Circle of Spies (Volume 3) (Culper Ring Series)

The Culper Ring series has been a great historical/spy series and Circle of Spies was a wonderful conclusion. I loved the thread of redemption and forgiveness in the story.

Marietta was definitely one of those characters that goes through a lot of change. At the beginning of Circle of Spies she wasn't that likeable, but she does get better. Her unique ability (which I won't name, since it's not mentioned in the book's blurb) was so intriguing!

I absolutely loved that Slade was an undercover Pinkerton agent! I always enjoy books with those types of agents. :) There were also quite a few humorous moments, which was great!

Overall, a wonderful historical read with romance AND suspense! I definitely recommend Circle of Spies and this entire series.

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Circle of Spies #3 Culper Ring by Roseanna M. White

Baltimore, 1865.
Marietta Hughes is a widow who finds herself caught up in the family’s secret espionage activities. Something she did not want to do, but circumstances being what they are she really has no choice as she has the gift of total recall of anything she reads or hears. Then she learns some unsettling news regarding secret activities on her own land and even regarding her deceased husband and his brother. I did not like Marietta very much in the beginning of the story, however, she learns some valuable life-lessons along the way, especially her need for God, and turns her life in a far different direction than she was living. As she grows in her faith and her heart changes in so many ways, I grew to really like her.

Undercover Pinkerton agent Slade Osborne is determined to end the secret meetings and activities contributing to the conflict between the North and the South. But he is not sure what part the beautiful widow plays in these activities. Slade is my favorite character in this story. He is a handsome, godly man who has a past he is not proud of and flaws, which makes him the perfect hero.

I was glad to see some of my favorite characters from previous books. This story has so much to offer: the Civil War, Pinkerton detectives, murder, assassination, greed, evil, danger and spies, second chances, forgiveness, a story-line that pulls the reader in with gripping details, historical facts woven into the story-line realistically, romance and love and faith. I love the spiritual aspects within the story. A gripping, heartwarming story.

Fascinating history blended with espionage and romance!

Marietta Hughes is introduced as a spoiled, selfish, reckless, embittered woman of Baltimore society and is transformed into a courageous and selfless heroine; using her incredible talents on behalf of her country. Slade Osbourne has a history of regrets and places himself at the vortex of underground conflict between the North and the South by infiltrating the dangerous Knights of the Golden Circle as an Union Pinkerton agent. Needless to say, the beautiful, enigmatic Marietta Hughes "rocks his world".

As Marietta begins to learn the truth about her late husband's family and in particular his over-possessive brother, she discovers hidden truths about her own parents and grandparents. This story quickly accelerates with many twists and turns; encapsulating a beautiful romance between two unlikely souls.

This was my first exposure to White's "Culper Ring Series" and I was enthralled by the end of the first chapter! Now I have some back-reading to do!

Circle of Spies is the third and final book in the Culper Ring series, but you don't necessarily have to read the others to enjoy the last, although I HIGHLY recommend it as you will get connections missed otherwise. This particular story takes place during the last months of the Civil War and full of espionage and tension. As always her characters have special gifts that make them stand out. The heroine, Marietta, has a photographic memory. This comes as a curse which she eventually learns to accept as a gift. It truly was a fascinating read with historical details that really got my mind working. Anyone who enjoys American history, especially Civil War fans, will enjoy this book. The romance in this one is a bit different, but realistic of two broken people learning to become new in Christ. If you like danger, history, and characters with unique gifts, this is definitely a go-to read.

Really enjoyed this historical fiction.
Story very engaging.

Another well-written read! My mind was just twirling with all of the interwoven plots and character stories. Super impressive! I enjoyed how the Culpers and Pinkertons worked together, and the whole unraveling of plots against the president. The mystery of who the Hughes really were was also intriguing.

It left me a little confused as to whether Marietta got saved during the story or just rededicated her life to Christ (I'm inclined to think the latter). Her story with learning how self-centered she was had a good message. Thinking back on the story, I can't recall a super strong Christian theme. It was a good undertone, I just don't remember a specific strong point that stood out to me.

Again, a little high on the romance gauge. An affair was alluded to, but not explicitly portrayed. A lot was mentioned about a man's lustful desires. And there was quite a bit between two of the main characters sneaking kisses and having strong affection for each other.

This series of books is excellent. I would recommend them again and again. I have read the entire series and will go back and start over again. The next one goes back and picks up some characters from the former ones and continues into another great story. Loved them

Roseanna White is a favorite author of mine. Little is known about the real Culper Spies, but her imagination fills in the blanks between historical facts. Great book.

This book took me a while to get into the story line. But, once there, I enjoyed the espionage and secrets lurking within the family. This is a great historical read and you will love it. Don't know if this is a stand alone book because I haven't read the previous ones in the series. But either way you will enjoy the story.
I won this book and thanks for the chance to read.

I've probably have mention this a time or two before, but I'll say it again, I love books based around the Civil War. I love that era. There is so much that happened during that time. So, it is safe to say that if there is a book set in that time, I'm going to do my level headed best to read it!

Circle of Spies did no disappoint. This book brings your right into the story with out any preamble. Gettysburg is over but the nation still battles, families all over the nation are in mourning, and our heroine, Mari is brought into her families business when she discovers something about her deceased husband and his brother, who is trying to court her, from her grandfather that is dark and disturbing.

Intriguing right?

I enjoyed this story right from the start. Mari is handed some staggering information, and in her stubborn style, she has to verify the information herself. In doing so reveals to everyone the secret underground society in the northern boarder states, that her deceased husband was in charge of and now her brother-in-law has taken over, for southern sympathizers who want to find a way to win for the South through spying. However, the Culper Ring isn't the only agency on to this group, the Pinkerton agents have infiltrated with a mole. A cool and closed off individual, Slade, who knows he has to walk a fine line showing is support for the group, while gaining the information he needs.

The setting was fantastic, each of the characters were unique and played off of each other well. I also enjoyed seeing Mari's grandparents in this story, they were the focus in Whispers from the Shadows, Thad and Gwyn. They were spunkier in this story and offered a bit of a laugh.

The nation collides it seems in this story not only on the battlefield but in the homes as each group of spies is doing their best to help their side in secret. The story also makes you question, how well do you really know the people around you? Mari is surrounded by people she believes thinks the same way she does, but that isn't the case. It's interesting how material possessions and connections can play such a big role in perception, especially in Mari's case.

Thank you to Harvest House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.