Thoughts that have been on my mind and heart with recent events

I had something completely different topic set for this month’s bible study; however given recent events and the anniversaries of Charlie Kirk’s death and 9/11, I feel I need to talk about something that has been on my mind and heart for a while. It is not that I am afraid of the future because I know who holds the future; it is a conflict between what my head knows and what my heart feels. I often turn to prayer for peace of mind and remind myself that Jesus said, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34). However, every now and then, the events of the world weigh on my mind and heart more than usual. I wonder if I have studied the Bible well enough. I have taught my children enough, preparing them for the world they will see outside our door. How do I discuss topics with someone who will argue for the sake of arguing? Who argues with feelings and refuses to listen to facts? These thoughts and questions flooded my mind more recently as I reflected on the anniversaries of this month. 

The amount of hatred and mockery of Christianity on social media has seriously hurt my heart. While I am not surprised as Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first,” it still hurts. As I have seen the redemptive and transformative power of belief in Jesus Christ can bring to someone and in my own life, I have seen His work in my daily life that it is undeniable to me. Someone denying Christ is not surprising but the venom I see online toward God, Jesus and those who believe in Him, I fear, has turned my heart cold to them. Especially online, I usually roll my eyes and move on without trying to correct them. And I hate that I feel this way. However, without realizing it, as I write this God was listening and recently He put in front of me reminders. Yes, as believers, we are called to share the gospel; however, in Matthew 7:6, Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.” Meaning? It is useless to try to teach holy concepts to people who don’t want to listen and will only tear apart what we say. If someone comes to me with genuine questions, I have answers and the willingness to look up the answers if I don’t. However, if someone were to come to me with questions in order to belittle me or to attempt to break my faith, I will not entertain such a person.

In the year since Charlie Kirk’s death, I have seen clips of his meetings with skeptics and doubters, and while I was not a fan before his death, I now admire his resolve to bring the truth to as many people as possible. And I am humbled at his passion and resolve. I know I could never be as articulate or knowledgeable as he was, but I hope that I could stand on my faith and the truth as he did. It sickened me as I saw people celebrate his death and still celebrated as the anniversary arrived. There are people in the world I dislike or even despise; however, I would l never celebrate them being sick, ill or even their death. I may not have much sympathy or have no feelings either way for their circumstances; but it feels so wrong and evil to celebrate. While God told us that good would be called evil and evil good, He also proclaimed trouble to those who would do so (Isaiah 5:20), I still struggle with the deep sadness, anger and disgust I feel when I see people celebrating evil. I know Charlie Kirk was aware of the target he put on himself when he chose to stand up, speak out and try to educate others about the lies they have been told. And Christians should also be aware that there is also a target on us as well. Maybe the threat isn’t as strong as Charlie Kirk faced but the day will come when we won’t be able to be as free to worship as we, especially in America, have been. 

I have been a believer for over 30 years and sometimes I still struggle with and feel powerless in the state of the world today. At these moments, I turn to God, to His word and yet, I feel what can little old me do? I am nobody in a world of billions of people. While I know I am somebody to my Lord, to my husband, to my daughters, and my loved ones, I feel like a faceless, powerless nobody. Why would anyone care what I had to say? So I often stay silent and I hate myself when I do. Even as I do these monthly bible studies, I do them for myself and write about what I have learned and post them. I know people read them but do they have any impact in their lives? Does it even matter that I post these at all? As I said at the start, recent events have lit a fire, so to speak, that I want to be different. I want to be prepared to meet any enemy and be prepared to stand up for my faith, even if it means my death. Death?!? Someone might exclaim. Yes, given the state of the world right now and the growing battle against Christ and believers, I believe the day will come when we might be faced with that question and I hope I will be able to say “Yes, I believe in Christ” and lose my life in the process. Because Jesus said that “whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35). 

In conclusion, I set out to write this blog as an honest disclosure of what I have been feeling and thinking recently. As I started writing this blog, my mind was heavy and as I took a few days to further reflect and came back to writing it, I remember that my struggle is with understanding, an understanding that is beyond me. It is an understanding that God, in his wisdom, is telling me his grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). I am reminded of the book of Philippians, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It is a book of hope which seems odd as Paul wrote it while in prison. In Philippians 4, Paul writes to rejoice in the Lord (verse 4) and to not be anxious about anything and to turn to God with our worries in prayer and petition (verse 6). I may not be able to completely battle the mockery of my faith online or understand the celebration of evil, however, I will commit myself to further and deeper study of the Bible and find peace in Jesus Christ. 

It's Only Love: one man's disappearance raises questions and a new investigation discovers secrets, lies and betrayals

It’s Only Love is the seventeenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Wade Barret went duck hunting with his dog on his boat. The dog came home. The boat was discovered with no sign of foul play. Everyone believed he drowned or met an unfortunate end with an alligator. However, his brother, Walker, never has believed. Eight months later, a new piece of evidence brings new questions about the case. Determined as ever, Walker knows there is more to his brother’s case than just an accident. Sam Gray agrees to take the case as a private investigator and it becomes clear that someone has worked to make sure the case stays buried. His investigation uncovers half truths, betrayals, broken loyalties and secrets someone is willing to protect. Someone knows what happened to Wade Barrett, how far will they go to protect that knowledge? 

With the unforgettable cast of characters and stories that readers have come to know and love, It’s Only Love continues to explore secrets, lies and the lengths people are willing to go to protect themselves as well as the people they love. Loosely inspired by a real Florida disappearance that captured national attention, It’s Only Love is a gripping story of mystery, romance, and family secrets. From the very beginning, this story held my attention with twists, turns and kept me guessing until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Sam’s perspective and seeing him take the lead in this investigation. The book does end with a cliffhanger that links to the next book in the series. I can’t wait to discover the new story of Hart’s Ridge. If you have enjoyed the Hart’s Ridge series, you will love It’s Only Love. I highly, highly recommend It’s Only Love! 

It’s Only Love will be available September 29, 2026 in eBook with paperback coming soon

If you have not read the Hart’s Ridge series, 

I highly recommend starting with book 1, Hart’s Ridge.

Books 1-16 in this series are currently available in paperback and eBook 

Cold Case Christianity: a homicide detective uses criminal investigation techniques and strategies to examine the claims of Christianity

Cold Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J Warner Wallace is a deep look into the claims of Christianity through the lens of evidence and criminal investigations. J Warner Wallace is a L.A. County homicide detective specializing in cold cases and a former atheist. He set out to use his skills and strategies as a criminal investigator in order to disprove Christianity. What he found had a different conclusion. Christianity could be classified as a cold case because it makes a claim about events from the distant past. With the passage of time, there is little forensic evidence. In part one of his book, J Warner Wallace uses gripping stories from his career and explains the standards and techniques of evidence. In part two, he takes these standards and techniques and examines the evidence of Christianity both in the gospels themselves as well as non-Biblical sources and archaeology. 

I read Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ while in college and I liked the story of an atheist who set out to disprove Christianity and came to faith instead. When I discovered J Wallace Warner’s book, Cold Case Christianity, I was curious about the homicide detective With powerful illustrations and examples, I enjoyed that he gives an unique apologetic examination of the evidence. I also liked that he discusses the strengths and weaknesses in investigations. If you enjoy true crime stories, Cold Case Christianity would appeal to you as Mr Warner goes through the investigations techniques and evidential procedures and standards to examine the claims of the gospels. I also enjoyed his honest candor about his beliefs before his investigation. If you are a believer and want to have another tool to share the gospel or if you are an unbeliever who wants to truly examine the evidence, I highly, highly recommend Cold Case Christianity. 

Cold Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hidden: a Christian romantic suspense as one woman faces her morality and discovers the true meaning of forgiveness

Hidden is the first book in the Jacobs family series by Vanetta Chapman. After surviving a tragic and violent childhood. Dana Jacobs is now a supervisor in charge of a Department of Homeland Security in Taos, New Mexico. Her team is at the ready to handle any threat. Benjamin Marshall is the newest member of Dana’s office. Straight from a six year military deployment, Benjamin is not what Dana wants or needs. However, Ben knows that God has a reason for putting him with Dana’s team. When a local school is threatened, they pursue a man who is filled with bitterness and anger that Dana can understand; however, there is a difference. She is justified and it remains hidden and she hurts no one. Can Dana accept her own morality? Can she truly understand what it means to forgive and to be forgiven? 

Hidden is a Christian romantic suspense. While it is not a genre I normally read, I was looking forward to reading a suspenseful story filled with faith and romance. The book opens with the aftermath of a violent encounter in Dana’s childhood. Leading to her as an adult who still has nightmares of that night, Dana is now a leader of a team. Benjamin is coming to her team on his first day. I liked Dana as a woman who has lived a hard life and keeps her emotions close to the vest. I also liked Benjamin as a man of faith who knows he would be a good fit for the team. Overall, I enjoyed the faith and morality discussions; however, the romance was a bit far-fetched and the suspense was lacking. If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, I recommend you check out Hidden. 

Hidden is available in paperback and eBook

Healing the Mountain Man's Heart: a dedicated doctor and a surly mountain man find love and faith

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is the first book in the Brothers of Sapphire Creek Ranch series by Misty M. Beller. Jericho Coulter is the eldest of the Coulter brothers. He has been entrusted with the safety of his family and the secret they hold dear. After a family tragedy, they follow a strict rule: no outsiders. Dinah Wyatt is a talented and determined doctor, travels with her sister, Naomi, as she prepares to be a mail order bride in Montana. When they come to the ranch, they are met with a surly Jericho who was ready to send them away. However, Dinah’s skills are immediately needed as one of the brothers becomes injured. As Dinah cares for the injured man, sparks fly between Jericho and Dinah. However, in the wilds of the Montana Territory, where trust is hard to come by. Can Jericho and Dinah learn to trust each torah and embrace the love between them?

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is my first book by Misty M. Beller and it won’t be my last. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, this story had me glued to the pages. It is dramatic and faith filled with real struggles and questions with faith. Jericho is a man hurt by the tragic events in his family and, as a result, he turned from God. Dinah is a woman of faith who feels called to use her skills as a doctor to any one who is injured or ill. The two clash as they have different missions and yet together they find a common thread with the people they both care about: their families. There are moments of humor and times of tense danger. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly, highly recommend Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart. 

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love's Sacrifice: two broken people discover Jesus's redemptive love and in each other

Love’s Sacrifice by Evangeline Kelly is a story of love, faith and discovering the strength to overcome the past. Avery Loggins has learned to depend on no one but herself. Her mom couldn’t be trusted and her father walked out years before. When she landed a job at a popular diner as a kitchen assistant to Dean Galloway, the very handsome but grumpy chef. Eventually Avery agrees to a night out with Dean and before they know it, they do not want the night to end. So they end up eloping. Avery has a shocking moment of reality and leaves Dean with a goodbye letter. However, Dean doesn’t want to let her go. When he shows up, determined to show her how much she means to him, they both learn the true meaning of sacrifice and find a love that can last a lifetime. 

Love’s Sacrifice is a contemporary Christian romance in which two broken people discover Jesus’s redemptive love. The story is fairly fast paced with a sweet romance with hard hitting issues and beautifully explains the love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. I loved both Avery and Dean as individuals who have been deeply hurt by life’s circumstances. I also loved these two people who rejected even talking about God and God placed people in their lives that quietly opened their eyes to His love. From the good friend to a family who has lost it all and still has joy and a man who has turned his life around all show Dean and Avery the power of God’s love. Overall, I could not put this book down and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly, highly recommend Love’s Sacrifice. 

Love’s Sacrifice is available in eBook

Murder at the Front: a World War I murder mystery

Murder at the Front is a prequel story to the Dora and Rex 1920s Mystery series by Lynn Morrison. It is 1918 in Le Touquet, France, Lady Dorothy “Dora” Cavendish has sworn to never marry. In order to satisfy her parents and be able to stay at the front as a battlefield nurse, she enters a marriage of convenience with Lucien, the Viscount of Lisle. When Lucien is ambushed during a secret mission and killed, there are more questions than answers. Only one man, Lord Reginald “Rex” Banks-Ternsby, seriously wounded, had survived. Rex is convinced that the mission was compromised and someone within their ranks betrayed them. With Dora’s determination to prove her worth with Rex's drive to discover the truth, they set out to reveal the traitor. However, the discovery leads to a fall out neither of them expected and will change their lives forever. 

Murder at the Front takes place near the battles of World War I, five years before Dora and Rex meet again in 1920s London in book one of Dora and Rex Mysteries series. I haven’t read the mysteries series before and did not know these characters. It is a fairly short book, only 16 chapters. However, I was bored. It felt very slow going and not particularly interesting. Dora is headstrong and determined to forge her own path; however, I didn’t particularly connect with her at all. Rex was a strong character as well. The mystery was ok. There wasn’t the usual time to get to know and suspect a long list of people. The reveal of the culprit felt rushed. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy wartime mystery stories, you may enjoy Murder at the Front. 

 Murder at the Front is available in paperback and eBook

Love's Broken Road: two broken hearts and a second chance for love

Love’s Broken Road is the first book in the Lincoln Love Stories series by Julie Coulter Belton. After surviving an abusive marriage and the death of her husband, Victoria Newel needs a clean state. She takes her five year old son and moves across the country to Lincoln, Utah and takes a job as a math teacher. Her new principal assigns Drew Dalton, an English teacher, to be her tour guide. Drew lost his wife to cancer a couple years ago and the thought of finding a new love is far, far from his mind. However, when he meets Victoria, he begins to see the possibility. As her gentle nature and strength draws him to her, he offers her friendship and maybe something more but Victoria is so guarded. Can Victoria ever open her heart and trust herself and love again? Is Drew truly ready to take a chance on a new love?

Love’s Broken Road is a sweet second chance with drama and love triangles. The story was short but sweet. The drama was good and expected with a love triangle. I did find that everything seemed to move quickly for Drew and Victoria despite their pasts. Especially Victoria as she went from recovering from the aftermath of an abusive marriage to being infatuated with Drew. Even the love triangles seemed to resolve with more “We can be friends” sentiments that I don’t know would happen in real life. The ending was sweet and the story came full circle. There was an incident involving Victoria’s son that details of how it occurred seemed unrealistic. I put down the book and asked “would a five year old be capable of that?” Overall, the story was enjoyable; however, I am unsure if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a second chance romance, I recommend Love’s Broken Road. 

Love’s Broken Road is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

The Wedding Favor: a sweet, funny age gap romance that will have you laughing, crying and cheering

The Wedding Favor by Sharon M. Peterson is the newest book in the Two Harts universe. Iris Sampson can’t believe she agreed to be the best woman at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The embarrassment was enough but now she needs a hot date as her plus one. Abe Ramos, her new gorgeous neighbor and single dad, offers to be her date. In return, she agrees to watch Hallie, his nine year old daughter. With tattoos, ear piercings and thirteen years older than her, Abe is the exact opposite of her ex. As they spend time together, she begins to dream about being a real family with Abe and Hallie. However, Iris has no idea what her future holds. She has no idea what she wants to do for her career and the rest of her life but she really wants Abe to be in it. Will their age difference keep them apart? How will their families and the town react to their relationship?

Sharon M. Peterson has become one of my autobuy authors. She writes stories with heart, humor and real life struggles and characters you want to root for. Although I usually avoid age gap romances; however, I knew Ms. Peterson would create characters and a story that would not be the typical age gap romances I’ve read in the past. The Wedding Favor is so good. It is sweet, with humor and even a few tears. I liked that the character discussed the age gap as an issue with maturity and a little humor. I found myself getting angry at certain attitudes by some characters about their relationship and cheered when Iris and Abe stood up against such attitudes. I closed the book with a great smile. The Wedding Favor will have a permanent place on my bookshelf. I love Iris and Abe’s story as individuals and as a couple. I look forward to future stories in Two Harts. I highly, highly recommend The Wedding Favor. 

The Wedding Favor is available in paperback and eBook

Everything to Love: a friends to lovers romance set in a small town

 Everything to Lose is the first book in the Newberry Spring series by Harlow James. Wyatt and Kelsea have been best friends since they were babies. She has been in love with him since she was ten. When Wyatt left for college and Kelsea stayed behind in their hometown, she gave up the idea that they could ever be more than just friends. Now eight years later, as she buries her true feelings, she helps him run his brewery restaurant. It seemed to work until Wyatt’s twin brother, Walker, was tired of the two of them dancing around the elephant in the room and devises a plan to make his brother jealous and admit his own feelings. Kelsea knows it would be playing with fire but going against the rules she set to play it safe felt exciting. She knows it could backfire but is she willing to risk everything she knows and loves to finally have the love of her dreams? 

I love a good romance and Everything to Lose sounds like a great friends to lovers romance and with a great opening prologue, I was looking forward to a great story. However, it was so cringey that I found myself not rooting for Kelsea, Wyatt or their romance. The story is told in a dual point of view which is usually great and exciting; however, there was no real distinction between Kelsea’s voice or Wyatt’s. With the first book in a series, there is a certain amount of information describing the town and the residents; however, there seems to be way too much focus on this information than Kelsea and Wyatt’s potential relationship. Oh the dialogue! Some of it was so cringey, especially from Wyatt, I literally rolled my eyes. So not romantic at all! Even the spicy scenes were cringey. I did not enjoy this story and I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Everything to Lose. 

Everything to Lose is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove: a cozy mystery romance that wasn't

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is the first book in the Seaside Inn Mystery series by Rimmy London. Abby Tanner falls in love with a hauntingly beautiful manor that sits on the seaside. It has been abandoned for decades and it seems for good reason. Even though the estate is crumbling and she encounters a very chilling sight on the back porch, she can’t seem to stop thinking about how beautiful it would be all fixed up. The only thing stopping her is the two million dollar price tag. With a twist of fate, Abby is able to make an offer and while it is accepted, there seems to be someone or something that is determined to keep her away. Can she learn who is behind the gruesome occurrences? Can she find the determination to stand her ground and make the estate beautiful once again? 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is described as a “cozy mystery” with an “on-again, off-again romance that will have your toes curling in delight.” With “pages turning” and “hearts warming,” I was promised an adventure that I would await another trip to Poppyridge Cove. However, there is no way this is a cozy mystery. While it starts off as a cozy mystery would, it turns too dark to be cozy anymore. Abby doesn’t truly stop and think and acts on impulse. Her boyfriend is annoying. There is also no consistency in the characters' backstories at all. And if you are an animal lover, please do not read this book! I did not enjoy this book and I definitely will not be continuing the series. There was nothing heart warming or toe curling about this story. I do not recommend The Secret of Poppyridge Cove. 

The Secret of Poppyridge Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook 

Circe: the retelling of the mythological Greek witch with gods, monsters and legendary heroes

Circe by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the mythological Greek witch, Circe. Helios, the god of the sun and the mightiest among the Titans, has a daughter, Circe. Circe is not like his other children. Not as powerful as her father nor as alluring as her mother. When she doesn’t find her place among the gods, she turns to mortals for companionship and she discovers that she does possess a power. The power of witchcraft to transform her rivals to monsters and become a menace to the gods. When Zeus becomes threatened by her power, Circe is banished to a desecrated island. There she hones her craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with famous figures. As she battles some dangerous foes, she finds herself pitted against the one Olympian who is the most terrifying and the most vengeful. In order to protect everything and everyone she loves, Circe summons all her strength and her knowledge of the gods and her potions. 

As a fan of Greek mythology since high school, I have wanted to read Circe for a while and I got the chance to listen to the audiobook (narrated by Peridita Weeks). From the opening chapter to the final pages, readers are taken deep into the world of gods, monsters and heroes of legend including Hermes, Scylla, and the cunning Odysseus. While I did not know the entire Circe myth, I was excited to see her interact with the characters that I did know and gasped at the parts of the myth that I did not know. There were a few moments that I even laughed as Circe would call out the antics of certain gods like Hermes. With gritty actions, this story grabbed me and took me on a wild ride through ancient Greek mythology. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Ms Weeks’s narration really made the story exciting and engaging. If you enjoy retellings of Greek mythologies, I highly, highly recommend Circe. 

Circe is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Saltwater Cove: a second chance romance with a touch of drama

Saltwater Cove is the first book in the Wescott Bay series by Amelia Addler. Second chances can happen at any time. Margie Clifton discovers this as she starts life over on San Juan Island. When her brother gives her a property, she knows exactly what she wants to do. The property would be the perfect place for a wedding venue. She soon meets Hank Kowalski, the town’s Chief Deputy Sheriff. Gruff and ruggedly handsome, the last thing Hank wants is a relationship especially that his beloved wife passed away two years ago. However, Margie’s strength and beauty draws him in and he begins to wonder if a new love would be possible. Margie has a secret, a secret that could destroy everything. Can they find the courage to fight for their second chance and find their happily ever after? 

Saltwater Cove is a sweet second chance romance with plenty of humor, drama and a bit of mystery. Margie is a sweet woman who doesn’t like to say anything bad about anyone. Her ex-husband? She bites her tongue in order to keep the peace for her adult children. Her man child son in law? She doesn’t want to be involved in her daughter’s marriage. And the secret she is holding, she has kept for over 20 years. When readers first meet Hank, he is bored and Margie’s presence adds a spark that his life needed. There were moments when I wanted to shake the characters, especially the son in law. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series. If you like sweet second chance romance with a touch of drama, I recommend Saltwater Cove.  

Saltwater Cove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Keep Me in Mind: a second chance romance

Keep Me in Mind is a book in the Brewer brides series by Kerry Evelyn. When Liam Brewer left town, he told the girl he loved that he would be back. However, she would send him an email which left him heartbroken. Nine years later, she never left him heart or mind. Now, he is back in town in order to renovate a family barn into a wedding venue for his cousin. Little does he know that the contractor hired to do the job is the woman who broke his heart. Beck is shocked to discover that the architect she is supposed to meet is the man the boy she loved became. The moment their eyes met, the old feelings came rushing back. While Liam is willing to give their love a second chance, Beck feels she doesn’t deserve it because losing him again would be unbearable. 

Keep Me in Mind is a quick, sweet second chance romance. A story of young love whose life circumstances would tear them apart, Liam and Beck never forget each other. Liam did not know the reasons behind her sudden Dear John email. I loved the matchmaking plot that Liam’s cousin puts into motion in order to get Liam and Beck back in town at the same time. I understood Beck’s hesitation about taking a second chance on a relationship with Liam. And my heart broke to hear of the events which led to her email. However, I enjoyed Liam who was lovingly patient with her and showed her that his love had never gone away. It was a quick read great for an afternoon of reading. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to future stories in the Brewer bride series. I recommend Keep Me in Mind. 

Keep Me in Mind is available in paperback and eBook

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies: a post World War II espionage adventures

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the first book in the The Oxford Guide series by Kate Westbury. In Oxford, England in 1951, Ginevra “Gin” Bishop is following in her mother’s footsteps by studying at Oxford. With her impeccable red lipstick, clever comebacks and top marks, she wanted to prove she is more than just a society debutante. Sidney Braithwaite is a brooding young man who is determined to ignore his memories and nightmares of the war as he forges a new life in Oxford. When they first meet, it is obvious Gin and Sidney have very little in common; however, when the British Security Service pairs them together. With her charm and his espionage experience, they are the perfect team to pick up the trail of a Soviet spy operating at the university. At first, Gin and Sidney clash; however, there is a spark they cannot deny and they must find a way to finish the mission before they get caught in the enemy’s crosshairs. 

I found the premise of this book to be interesting and looked forward to getting into the world of spies with a bit of romance. Set in post World War II Oxford University, The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is the debut novel by Kate Westbury. The book sets to layer mystery, romance and academia. Unfortunately, I was bored. The story dragged on and was a bit dull at points. There were just too many characters to keep track of and a lot of information thrown out. I didn’t care for Ginevra at all while I did enjoy Sidney. I felt Sidney had more depth and substance to him. Overall, the story did not live up to my expectations. I was disappointed that I did not enjoy it more. I was looking forward to an exciting story of mystery and romance. If you enjoy espionage stories, you enjoy The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies. Unfortunately, I do not recommend The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies. 

The Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook