories. In this trilogy, the Christian influence is less pronounced than in my other novels, but the overarching themes of unity and sacrifice reach their peak in the final book.

The characters in The Fates Trilogy struggle with issues that echo Christian values. Some of the issues include the sting of prejudice, the challenge of forgiveness, and the ache of feeling forsaken. Each book dives deeper into those ideas until they culminate in the epic climax in the last story.

However, my main goal in the first book was to ensure that the narrative centered on the theme of love. Fairy tales swirled in my mind during my childhood, weaving vibrant worlds in my imagination. Cinderella was one of my favorite fairy tales, so it comes as no surprise that those vibes worked their way into this story. Yet, putting my own spin on it, I added depth, intrigue, and instead of glass slippers… a blue rose.

While the vibes of that classic story have found their way into Cerulean Rose, it pulses with its own heartbeat. The faint imprint of a quest for true love feels familiar … but there is so… much…. more.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 11

Lily’s Corner, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

Guild Master, April 15 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 16

Fiction Book Lover, April 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

For the Love of Literature, April 19 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 22

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Demi is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/s3FDM/cerulean-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway