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| A Spy's Devotion |
Waterfall Press (February 9, 2016)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 STARS *****
A Riveting Regency Romance
Melanie Dickerson’s sweeping new Regency novel encompasses
a delectable Jane Austen aura and an exquisite charismatic romance. And with the
combination of the additional heart-pounding suspense and thrilling pace, you’ll
be left utterly breathless and completely spellbound!
In an era gone by where society was divided by classes
and propriety was of the utmost import, Julia, the niece of Robert Wilhern of
England’s high society, constantly strives to excel in gentility. She hopes it
will help her to be accepted and loved without the condescension that accompanies
being an unequal to her cousin, Phoebe Wilhern. When the self-absorbed Phoebe
sets her heart upon marrying Nicholas Langdon who has temporarily returned from
the war due to an injury, she enlists Julia to help garner Nicholas’ attention.
What is Julia to do except assist her cousin, even while battling against her
own intensifying affections for the handsome army officer. It is the way of
things, for she has neither title nor worthwhile inheritance.
Before Nicholas Langdon returns to the war, he determines
to fulfil a dying soldier’s wish for Nicholas to deliver a coded diary to a
relative. Little did Nicholas realize the significance of the diary concerning
England’s future or to the danger it held for him and others. When suspicions
point towards Julia’s uncle, Nicholas must lean on her for help. Together they must
stand against the evil intended for their country at enormous risk to
themselves. Will they also have the fortitude to protect their hearts as well?
It’s hard to believe this is author Melanie Dickerson’s
first Regency novel for it is a pure masterpiece! I flew through this novel in
record time and while I wanted to linger, it was impossible to do so. I was
swept up in a world of balls and dancing, of lowly maids and lonely
governesses, and of treason and traitors. Filled with irresistible characters, surprises
around each bend, and capped with palpable romantic tension, this was one satisfying
novel! Highly recommended!
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.**
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You can purchase this book from: AMAZON and BARNES & NOBLE
GIVEAWAY: Melanie Dickerson is generously giving away a paperback copy or e-book of A SPY'S DEVOTION to one blessed commenter! *Outside of US, e-book only.* To be eligible, please leave your e-mail address for contact purposes, written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.
Thanks Noela for the great review! From your great description, I can't wait to read it! Thanks also to Melanie for writing A Spy's Devotion and this giveaway! My e-mail is lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks, you're welcome LYNNE, and thank you for coming by to read about Melanie's amazing new release!
DeleteOh wow. Oh WoW!!! I want this book. Seriously, Regency is my FAV era to read.
ReplyDeleteNoela, I will admit to skipping the review because I don't want to know ANYTHING about the story. I want to discover it ALL for myself. Is that bad?! :) I know you write fabulous reviews though. Mwah!
ANNE I think you might even read this one quicker than I did, lol, and I read it at warp speed! ;) No probs about skipping the review but I do promise I barely said anything. You are a sweetheart!
DeleteI have never heard of this author, so I am super thankful for your review! It sounds like an AMAZING book!!
ReplyDeletesarahsmithstorm@gmaildotcom
That's awesome to hear SARAH! All the best with your entry... I'm sure you'll have a new fave author after reading this! :-)
DeleteSounds like a book I would enjoy!
ReplyDeleteGpk1946 at gmail dot com
I'm positive it would be, PHYLLIS! It's a brilliant story! :)
DeleteIt's a must-read for sure, KATE! :-) I agree about the cover... Absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteNOELA, I loved this TANTALIZING review! This novel is at the top of my wish list!
ReplyDeleteIt's like dipping your finger into chocolate isn't it CARYL! Such a tiny teasing taste... But oh wait until you get to eat the whole thing... SO delicious! :)
DeleteSpeaking of irresistible! Exactly what I would entitle this review, NOELA! I am almost halfway through this book and am enjoying all the ballroom dancing. Except for the time that big oaf stepped on my toes! ;) Nicely done, my Aussie cohort!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you DIANA, you're so sweet!! Take care of those toes... I think you need to find another dancing partner my friend. Perhaps a handsome and thoughtful army officer might take you for a light spin around the dance floor? Have fun reading the rest!!
DeleteHmm...better pass on the spin, Noela. Lol A walk in the garden might be nice! :)
DeleteLol, yes any sort of spinning doesn't bode well for vertigo does it! A walk it is... Much more intimate anyway. ;)
DeleteThanks SO MUCH for this wonderful review, Noela!!! You and Diana are both amazing at writing reviews! (Some people are good at it, and some people, like ME, are not! Seriously, even if I love a book, I just can never express it in the way I want to! I know, it's weird. LOL!) Seriously appreciate you and all the good people on OWG! Thanks, Carrie, Teresa, Diana, and Noela!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd Bonnie Roof! Nice to "meet" you! This is such a great blog. Great work!
DeleteThank you so much, MELANIE! Well if your talent lies just in writing these amazing and inspiring stories, I'd say forget about how you write reviews! ;) For me, I always highlight parts and jot down my thoughts while reading a book... Sometimes I can have a few pages to sift through by the end, lol! And with wonderful stories like yours, it makes it so much easier! We appreciate you too Melanie, and the effort you put into your books! Hugs!
DeleteYour diligence shows, Noela! And I have to say, you so perfectly captured what I was trying to do/say in this book! Fabulous review! When I read a review like yours, I just am so happy, and I always think, She gets it!!! She gets what I was trying to say! Yay!!!
DeleteThanks for your sweet words, Melanie! It's easy to write reviews on books that we're excited about, but I'll be the first to admit that my reviews don't hold a candle to Noela's. She has such a wonderful way with words! I do agree with her...with your talent you don't need to be writing reviews. Lol
DeleteHi, Melanie! Noela is so talented as are Diana, Teresa, and Bonnie. We've got an abundance of amazing reviewers and are so blessed but more than that, they are GREAT ladies, real ANGELS!!! Thanks for your kind words!
DeleteMelanie, so wonderful to meet you, also!! I've read much exquisite online "buzz" about "A Spy's Devotion" (as well as your other beautiful books), I'm anxiously awaiting the opportunity and pleasure of reading it. And I SO agree with you re: OWG, before I even became a part of it - I thought it to be one of the very best blogs. I love it's objective, the wonderful authors and books we get to feature, and am blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of a group of sweet godly women. Thanks for your sweet comments.
DeleteNoela - WOW!! Your review left ME breathless and spellbound!! Absolutely beautiful descriptions, I'm yearning to know more of sweet Phoebe's story. What an exquisite read this has to be - filled with all those amazing elements you mentioned. Such a beautiful cover too!!
DeleteThanks so much Bonnie. :-) It is an exquisite read indeed. I look forward to you reading it!!
DeleteI haven't yet read anything by Melanie Dickerson. By the sound of this great review, it's long past time. This book sounds great, and yes, the cover pulls me right in. Going on my list. Thanks, Noela!
ReplyDeleteMARCIA, I highly recommend all of Melanie's books! I think you'd absolutely love them! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY again btw... Perhaps you'll win a belated birthday gift from Melanie!
DeleteGreat review Noela!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book Melanie Dickerson! I just bought an e-book copy yesterday and can't wait to read it (so, I am not entering the contest).
Blessings,Tina
Thanks so much TINA, so lovely of you to come by! Enjoy A Spy's Devotion when you get to read it!! :)
DeleteAw, thanks, Mrs. Tina! :-)
DeleteOh, I wanted to let all your readers know that my publisher is doing a sale on my first 5 books for Valentines Day! So you will be able to snag the ones you may have missed for your e-reader, starting Sunday, lasting only 2 or 3 days! Not sure if the sale price is 99 cents or $1.99, but it will be a nice discount!
ReplyDeleteThanks MELANIE, that's a VERY nice bargain!! :-)
DeleteI'm really looking forward to reading this book! I love the Regency era! Thanks for sharing your review.
ReplyDeleteWhere'd you disappear to Heidi? :D Hope you weren't raptured without the rest of us! ;) You'll love this book Heidi, all the best!
DeleteOh I see the rest of your comment now!! Half of it had disappeared before! How strange!
DeleteWhat a great review! I haven't read one of Melanie's books before but have been anxiously awaiting a chance to read it. Thank you for the offer of a free book.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I struggle with writing book reviews,too. I never seem to quite express my thoughts as clearly as I want to.
I forgot to leave my email. phoneticpanda(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteThanks KATHY! Oh I so want you to either win or get yourself a copy of this book, Kathy!! I LOVE seeing new readers get to know these fabulous and wonderful authors that we feature here! Kathy, writing reviews isn't easy at all. It takes me quite a few hours to write one similar to Melanie's and then I always stress about them! I'm sure yours are awesome!
DeleteOh, this looks so good! I have been hearing really wonderful things about it. Thank you for your review and the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteStephanie C.
grumpysmurf817(at)yahoo(dot)com
You're welcome, STEPHANIE, and we're glad to give you the opportunity. I hope you get to read this amazing book soon, it's a real treat to read!
DeleteWow! "I was swept up in a world of balls and dancing, of lowly maids and lonely governesses, and of treason and traitors." Now, that's what I love about Regency novels! =) This will jump up on my must read list for sure! Great review Noela, always hits home! Love it!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
justcommonly[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks so much ANNIE, you always say the nicest things! :-) This one is definitely for the must-read list!! Hugs, Annie!
DeleteI do enjoy Regency! This sounds like one I'd really like...
ReplyDeletedkstevensne AToutlookDOT coM
It's such a beautiful and exciting Regency, DEANNA. I know you will absolutely love this one!!
DeleteI love the cover and the book sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great review and the opportunity to be a winner.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
You're welcome, MELANIE. The cover is just gorgeous, isn't it! And it's definitely a great read. I hope you get to read this beautiful story soon Melanie!
DeleteJane Austen with heart pounding suspense I'm SO THERE! :D LOL! This sounds AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteMany Blessings, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom
Haha it's true too, AMADA, it was TENSE! :-) And sooo good. Here's to a win or that you get to enjoy it soon!! Bless you!
DeleteAwesome! Thank you! :)
DeleteHugs!
Wonderful review, Noela! This book sounds like a keeper. Thanks for the giveaway - I would love to win.
ReplyDeletebettimace AT gmail DOT com
I'd LOVE you to win also BETTI... It's such a beautiful and exciting read! All the best my friend!
DeleteWhat a fun surprise when an author's first shot at a new thing is such a winner! Looking forward to reading this one for myself. Loved reading your review. alison (dot) louise (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteIt shows real talent don't you think ALISON, when they can pull it off so successfully! I really hope you get to enjoy this book yourself soon!!
DeleteThe Regency era is a great favorite of mine. This sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
It's a real treat to read, MARY! And especially so, if you love Regency's! :)
DeleteBeautiful cover! Wonderful review, the book sounds so exciting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway.
lientjiehuman(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)au
I agree, just such a gorgeous cover, LIENTJIE! And a very exciting story, too! All the best Lientjie, and thanks!
DeleteWhat an exciting story and Regancy! Cousins, secrets, romance, danger...
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
Oh yeah MELODY, all that and more! You'll love this one!! :)
DeleteThis sounds like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
It sure is, SUSAN! All the best with your entry and God bless!
DeleteMy daughter and I absolutely love Melanie's fairy tale retellings (I've bought every book as gifts for my daughter) so I was excited to hear she is branching out to write Regency novels as well. I'm so glad she is continuing the fairy tales. Thanks for this great review. I really didn't doubt that this book would continue the fantastic stories we've come to expect from Melanie. Thanks for the chance to win A SPY'S DEVOTION. I'd sure love to!
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
PAM, I'm with you on that! I LOVE those fairytale re-tellings also and can't get enough of them. But oh boy after reading this one, I want both from Melanie. ;) Blessings!
DeleteA Spy's Devotion sounds a lovely, engaging Regency!
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
MERRY it is so engaging, you'll fly through it I'm sure!! :-) All the best!
DeleteOoh! I was already wanting to read this book-- now I'm really looking forward to it! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win! :)
sleepy_bookworm_aery [at] yahoo [dot] com
Yay, good to hear AERYKAH! :-) I wish you all the best with your entry and hope you are able to enjoy it soon!
DeleteThanks Noela!!! I ordered the audiobook tonight and hope to start listening to Melanie's Regency tomorrow!!! I know it has to be good if you think so. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou know it has to be good if it's from Melanie Dickerson!! Thanks so much CARRIE, I hope you enjoy the audiobook as much as I enjoyed reading the book! Hugs back!
DeleteGreat review sounds like a good book. I love Melaine's books. I am looking forward to something different from her. Tighefan2(@)gmail.(com) Tammy Hudson
ReplyDeleteThis is very different for Melanie, TAMMY, but just as spectacular and enjoyable as Melanie's other books! :) All the best!
DeleteGreat interview and this review has convinced me that I need to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Awesome, CONNIE! Perhaps you'll win it and get to read it all that sooner! :)
DeleteWould you believe I've never read anything by this author ? Gasp, I know ! This has been in my radar for a few months I mean just look at that cover and I love regency. Thank you for the wonderful review, Noela.This is right at the top of my want to read list.
ReplyDeleteDeanne P. Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
Gasp! I can barely believe it, DEANNE! ;) We must do something about this Deanne!! I'm hoping for a win for you but if that doesn't work out, I hope you try out either this one or any of Melanie's other books! They are such treats!!! Bless you!
DeleteNice review. Her books are always a great read. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteThanks KIM. Yes they certainly are great reads! All the best, Kim!
DeleteWhat a great review Noela! I immediately put this on my TBR list because the regency era is one of my favorites to read. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemomrain(AT)aol(DOT)com
Thanks so much LORAINE, and I wish you all the best with your entry! This is a truly beautiful and well-written Regency so I know you'll love it!
DeleteOh, this sounds lovely! Now that Downton is wrapping up and is promising certain withdrawl it'll be nice to curl up with Melanie's new book. nataliewalterswriter (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine anything better, NATALIE! :-) Thanks for coming by and all the best!!
DeleteI decided a couple of months ago to start reading through all of Melanie's books. I have read a few so far and enjoyed them all! I absolutely adore her covers; she has some of the best ones, in my opinion.
ReplyDeletemallori(dot)norris(at)gmail(dot)com
Absolutely agree with you on that, MALLORI! Awesome decision you made btw, Melanie's books are such a treat to read!! Hey I love the spelling of your name too Mallori!
DeleteGreat interview Noela. Really sounds interesting. Melanie has some good books. Thanks for a chance if not too late. With some bad health problems I've been dealing with for awhile and my computer going crazy I get on, haven't been on much for awhile. GOD bless you all. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteNo problems, MAXIE, I understand... And since I'm just about to do the drawing, you're in it! Saying a prayer for you Maxie for your health problems. Big hugs!!
Delete