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Review: The Lies We Live - Newhaven Secrets #1

The Lies We Live book cover on blue background

It is such a treat to read the debut historical novel of Canadian author, Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht!

I have heard such good things about this book and was wholly keen to delve into one of my most favourite subgenres: espionage. The Lies We Live, the first book in the Newhaven Secrets series, delivers just that and even more, so I'm looking forward to what's next for this series down the road.

Book Synopsis

Away from the frontlines of the Great War, British intelligence agents are fighting a battle of their own.

Newhaven, England. 1917.

Nurse Clara Dankworth learned long ago to go where her government ordered. Her newest assignment pairs her with fellow spy and doctor Thomas Lindsey to gather evidence on a prominent society figure suspected of being a German sympathiser. But when threats emerge from the shadows, Clara finds that in attempting to escape her past she hadn’t run far enough.

Though one of MI5’s top agents, Doctor Thomas Lindsey’s maverick spirit often lands him in trouble with his superior. Clara’s unexpected—and unwelcome—arrival as his newest assistant places Thomas’s personal mission in jeopardy as his work of several years threatens to unravel. But in his determination to protect his secrets at any cost, he discovers Clara has more than a few secrets of her own.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What a stunning debut from Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht! I was so intrigued by the premise of this book and how utterly it captivated me in attempting to unravel its espionage plot. Dr. Thomas Lindsey and Clara Dankworth find themselves as agents caught in the midst of a spy ring while questioning the loyalties of others and halting progress made for the enemy. This is a story of double-crosses, unknown allegiances, and secret identities, all creating a riveting mystery to solve. I appreciated getting to know the whole ensemble of characters and look forward to making their acquaintance again in future books.

I loved the message behind surrendering control to God, which was even more meaningful in the midst of a war as both Thomas and Clara struggled with that tendency in different ways. Along the way, I could see how much they had to relinquish what they thought they knew to the One who saw and knew all things. This book felt like unwrapping a gift one layer at a time as more information was revealed and connections were made in due course. If you're looking for a thrilling wartime adventure with memorable characters who exhibit perseverance and intelligence, The Lies We Live is a worthwhile journey into discovering the truth.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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