The Librarian and the Spy by Susan Mann

The Librarian and the Spy by Susan Mann, 320 pages

I could not resist the title of this book.  Any book having to do with a librarian and taking place in a library makes me want to read it.  This was a very light fun romance to read.  Quinn Ellington is a reference librarian just dying for something more exciting.  Then, James Lockwood walks in and sweeps her off her feet.  With more money then he knows what to do with, James offers her an opportunity of a lifetime to help him decode where secret arms are hidden.  He buys her time from the library director and takes her on a romantic whirlwind adventure that leads them to London and Quinn finding out James' true identity.

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini - 355 pages

The Spymistress is the fictionalized account of a real Union spy during the Civil War.  Elizabeth "Lizzie" Van Lew and her family are staunch Unionists in Confederate Richmond during the War Between the States.  Every adult member of the family does what they can to help the Union cause, but none so more than Lizzie.  Initially, she begins her assistance with tending to the sick and wounded Union prisoners held within Richmond under the ruse of Christian charity.  Soon she begins to learn information from these men and passes it along.  Soon thereafter, Lizzie steps up her efforts by placing slaves/servants loyal to her in important positions, such as becoming Jefferson Davis' maid, and assisting escaping prisoners.  All the information gathered is sent northward.

This was a great book.  Besides the fictionalized parts of the story, the historical elements were worked in well.  We learn about Lizzie's real life and there are mentions of the various battles and civilian struggles (including rationing) and their effects on the populace of Richmond are fitted in where appropriate. 

Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway

Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway - 338 pages

Evelyn Whyte has just called in a favor from Justin Powell -- she needs to use his ancestral family home as the site of a wedding.  Justin decides to go ahead and allow her as it will help him with a bit of spying he needs to do in the area.  Now they need to both accomplish their goals without the other screwing them up.
This was a hilarious book.  I loved the banter between Evelyn and Justin and others.  Their conversations completely confused everyone around them.  A great historical romance.