When everyone has a different goal, can anyone be trusted?

This wonderful story of intrigue and mystery is set on the border between England and Scotland. 1559 was a time of upheaval for those whose allegiance was to one side or the other. Queen Elizabeth was on the throne in England, but this was an unsettled time - would she be able to keep the throne?

Audrey, a former lady in waiting for Queen Mary, is coerced into a task not to her liking. She must travel from her home to be a spy for the queen in Liddesdale, near the Scottish border. Her cover as a companion to Lady Armstrong should allow her the freedom to find out all the information the queen wants.

Mystery and melancholy surround Warring Keep. The well developed characters each tell their own tale - one of guilt, questionable choices, lies and more. How shall our humble young lady find anything of importance? Will bringing these mysteries to light allow lives to be redeemed or are they destined to remain as they are?

An ARC of this second book in the Secrets of the Queens series was received through HopeKnight Press and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )

Here ye, hear ye to those who love to read about 16th century England, grab a chair and get comfy. This book is sure to take you back as the Queen of England rules the land. Perhaps she doesn’t trust everyone as she sends our fair character Audrey on a mission to spy for her. I can just imagine what thoughts went through her head as the Queen sought her out. It will not be a pleasant journey for her as I sensed danger close around her. Well if she goes to Scotland to get answers for the Queen she will find much more than she bargained for. Did I mention that Audrey’s family was in danger if she did not succeed?

If there ever was a person who could be called rude and nasty it would have to be Gavin. He has a massive chip on his shoulder from tragic events, but oh my is his heart as cold as ice. His first encounter with Audrey is somewhat comical to me. She holds her own with him and I could feel his anger start to rise. Well what do you expect dear Gavin when you try to intimidate and belittle Audrey? She was after all sent to be be a companion to someone you care about.

Gavin’s dear wife met her fate in a most dreadful way. Why would a young mother of two want to take her own life? Audrey may have a mystery on her hand and perhaps getting to know Gavin will be a challenge for her. She must find out where his loyalty lies. Perhaps she can befriend his son Thomas and find out some answers.

Thomas is one my favorite characters. He wants his father’s attention so badly. He tries to please his father and spend time with him, but is dismissed like a servant. Audrey knows there is something amiss between the two, but why would Gavin treat his son so harshly? My heart went out to the little boy and I wanted to give him a hug so badly. This is much discord around and Audrey has her hands full trying to find out information for the Queen while wanting to befriend a sweet young boy.

There is much going on as Thomas seems to be in danger. Audrey must act quickly to protect him, but Gavin has grown suspicion of her. Their confrontation is filled with accusations and a secret is exposed. Can Audrey convince Gavin that she wants to protect Thomas ? I fear for Ashley when Gavin finds out who she is. Can he find a way to work with her? Trust will come into play when these two open up to each other. How far are they willing to expose their own secret?

The beginning of the story lays the foundation for an adventure where distrust, secrets and spies abound. I loved seeing how Audrey and Thomas began a sweet friendship. The lad is hungry for attention, but his father seems to hold him at a distance. Is there more to who Thomas is than Audrey knows? With swords and daggers this tale finds that fighting is not always the answer. Learning to trust and have a relationship with God is at the forefront for one particular character. The ending is a battle of faith as families fight for truth and justice. I loved how the center of everything was their faith in God. The author did put a few surprises in the story which made me wonder where the truth would take us. As I finished the last page, a sense of peace fell upon the people who witnessed that “truth shall set you free.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This is the type of historical fiction that takes history and tweeks some of it. Audrey is forced by Queen Elizabeth l to go to Scotland to spy for her. Audrey is a tough woman that has a hard time holding her tongue around Gavin, the Laird. I loved the intrigue and the romance. These are wonderful characters and I like how Queen Elizabeth l is woven into the story. I recommend reading the first book in the series to get a better idea about some of the things going on in this one. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )