In the dead of night on June 12, 1942, four sailors climb from their German U-boat and make their way toward the coast of Long Island, NY. From there, they board the Long Island Railroad heading into Manhattan. One of the men, Cal Miller, is a US citizen, making him the perfect candidate for a special mission to infiltrate the States and gain access to key economic targets he can destroy. Three …
Three seats ahead, Lexie Smithfield ponders her future as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital and wife to her fiancé Russell Thompson. A brief encounter with Cal Miller on the train leads to an unlikely friendship, and ultimately to the fearsome discovery that this handsome, kindly man is not who he appears to be.
When Russell is given an opportunity to work overseas, Lexie reluctantly encourages him to go. But his absence leaves Lexie alone in a strange city where her path becomes increasingly darkened by her unwitting connection to the German saboteurs. As the spies lay plans to destroy American factories and bridges, it becomes clear that only two people can stop them. One is a catatonic patient at Bellevue who must be strapped to his bed and sedated. The other is Lexie herself, a young woman who longs only for the security of marriage while ministering to the war’s physically and emotionally wounded.
Can Lexie’s unintended friendship with a Nazi spy thwart a terrorist attack? Or will her hopes and dreams — peace on the American homefront — become another casualty of war?
Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar historical novels in this genre may be categorized as: historical fiction, inspirational historical fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome historical fiction.
more
WOW! I cried when Russell called Lexus on July 4th. I got Goosebumps when he told her the time he Prayed for her. Marilyn did a great job again putting me right into the book. I felt everything Lexus felt, from her betrayal of Cal (Karl) to her fear when she thought she was going to be killed to her happiness on her Wedding Day.
Shadowed by a Spy is the second book in Marilyn Turk’s WWII series. I was able to read the two books back to back which I liked being able to do although they are easily read as stand-alones. I enjoyed the books, but struggled a little bit relating to Lexie Smithfield, the young female protagonist, but that may be due to the age difference between us. (I could almost be her grandmother.) Lexie struggles with many changes in her life from the death of family members and loss of income to friends going off to war. I like the way the author addresses the issues and shows Lexie’s growth and maturity as the story progresses. Lexie’s fiancé Russell is a stand-up guy, yet has his own insecurities and doubts. I especially enjoyed the segment about his time with the USO. Cultural references, slang, and descriptions effective evoke the era, and it’s obvious Ms. Turk did her research. Lexie’s story is mingled with the true story about German spies who landed on Long Island which adds intrigue and depth to the book.
his book by Marilyn Turk is a suspenseful story of love, intrigue and a healthy bit of the unknown. The characters are carefully refined as the story unfolds. I found it to be a book I didn’t want to close. The plot was too compelling to stop reading. I sat in my living room and continued chapter after chapter. I was very satisfied when I reached the end of this book. The ending was the fulfillment of my hours spent reading the book. Thank you Marilyn for a very well rounded, interesting story with several turns and twists. This book was given to me as a thoughtful gift and I am thoroughly pleased to have entered the story and enjoyed the fleshing out of each individual character.
I endorse this book by Marilyn Turk for a quite enjoyable read. (less)
It is World War II, and the nation is caught up in supporting the war effort. Lexie Smithfield and her fiancee, Russell Thompson, find themselves in New York; she, pursuing her nursing education and he, in hotel management and moonlighting as a musician. Wedding plans on hold, Lexie decides to serve the country by nursing at home. Russell wants to be of service and eventually gets a gig with the USO.
How is it, then, that Lexie finds herself being tailed? German spies in America…how can that be?
In “Shadowed by a Spy. ” author Marilyn Turk creates her protagonists to show kindness, compassion, and spirituality, with “love-thy-neighbor” attitudes, exemplifying them through interaction with others. For example, who would ever guess that the “humming nurse” would calm and charm psych ward by humming “Amazing Grace?” She is even credited with the recovery of comatose soldier through kind attention. Equally, the antagonists are recognized as sly, elusive, secretive and mysterious.
Russell, overseas with the USO, takes an alcoholic singer under his wing because he recognized someone in need. Yes, he is that guy! Meanwhile, Lexie befriends Cal Miller, someone she frequently sees with a group of mysterious men. Ignoring that sinister gut feeling, they become acquainted. Little does she realize how her kind generosity to the soldier and her acquaintance with Cal Miller would so drastically change their lives!
Oh, this story is getting good! So many secret surprises yet to be revealed. I will leave off my review here in hopes that you have been enticed to read “Shadowed by a Spy.” History, romance, intrigue and faith, it’s all here. It’s the stuff of which good movies are made. Hear that, Hollywood?
A Christian WWII is my favorite genre. This was a gentle and inspiring book of an incident in the war.
A true adventure and glimpse into the history of 1942 when German spies infiltrated New York City. History about this event along with the staffing, treatment and nurses in training at Bellevue Hospital, the famous Martinique Hotel, life with a band traveling overseas to perform for the USO, actions of the spies, and the beautiful landscape for the area kept my attention. My emotions and mind was right in the midst of this fabulous intriguing story. Shadowed by a Spy is filled with unexpected events, lively conversations, work conditions, disappointments and fulfillment of dreams by the hero and heroine, Lexie Smithfield and Russell Thompson, along with other characters. Lexie’s care and ministry to the psychiatric patients gave renewed hope to them as well as connecting with John Doe, a catatonic patient. The characters were complex with realistic flaws and dedication to helping others during WWII. There was never a dull moment for Lexie with her training to be a nurse, conversing with others she was warned against, and her love for Russell. But yet she was caution in all she did until an incident happen at the hospital that she could not fathom. The underlying suspense, romance and the tremendous research by Turk made this a top notched Christian Historical Suspense Romance book. I look forward to reading more books by Marilyn Turk. She is an amazing Christian Historical Suspense writer with her books filled with intrigue, detailed research, God’s love and mercy, complex characters and action packed events.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.