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St. Brendan #2
The Unlikely Spy Catchers
The Unlikely Spy Catchers is a novel about friendship and love, an unusual school for workhouse boys training for the Royal Navy, and the ever-present danger of life in a seafaring town at a time of grave national emergency, as Napoleon considers taking his war to England itself.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2019
62 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kelly
137 books806 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)
Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.
The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)
Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."
Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.
Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.
Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.
Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.
Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.
And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin. Then you m
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 7, 2019
Rating: 4.5/5.0
If one loves history couched in some of the loveliest prose on the market today, this book is perfection!
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
If one loves history couched in some of the loveliest prose on the market today, this book is perfection!
Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 30, 2019
My reviews are honest & they contain spoilers. For more, follow me:
The Unlikely Spy Catchers is the book 2 of Carla Kelly’s ongoing historical romance series, St. Brendan. My love for this series began with a short novella that you can also call a prequel to the series, which was featured in an anthology. It was titled ‘The Christmas Angle’. Even though I’d bought book 1 first, I read in a few reviews that Able and Meridee’s love story began in that novella. I was really glad to have that nugget of information because I absolutely adored that story. It was just...... So good. :) Our hero is a nerdy genius but he’s also super hot and attractive. And our heroine is just the perfect match for him.
Born in a street behind a church in Scotland, where his supposed mother died right after his birth without even giving him a name, Durable Six has come a long way. The name he’s got is the aftermath of becoming a nameless orphan left unclaimed in a workhouse of Dumfries, where his life was everything that was never nice, loving or pleasant. He’d shortened the silly name to Able later in life to give it some semblance of normalcy. After his initial resistance to death–hence he surpassed the first 5 ‘Durables’ and became number Six that lived—Able fought to survive. He fought hunger, abuse at the hand of his so-called teachers but most of all, he fought death to stay alive.
Able joined Navy to escape the appalling workhouse so I doubt he had any big ambition but as Sailing Master Able Six at 26 he’d already climbed the ladder of success when it comes to HRM Navy. At least as far as success is concerned for a total nobody like him. No one ever heard a person becoming a sailing master at the age of 22 but Able had become what no one has been before. Hell, he’s someone so unique that no one probably had seen anyone like him in the past decades, maybe more, and likely won’t see another for a long time to come. Able Six, what you can describe in the simplest terms possible, is a genius. A polymath; Someone with photographic memory. He’d basically experience anything and remember every single crisp detail. His mind is always whirring. It never stops.
Able had known he’s a bit of a genius from a very young age. But he didn’t know that he was exceptional cause there was no one to guide him until he joined the Navy. From there though, his odd talent (if you can say so) had been quickly found out by not only his mates but also the captains of the ships he’d worked on. And the rest, they say, is history. He’d climbed the ranks not just because of his brilliant memory but also because of the help of a few good captains who’d taken him under their wings.
In ‘The Christmas Angle’, we learned that Able was on half pay from the Navy as a result of the Treaty of Amiens. He was essentially been living day to day on whatever meager amount he had in his sad purse until the day a mate of his offered him a job of sort. To teach the children of the Vicar of his parish who is always busy during the holiday season. And he had a brood of them. Able takes on the job not only because he was hoping to get a bit of extra cash to liven up his life, but also because he just loves teaching, something that comes into play later in the story. What he didn’t know that the perfect woman, if there was such a species, was waiting for him in that small country parish that he’d never been to. To Able though, Meridee was pretty much everything he’d craved all his life but never thought he’d ever find.
Meridee, a self-proclaimed spinster at 24, had given up on marriage a long time ago. Not because she had no interest to but because she had no other options. Having a few too many older sisters robbed Meridee out of the dowry she deserved, and so she’d planned to live out as the ‘fun aunt’ to her rapidly growing brood of nieces and nephews. Meridee was beautiful in her own way and Able was duly smitten because of that. But she was also smart and kind, someone who showed so much genuine interest in him that Able was simply awestruck by it. No decent woman had ever given him that much attention (except if you think of the superficial since he was quite handsome himself). But whatever it was it always ended when they knew of his background.
Meridee and Able’s attraction was instant, their courtship rushed but it ended in marriage despite both never imagining that to be a future prospect.
In the prequel, we observed Able and Meridee’s adorable courtship; we were also awarded glimpses of Able’s unique way of teaching children. The way he could gain the attention of the most mischievous or the shiest and veer them to the right path, teaching them through fun and games. Meridee was already quite taken with Able’s genius mind (among other things ;) ), she also knew instinctively that he’d be a good teacher. A plan hatched to keep him land-bound as long as possible. With the help of two of his staunch champions, Capt. Hallowell and Capt. Belvedere St. Anthony, Meridee lands a job for Able at a little known school for the street-rats called St. Brendan. A school the Navy peeps don’t really talk about cause it’s all about training the above mentioned street-rats AKA workhouse boys into able seamen. There were rumors surrounding as to who funded the school—unknown men of upper echelon of the Navy, maybe even the Crown itself—yet no one acknowledged it. More about that would be revealed in book 2.
If you read the prequel, you’ll also know why Able’s Captains always poked fun at him about gaining a ‘keeper’ as soon as possible. Since his brain didn’t function the way a normal individual’s would, Able’s needed special care. It was always crammed full of too many things; every experience, good or bad, he’d had since he never forgot a thing. To say he was always under stress would be an understatement. In the past, there were incidents that had proven to be too much where he’d been knocked senseless for days because of it which worried anyone cared for him. Able had several ways of alleviating the stress; sometimes by reciting his favorite books with eyes close and trying best to relax; sometimes even chatting with his favorite authors as if they were alive and present in front of him. Another way for him was to have sex. We don’t really get a lot of details or mentions of how he handled that side of his life prior to Meridee since it’s a clean romance and he was more often than not on board a ship (I can assure you he had no interest in men). Let’s just say it didn’t really come up until... it did in book 1. Over and over again in the story. How so? I’ll get to that soon.
After reading and loving ‘A Christmas Angle’, I turned to book 1, The Unlikely Master Genius. This series is basically the continuation of Able and Meridee’s relationship and a whole lot that was going on after they married and moved to Portsmouth when Able joined St. Brendan. So I strongly suggest following series order. Book 1 picks up right from where ‘A Christmas Angle’ ended. As they settled down into their new life full of marital bliss, we gain good narratives of Able’s teaching positions (as he began by taking on multiple subjects due to the shortage of good instructors) and his utmost importance in a place like St. Brendan. Since he was also a workhouse ‘Rat’ (as the St. Brendan boys would call themselves later), no one knew what these boys went through better than Able. That he and Meridee ended up forming lasting bonds with his pupils didn’t come to me as a surprise at all. He was soon proven to be the best choice for an instructor this school has ever made. Meridee, also, found the role of House Mother where they take in boys who needed extra special care—boys who required a lot more coaxing to take part in what is called a ‘normal life’. It gave her something to do; a ‘something’ she loved since she was so, so heartbroken knowing Able’s childhood. She was also getting paid for her role and that was of tremendous help to a couple who previously had not two farthings to rub together. Able and Meridee were provided a big enough house just opposite to the school and she loved running her own household.
But a big majority of the book was also about Able and Meridee’s intense love for one another, which included various references to their sex life. Of course nothing descriptive but enough hints to give you a vague picture and leave it at that. Meridee was ultimately the ‘keeper’ of everything that was Able. There were simply too much going on in their life in such a short time and Able had to work on relieving the stress. Need I explain again how he did that? On every other page there was one mention or innuendo of something that hinted that they were going at it like the bunnies. Well, I certainly would have no problems with that cause they were, after all, newlyweds. And thankfully, Meridee who enjoyed it also knew how it helped her adorably genius husband so she was always up for, uh, helping him. But my problem was with the fact that this series is a clean read. If you’re not going to give me at least a glimpse of what’s going on in their bedroom then stop mentioning it so many freakin’ times! I adored Able (and Meridee) so I was totally invested in him, to a point I’d have loved to know in what way sex worked for him. Which position, why he preferred it. Everything. To give me crumbs then take away the rest was just........ Torture. -_- It bothered me SO MUCH that I ended up not liking book 1 all that much despite some interesting things (not pertaining to their sex life) happening at the school. There were new characters introduced, new workhouse boys, even a sister to one who later got a job at Able’s home since she had nowhere else to go.
In book 1, one of the best things that happened was the introduction of Grace Crocker, sister to the St. Brendan principal Thaddeus Crocker. She was a spinster in her 30s with an inheritance that kept her in style. I don’t remember why Thaddeus joined St. Brendan because they were quite well off TBH. Grace also had the upbringing and the grace of a well-bred lady, even if one would call her plain in looks. In any case, Grace came to teach at St. Brendan too, though she didn’t need to but it was requested by Capt. St. Anthony, whom I introduced in the beginning of my review as an on and off character. Able and he had this relationship that surpassed any social norm or status. Capt. St. Anthony was revered as a hero, who also had power and influence, as well as money while Able basically had nothing until very recently. But the affection they shared was unquestionably genuine; somewhere between the mix of father-son and older-younger brother. What I didn’t know was that he’d also known Grace from a very young age, being Thaddeus’s close friend. Capt. St. Anthony was severely injured in a battle, which left him maimed when he lost a leg. Able had mourned the loss of his spirited Captain, who was now gradually diminishing in front of his eyes. He was very worried. Belvedere was often ill and it seemed like he was beginning to lose his zeal for life. I was so so sad for him because he was suffering so bad, even while he did everything in his power so Able and St. Brendan succeeded. I wanted… no, I NEEDED to see him finding someone to take care of him. To love and cherish him. It seemed quite unfair that a man of his stature would just fade away like that! So when Grace was introduced, I had hope. A tiny shimmering hope that maybe, just maybe.
When book 2 opened up, even in the midst of everything happening, it felt to me like I was visiting old friends. I loved the usual hullabaloo of the year and new students, reacquainting myself with all the other secondary characters with their little quirks. About Able and Meridee’s very established life in St. Brendan, including the introduction of little Ben Six who made his appearance to enrich their life just a few months ago. :) It’s been around 2 yrs. since their lives had changed for the best. There are usual twists and turns, new adventures to be had that I don’t wanna detail in here. I can only say that book 1 was practically setting the base for things that were happening at St. Brendan in book 2. Able, Meridee and his students got caught into all of that. Throw in a few escapee French prisoners (and spies) from a prison ship docked pretty close to St. Brendan, this book had intrigues aplenty! I was pretty much glued to it after the first 30% or so. There was also, yes you guessed it, the repeated ode to Able and Meridee’s sex life but since I was distracted by the aforementioned ‘intrigues’, this time I wasn’t too bothered by it. Book 1 was just...... SMH. No wonder Ben Six made his appearance sooner, rather than later. :P
BUT, but... the best thing, the ‘thing’ that I’ve been waiting for to happen since book 1, begin happening when The Unlikely Spy Catchers was about 2/3rd finished. Grace, oh poor Grace! So in love with Belvedere but she had no idea what to do. How to approach a man so hell-bent on giving up on life? Sigh. Yet, disappointingly, there wasn’t enough of my other favorite couple in this book. Not enough I tell you! Their romance totally rushed to the ending and I didn’t like it. :( I needed more pages, needed to savor it while I watched it develop. I felt Belvedere always had a tendre for Grace but because of the way his life panned out, he had restrained himself. I mean, that needed more exploration...of every kind! -_-
I don’t know if there’d be a book 3 as there were no tangible hints in this book. But to me, it seemed that some businesses were left unfinished so I’m keeping my hopes high that it’s not the end. I really need more of Grace and Sir B. (as people close to Belvedere called him). All in all, 4.25 stars and definitely recommended for the fans of the series.
The Unlikely Spy Catchers is the book 2 of Carla Kelly’s ongoing historical romance series, St. Brendan. My love for this series began with a short novella that you can also call a prequel to the series, which was featured in an anthology. It was titled ‘The Christmas Angle’. Even though I’d bought book 1 first, I read in a few reviews that Able and Meridee’s love story began in that novella. I was really glad to have that nugget of information because I absolutely adored that story. It was just...... So good. :) Our hero is a nerdy genius but he’s also super hot and attractive. And our heroine is just the perfect match for him.
Born in a street behind a church in Scotland, where his supposed mother died right after his birth without even giving him a name, Durable Six has come a long way. The name he’s got is the aftermath of becoming a nameless orphan left unclaimed in a workhouse of Dumfries, where his life was everything that was never nice, loving or pleasant. He’d shortened the silly name to Able later in life to give it some semblance of normalcy. After his initial resistance to death–hence he surpassed the first 5 ‘Durables’ and became number Six that lived—Able fought to survive. He fought hunger, abuse at the hand of his so-called teachers but most of all, he fought death to stay alive.
Able joined Navy to escape the appalling workhouse so I doubt he had any big ambition but as Sailing Master Able Six at 26 he’d already climbed the ladder of success when it comes to HRM Navy. At least as far as success is concerned for a total nobody like him. No one ever heard a person becoming a sailing master at the age of 22 but Able had become what no one has been before. Hell, he’s someone so unique that no one probably had seen anyone like him in the past decades, maybe more, and likely won’t see another for a long time to come. Able Six, what you can describe in the simplest terms possible, is a genius. A polymath; Someone with photographic memory. He’d basically experience anything and remember every single crisp detail. His mind is always whirring. It never stops.
Able had known he’s a bit of a genius from a very young age. But he didn’t know that he was exceptional cause there was no one to guide him until he joined the Navy. From there though, his odd talent (if you can say so) had been quickly found out by not only his mates but also the captains of the ships he’d worked on. And the rest, they say, is history. He’d climbed the ranks not just because of his brilliant memory but also because of the help of a few good captains who’d taken him under their wings.
In ‘The Christmas Angle’, we learned that Able was on half pay from the Navy as a result of the Treaty of Amiens. He was essentially been living day to day on whatever meager amount he had in his sad purse until the day a mate of his offered him a job of sort. To teach the children of the Vicar of his parish who is always busy during the holiday season. And he had a brood of them. Able takes on the job not only because he was hoping to get a bit of extra cash to liven up his life, but also because he just loves teaching, something that comes into play later in the story. What he didn’t know that the perfect woman, if there was such a species, was waiting for him in that small country parish that he’d never been to. To Able though, Meridee was pretty much everything he’d craved all his life but never thought he’d ever find.
Meridee, a self-proclaimed spinster at 24, had given up on marriage a long time ago. Not because she had no interest to but because she had no other options. Having a few too many older sisters robbed Meridee out of the dowry she deserved, and so she’d planned to live out as the ‘fun aunt’ to her rapidly growing brood of nieces and nephews. Meridee was beautiful in her own way and Able was duly smitten because of that. But she was also smart and kind, someone who showed so much genuine interest in him that Able was simply awestruck by it. No decent woman had ever given him that much attention (except if you think of the superficial since he was quite handsome himself). But whatever it was it always ended when they knew of his background.
Meridee and Able’s attraction was instant, their courtship rushed but it ended in marriage despite both never imagining that to be a future prospect.
In the prequel, we observed Able and Meridee’s adorable courtship; we were also awarded glimpses of Able’s unique way of teaching children. The way he could gain the attention of the most mischievous or the shiest and veer them to the right path, teaching them through fun and games. Meridee was already quite taken with Able’s genius mind (among other things ;) ), she also knew instinctively that he’d be a good teacher. A plan hatched to keep him land-bound as long as possible. With the help of two of his staunch champions, Capt. Hallowell and Capt. Belvedere St. Anthony, Meridee lands a job for Able at a little known school for the street-rats called St. Brendan. A school the Navy peeps don’t really talk about cause it’s all about training the above mentioned street-rats AKA workhouse boys into able seamen. There were rumors surrounding as to who funded the school—unknown men of upper echelon of the Navy, maybe even the Crown itself—yet no one acknowledged it. More about that would be revealed in book 2.
If you read the prequel, you’ll also know why Able’s Captains always poked fun at him about gaining a ‘keeper’ as soon as possible. Since his brain didn’t function the way a normal individual’s would, Able’s needed special care. It was always crammed full of too many things; every experience, good or bad, he’d had since he never forgot a thing. To say he was always under stress would be an understatement. In the past, there were incidents that had proven to be too much where he’d been knocked senseless for days because of it which worried anyone cared for him. Able had several ways of alleviating the stress; sometimes by reciting his favorite books with eyes close and trying best to relax; sometimes even chatting with his favorite authors as if they were alive and present in front of him. Another way for him was to have sex. We don’t really get a lot of details or mentions of how he handled that side of his life prior to Meridee since it’s a clean romance and he was more often than not on board a ship (I can assure you he had no interest in men). Let’s just say it didn’t really come up until... it did in book 1. Over and over again in the story. How so? I’ll get to that soon.
After reading and loving ‘A Christmas Angle’, I turned to book 1, The Unlikely Master Genius. This series is basically the continuation of Able and Meridee’s relationship and a whole lot that was going on after they married and moved to Portsmouth when Able joined St. Brendan. So I strongly suggest following series order. Book 1 picks up right from where ‘A Christmas Angle’ ended. As they settled down into their new life full of marital bliss, we gain good narratives of Able’s teaching positions (as he began by taking on multiple subjects due to the shortage of good instructors) and his utmost importance in a place like St. Brendan. Since he was also a workhouse ‘Rat’ (as the St. Brendan boys would call themselves later), no one knew what these boys went through better than Able. That he and Meridee ended up forming lasting bonds with his pupils didn’t come to me as a surprise at all. He was soon proven to be the best choice for an instructor this school has ever made. Meridee, also, found the role of House Mother where they take in boys who needed extra special care—boys who required a lot more coaxing to take part in what is called a ‘normal life’. It gave her something to do; a ‘something’ she loved since she was so, so heartbroken knowing Able’s childhood. She was also getting paid for her role and that was of tremendous help to a couple who previously had not two farthings to rub together. Able and Meridee were provided a big enough house just opposite to the school and she loved running her own household.
But a big majority of the book was also about Able and Meridee’s intense love for one another, which included various references to their sex life. Of course nothing descriptive but enough hints to give you a vague picture and leave it at that. Meridee was ultimately the ‘keeper’ of everything that was Able. There were simply too much going on in their life in such a short time and Able had to work on relieving the stress. Need I explain again how he did that? On every other page there was one mention or innuendo of something that hinted that they were going at it like the bunnies. Well, I certainly would have no problems with that cause they were, after all, newlyweds. And thankfully, Meridee who enjoyed it also knew how it helped her adorably genius husband so she was always up for, uh, helping him. But my problem was with the fact that this series is a clean read. If you’re not going to give me at least a glimpse of what’s going on in their bedroom then stop mentioning it so many freakin’ times! I adored Able (and Meridee) so I was totally invested in him, to a point I’d have loved to know in what way sex worked for him. Which position, why he preferred it. Everything. To give me crumbs then take away the rest was just........ Torture. -_- It bothered me SO MUCH that I ended up not liking book 1 all that much despite some interesting things (not pertaining to their sex life) happening at the school. There were new characters introduced, new workhouse boys, even a sister to one who later got a job at Able’s home since she had nowhere else to go.
In book 1, one of the best things that happened was the introduction of Grace Crocker, sister to the St. Brendan principal Thaddeus Crocker. She was a spinster in her 30s with an inheritance that kept her in style. I don’t remember why Thaddeus joined St. Brendan because they were quite well off TBH. Grace also had the upbringing and the grace of a well-bred lady, even if one would call her plain in looks. In any case, Grace came to teach at St. Brendan too, though she didn’t need to but it was requested by Capt. St. Anthony, whom I introduced in the beginning of my review as an on and off character. Able and he had this relationship that surpassed any social norm or status. Capt. St. Anthony was revered as a hero, who also had power and influence, as well as money while Able basically had nothing until very recently. But the affection they shared was unquestionably genuine; somewhere between the mix of father-son and older-younger brother. What I didn’t know was that he’d also known Grace from a very young age, being Thaddeus’s close friend. Capt. St. Anthony was severely injured in a battle, which left him maimed when he lost a leg. Able had mourned the loss of his spirited Captain, who was now gradually diminishing in front of his eyes. He was very worried. Belvedere was often ill and it seemed like he was beginning to lose his zeal for life. I was so so sad for him because he was suffering so bad, even while he did everything in his power so Able and St. Brendan succeeded. I wanted… no, I NEEDED to see him finding someone to take care of him. To love and cherish him. It seemed quite unfair that a man of his stature would just fade away like that! So when Grace was introduced, I had hope. A tiny shimmering hope that maybe, just maybe.
When book 2 opened up, even in the midst of everything happening, it felt to me like I was visiting old friends. I loved the usual hullabaloo of the year and new students, reacquainting myself with all the other secondary characters with their little quirks. About Able and Meridee’s very established life in St. Brendan, including the introduction of little Ben Six who made his appearance to enrich their life just a few months ago. :) It’s been around 2 yrs. since their lives had changed for the best. There are usual twists and turns, new adventures to be had that I don’t wanna detail in here. I can only say that book 1 was practically setting the base for things that were happening at St. Brendan in book 2. Able, Meridee and his students got caught into all of that. Throw in a few escapee French prisoners (and spies) from a prison ship docked pretty close to St. Brendan, this book had intrigues aplenty! I was pretty much glued to it after the first 30% or so. There was also, yes you guessed it, the repeated ode to Able and Meridee’s sex life but since I was distracted by the aforementioned ‘intrigues’, this time I wasn’t too bothered by it. Book 1 was just...... SMH. No wonder Ben Six made his appearance sooner, rather than later. :P
BUT, but... the best thing, the ‘thing’ that I’ve been waiting for to happen since book 1, begin happening when The Unlikely Spy Catchers was about 2/3rd finished. Grace, oh poor Grace! So in love with Belvedere but she had no idea what to do. How to approach a man so hell-bent on giving up on life? Sigh. Yet, disappointingly, there wasn’t enough of my other favorite couple in this book. Not enough I tell you! Their romance totally rushed to the ending and I didn’t like it. :( I needed more pages, needed to savor it while I watched it develop. I felt Belvedere always had a tendre for Grace but because of the way his life panned out, he had restrained himself. I mean, that needed more exploration...of every kind! -_-
I don’t know if there’d be a book 3 as there were no tangible hints in this book. But to me, it seemed that some businesses were left unfinished so I’m keeping my hopes high that it’s not the end. I really need more of Grace and Sir B. (as people close to Belvedere called him). All in all, 4.25 stars and definitely recommended for the fans of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Exciting sequel to The Unlikely Master Genius. It's now early 1805.
This time around Able Six and the Gunwharf Rats of St Brenden's school get involved with the fleet of prison hulks anchored in their corner of Portsmouth Harbor. The French POWs are wretched, and some still have the energy to plot ways to escape. But do these escapees want to do damage to the nearby munitions stores, ropewalk, and other factories? And who is organizing them and coordinating their efforts?
Nice bit of mystery, with many bonuses: Able and Meridee's baby boy, and two romances.
There's an action-filled climax to the mystery, and HEAs for the two romances. Yay!
Now, I'm waiting for the library to track down the next one, The Unlikely Heroes
This time around Able Six and the Gunwharf Rats of St Brenden's school get involved with the fleet of prison hulks anchored in their corner of Portsmouth Harbor. The French POWs are wretched, and some still have the energy to plot ways to escape. But do these escapees want to do damage to the nearby munitions stores, ropewalk, and other factories? And who is organizing them and coordinating their efforts?
Nice bit of mystery, with many bonuses: Able and Meridee's baby boy, and two romances.
There's an action-filled climax to the mystery, and HEAs for the two romances. Yay!
Now, I'm waiting for the library to track down the next one, The Unlikely Heroes
November 14, 2019
I mean she can write anything and I will be happy but there is such genuine heart in this series.
August 13, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Xl
Young couple Able and Meridee Six have recently welcomed a son, Ben, into their family, and are settling nicely into their life of running a school in Portsmouth for future sailors. Both the school and Able are unusual, as the former sailing master is a bona fide genius with a picture perfect memory, while the school is only for orphaned or illegitimate children.
Able is summoned to appear before the Elder Brothers, and he nervously awaits the meeting, wondering what they could possibly want from him. He has no doubt it’s about the St. Brendan school, and hopes that his successful venture isn’t in jeopardy. He soon finds that the powers-that-be recognize that his school is in an ideal position to view all activity happening in the bustling port, a significant detail because of the war with France. Able is charged with keeping watch for any suspicious activity.
Able and his boys, who have dubbed themselves as the Gunwharf Rats, set up a schedule to keep watch on the port at all hours. There’s currently a ship in port, full of French prisoners of war, and it soon becomes clear that all is not as it should be. Able finds himself in a precarious position when he comes in contact with two escaped and badly mistreated prisoners. Will his humanity or his duty rule his decisions?
THE UNLIKELY SPY CATCHERS weaves history and intrigue into the beautiful continuing love story of Able and Meridee. Able is a very sympathetic hero, as his own upbringing was as an illegitimate child. His photographic memory ensures that he clearly remembers all the abuse and hurts he suffered. Meridee’s strong love for him is the first he’s ever known, and just her touch can calm the whirlwinds that sometimes threaten to overtake his mind. Their relationship is solid, passionate, and even breathtaking at times. When the millions of thoughts that constantly buzz in Able’s mind make him question his sanity, Meridee’s hands on his face will ground him. Unlike a stereotypical genius, Able is playful, kind, and warm. This young couple’s love and devotion for each other and their son jump off the pages. They have enough room in their hearts to not only teach the boys in their school, but to give them love and stability, as well. There is a delightful secondary romance between Ben’s former captain and a teacher at the school. I never feel that I have adequate enough words to do justice to Carla Kelly’s stellar writing. Historical facts are so cleverly woven into a heartwarming love story, that the reader doesn’t even realize how much they’ve actually picked up. As always, I highly recommend this warm and well written story to all fans of historical romance.
Young couple Able and Meridee Six have recently welcomed a son, Ben, into their family, and are settling nicely into their life of running a school in Portsmouth for future sailors. Both the school and Able are unusual, as the former sailing master is a bona fide genius with a picture perfect memory, while the school is only for orphaned or illegitimate children.
Able is summoned to appear before the Elder Brothers, and he nervously awaits the meeting, wondering what they could possibly want from him. He has no doubt it’s about the St. Brendan school, and hopes that his successful venture isn’t in jeopardy. He soon finds that the powers-that-be recognize that his school is in an ideal position to view all activity happening in the bustling port, a significant detail because of the war with France. Able is charged with keeping watch for any suspicious activity.
Able and his boys, who have dubbed themselves as the Gunwharf Rats, set up a schedule to keep watch on the port at all hours. There’s currently a ship in port, full of French prisoners of war, and it soon becomes clear that all is not as it should be. Able finds himself in a precarious position when he comes in contact with two escaped and badly mistreated prisoners. Will his humanity or his duty rule his decisions?
THE UNLIKELY SPY CATCHERS weaves history and intrigue into the beautiful continuing love story of Able and Meridee. Able is a very sympathetic hero, as his own upbringing was as an illegitimate child. His photographic memory ensures that he clearly remembers all the abuse and hurts he suffered. Meridee’s strong love for him is the first he’s ever known, and just her touch can calm the whirlwinds that sometimes threaten to overtake his mind. Their relationship is solid, passionate, and even breathtaking at times. When the millions of thoughts that constantly buzz in Able’s mind make him question his sanity, Meridee’s hands on his face will ground him. Unlike a stereotypical genius, Able is playful, kind, and warm. This young couple’s love and devotion for each other and their son jump off the pages. They have enough room in their hearts to not only teach the boys in their school, but to give them love and stability, as well. There is a delightful secondary romance between Ben’s former captain and a teacher at the school. I never feel that I have adequate enough words to do justice to Carla Kelly’s stellar writing. Historical facts are so cleverly woven into a heartwarming love story, that the reader doesn’t even realize how much they’ve actually picked up. As always, I highly recommend this warm and well written story to all fans of historical romance.
September 20, 2024
Loved it!
July 2, 2019
Author Carla Kelly has pulled on my heartstrings yet again with #2 in the St. Brendan Series. It’s an emotional reading trip through the lives of some very poor, workhouse orphans of English society that are preyed upon viciously by pretty much everybody. The time is early 1800s when Napoleon is raging his way through Europe and the home front of England must be vigilant.
The saviors of the neglected boys are Durable Six and his devoted wife, Meridee. They have opened St. Brendan the Navigator School to teach educational and nautical skills to the boys to give them a chance in life. After all, Durable was once a workhouse orphan boy just as his charges. The sea changed his life and now the two and their devoted small staff will train the forgotten boys. Able’s unique talents are key to his determination to help the Gunwarf Rats succeed.
Off the coast of Portsmouth, the school sees English ships that are filthy, floating prisons for captured French. One French prisoner escapes and finds himself entwined with the Sixes and St. Brendan’s as a teacher. The mystery is whether or not he is a grateful escapee or is he a French spy.
Carla Kelly tops my list of favorite authors. (I’ve read everything she’s written with the exception of her non-fiction works.) Her stories pull me in and teach me of fascinating historical times and places. Characters melt into my heart and soul, and time stands still as I wait for a new adventure to come from Kelly’s pen…or computer. Such is the case with Able & Meri Six and their brood of interesting students. Although I will say I liked #1 better than #2, it’s still a good addition to the series. I give it 3½ stars but will mark it up because I love the characters and look forward to the next installment.
The saviors of the neglected boys are Durable Six and his devoted wife, Meridee. They have opened St. Brendan the Navigator School to teach educational and nautical skills to the boys to give them a chance in life. After all, Durable was once a workhouse orphan boy just as his charges. The sea changed his life and now the two and their devoted small staff will train the forgotten boys. Able’s unique talents are key to his determination to help the Gunwarf Rats succeed.
Off the coast of Portsmouth, the school sees English ships that are filthy, floating prisons for captured French. One French prisoner escapes and finds himself entwined with the Sixes and St. Brendan’s as a teacher. The mystery is whether or not he is a grateful escapee or is he a French spy.
Carla Kelly tops my list of favorite authors. (I’ve read everything she’s written with the exception of her non-fiction works.) Her stories pull me in and teach me of fascinating historical times and places. Characters melt into my heart and soul, and time stands still as I wait for a new adventure to come from Kelly’s pen…or computer. Such is the case with Able & Meri Six and their brood of interesting students. Although I will say I liked #1 better than #2, it’s still a good addition to the series. I give it 3½ stars but will mark it up because I love the characters and look forward to the next installment.
April 1, 2020
Carla Kelly books are filled with people trying to lead good lives, but the author doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of the world in which we live. In this second St. Brendan novel (there's also a novella) we learn more about the lost and abandoned Gunwharf Rats, workhouse boys at St. Brendan the Navigator School in Portsmouth, training for the Royal Navy during the war with Napoleon.
The novel picks up after The Unlikely Master Genius, with polymath Durable (Able) Six and his wife Meri building their school and loving their young charges. But England requires that every man (and woman) do their duty so Meri and Able are enlisted in a further effort to keep the French from England's shores.
While the scenes of violence and the harshness of life can be tough reading, at the end of the day we know that essentially Carla Kelly's books are about ordinary, good people doing the right thing, and that's something we can all use a little more of in our lives. In dark times, books like this remind us that we've been through woes before, and, together, we'll get through them again.
The novel picks up after The Unlikely Master Genius, with polymath Durable (Able) Six and his wife Meri building their school and loving their young charges. But England requires that every man (and woman) do their duty so Meri and Able are enlisted in a further effort to keep the French from England's shores.
While the scenes of violence and the harshness of life can be tough reading, at the end of the day we know that essentially Carla Kelly's books are about ordinary, good people doing the right thing, and that's something we can all use a little more of in our lives. In dark times, books like this remind us that we've been through woes before, and, together, we'll get through them again.
November 18, 2021
The first book in this series (The Unlikely Master Genius) introduced an unforgettable character: Sailing Master Able Six. Able, whose first name is actually Durable, was a workhouse baby, named because he survived being left on the steps of the workhouse on a frigid February morning, and was the sixth child left there that year. And you really need to read the first book, because so much of the second book hinges on what happened in it.
In this second of the series, Britain's war with France has resulted in a lot of prisoners, mostly held on huge prison hulk ships, moored in the harbor, within eyesight of the Six's home and the school at which Able teaches. His school, St Brendan the Navigator School, was formed to accept children from the workhouses and orphanages and teach them skills that would give them employment in the Royal Navy. The intrepid Gunwharf Rats, the youngsters from the school, turn up a evil plot to blow up a factory on the docks. They rescue an escaped French prisoner from the sea - but will he turn out to be a spy, or will he aid them in catching other spies?
Plenty of suspense, romance, humor, and interesting historical details that humanize this difficult period in history in a fascinating way. Highly recommended!
In this second of the series, Britain's war with France has resulted in a lot of prisoners, mostly held on huge prison hulk ships, moored in the harbor, within eyesight of the Six's home and the school at which Able teaches. His school, St Brendan the Navigator School, was formed to accept children from the workhouses and orphanages and teach them skills that would give them employment in the Royal Navy. The intrepid Gunwharf Rats, the youngsters from the school, turn up a evil plot to blow up a factory on the docks. They rescue an escaped French prisoner from the sea - but will he turn out to be a spy, or will he aid them in catching other spies?
Plenty of suspense, romance, humor, and interesting historical details that humanize this difficult period in history in a fascinating way. Highly recommended!
June 14, 2019
Well Worth the Wait
I am so grateful to have this second book in the St. Brendan series. No amount of re-reading the first book, The Unlikely Master Genius, allowed me to imagine the futures of the characters I had grown to love so much. Oh, these characters! Rich in complexity, unusual in their setting, deeply satisfying to observe as they navigate a world at war. I am not actually a fan of stories that take place in a war setting; I usually find them too emotionally draining, even if the ending is “happy.” Ms. Kelly does not spare us the grim realities. I think what she does that allows me to love these books—and her others—so much, is to portray characters who remain open to the salvation of love even in the midst of circumstances that would reduce most of us to despair and bitterness. These characters are not Regency-era Pollyanna’s. They are fully cognizant of the evil that surrounds them. Nonetheless, they manage to recognize Love when it finds them. Not just romantic love, but the kind of love that fosters growth and strength, even in the midst of war. Thank you to Ms. Kelly for sharing this world and these characters.
I am so grateful to have this second book in the St. Brendan series. No amount of re-reading the first book, The Unlikely Master Genius, allowed me to imagine the futures of the characters I had grown to love so much. Oh, these characters! Rich in complexity, unusual in their setting, deeply satisfying to observe as they navigate a world at war. I am not actually a fan of stories that take place in a war setting; I usually find them too emotionally draining, even if the ending is “happy.” Ms. Kelly does not spare us the grim realities. I think what she does that allows me to love these books—and her others—so much, is to portray characters who remain open to the salvation of love even in the midst of circumstances that would reduce most of us to despair and bitterness. These characters are not Regency-era Pollyanna’s. They are fully cognizant of the evil that surrounds them. Nonetheless, they manage to recognize Love when it finds them. Not just romantic love, but the kind of love that fosters growth and strength, even in the midst of war. Thank you to Ms. Kelly for sharing this world and these characters.
July 22, 2022
This is another Carla Kelly book that my wife and I read together. Kelly likes to write about England, especially the Napoleonic wars era. She knows the habits and manners of this time. Master Six and his wife Meri have a beautiful marriage and love, which is validated often in the physical but also in their loyalty and concern for each other's welfare.
Abel Six is still the teacher of the Gun-wharf Rats and is trying to help them overcome their plight as illegitimate children. He and his circle which includes Meri, their baby, towering Mrs. Perry, Sir B(elvedere), and the Rats work together to accomplish many things.
They have uncovered a plot by the French and a few English traitors to blow up some important buildings in Portsmouth. This fits in with some prison ships that are docked in their harbor.
It leads to some excitement and trickery at the end to expose this malevolence. It even includes William Pitt, the prime minister of England assisting Master Six.
Now, we are on to the third volume in the set.
Abel Six is still the teacher of the Gun-wharf Rats and is trying to help them overcome their plight as illegitimate children. He and his circle which includes Meri, their baby, towering Mrs. Perry, Sir B(elvedere), and the Rats work together to accomplish many things.
They have uncovered a plot by the French and a few English traitors to blow up some important buildings in Portsmouth. This fits in with some prison ships that are docked in their harbor.
It leads to some excitement and trickery at the end to expose this malevolence. It even includes William Pitt, the prime minister of England assisting Master Six.
Now, we are on to the third volume in the set.
September 17, 2019
I enjoyed this story, but have to admit I preferred the characters in the short story where I first "met" them (A Country Christmas (Timeless Regency Collection Book 5) ). It was also fun to see the characters from book 1 develop more and to see some happy conclusions to their situations.
This story shows a harder side of life. There is some very descriptive narrative of human brutality to each other in war, as well as attacks on women. I also thought there was a bit much in the descriptions of marital relations.
The story plot is good and does keep you turning pages wanting to know how this will all be resolved.
This story shows a harder side of life. There is some very descriptive narrative of human brutality to each other in war, as well as attacks on women. I also thought there was a bit much in the descriptions of marital relations.
The story plot is good and does keep you turning pages wanting to know how this will all be resolved.
December 25, 2019
Best of the series so far
I recommend reading these books in order, beginning with the novella in Regency Royal Navy Christmas. I have liked all the stories in the series, but this was the best to date. Able and Meri have settled into their marriage and family life, but this loving couple’s family keeps growing as they embrace their Gunwharf Rats, become immersed in wartime intrigue, and a growing bond between Captain Sir Belvedere and Miss Grace Crocker. This series takes place in the port of a Portsmouth early in the Napoleonic War and seems primed for additional installments. Bring them on!
I recommend reading these books in order, beginning with the novella in Regency Royal Navy Christmas. I have liked all the stories in the series, but this was the best to date. Able and Meri have settled into their marriage and family life, but this loving couple’s family keeps growing as they embrace their Gunwharf Rats, become immersed in wartime intrigue, and a growing bond between Captain Sir Belvedere and Miss Grace Crocker. This series takes place in the port of a Portsmouth early in the Napoleonic War and seems primed for additional installments. Bring them on!
June 23, 2019
The discarded boys and how they turn out
The lives of forgotten boys trying to make it in the harsh world of Portsmouth during the Napoleon War, a few are found, educated and loved into making something of themselves. This is really a story of romance between their teacher/leader, his wife and how they all stop French destruction in their part of England. The hint of romance between 2 other couples in this book makes this story endearing along with the happy future of all characters in the story.
The lives of forgotten boys trying to make it in the harsh world of Portsmouth during the Napoleon War, a few are found, educated and loved into making something of themselves. This is really a story of romance between their teacher/leader, his wife and how they all stop French destruction in their part of England. The hint of romance between 2 other couples in this book makes this story endearing along with the happy future of all characters in the story.
March 2, 2020
A heartwarming sequel in the St. Brendan series. Loved meeting up again with genius Master Able Six and all the other St. Brendan characters. This time, he and his students, along with Royal Navy commanders and school benefactors, work to breakup the nefarious plans of a spy ring involving the prison hulks anchored off their town of Portsmouth. Along the way, Able and Merri's love grows (along with their little family) and new loves blossom. Although I thought it wasn't quite as good as the first, this lively crew and their adventures still had me glued to the pages.
September 28, 2020
I have enjoyed the St. Brendan Regency series by Carla Kelly. The characters have depth and the children of St. Brendan will win your heart. This story had a few areas that did not flow smoothly, but overall it was a well written and entertaining story. The romance between married couple, Able and Meridee Six is a bit sensual, but overall clean. There are a few violent situations on the Portsmouth wharf. The story has conclusion, but is building an overall storyline that will focus on the British and French naval battle in the third book.
October 23, 2019
WORTH THE WAIT
I am an ardent fan of Carla Kelly. I have almost read everything she has written. I was delighted when she started writing a new series. Her stories are always tender, detailed, creating beautiful characters that remain with you long after you have read the last page. She always makes me cry. If you want a novel with heart and soul read a Carly Kelly novel. You can count on a true love story that is clean and dignified.
I am an ardent fan of Carla Kelly. I have almost read everything she has written. I was delighted when she started writing a new series. Her stories are always tender, detailed, creating beautiful characters that remain with you long after you have read the last page. She always makes me cry. If you want a novel with heart and soul read a Carly Kelly novel. You can count on a true love story that is clean and dignified.
May 27, 2019
Carla Kelly does it again!
I have read her books for years with some enjoyed more than others. This is a continuation from the first book. The twist and turns, the unexpected couples coming together, naval history all in a very believable story! This series will be one of those pull out and once a year and read.
I have read her books for years with some enjoyed more than others. This is a continuation from the first book. The twist and turns, the unexpected couples coming together, naval history all in a very believable story! This series will be one of those pull out and once a year and read.
May 31, 2019
I LOVED the Unlikely Spy Catchers. It was hard to put down. Carla Kelly is a master storyteller and creates such memorable characters. Abel and Meridee Six are among her best. Her secondary characters are as compelling as Abel and Meri. I sincerely hope there will be more heartwarming St. Brendan books in this series. Thanks, Carla for two days of sheer pleasure!
April 24, 2020
I loved these characters and the dockside setting and enjoyed revisiting them. The author excels at character development and there were several new relationships that I would love to see as the centerpieces of their own stories.
I do wish that I'd read the two books in the series back to back, guess I'll just have to revisit them both!
I do wish that I'd read the two books in the series back to back, guess I'll just have to revisit them both!
May 26, 2019
Love this story
I am a Carla Kelly fan. I love the way she writes about "normal" people in recency times- not just the rich. Although, as we learn in these stories, there is nothing normal about Able and Meri Six! Good story, well written as always.
I am a Carla Kelly fan. I love the way she writes about "normal" people in recency times- not just the rich. Although, as we learn in these stories, there is nothing normal about Able and Meri Six! Good story, well written as always.
June 23, 2019
Beautiful
I adore these characters. Kelly continues to craft a world of complex beauty in dark times. These characters are well crafted and you will feel their joys and pain. Truely a work of art.
I adore these characters. Kelly continues to craft a world of complex beauty in dark times. These characters are well crafted and you will feel their joys and pain. Truely a work of art.
August 14, 2019
Wonderful story, as always
Loved the continuation of the story of Durable and Meridee Six. With Czrla Kelly you get a compelling story and the greatest characters. I highly recommend versus writes.
Loved the continuation of the story of Durable and Meridee Six. With Czrla Kelly you get a compelling story and the greatest characters. I highly recommend versus writes.
October 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful tale of boys taught at St. Brendan's. There are French enemies hiding near the harbor. There is romance, teaching, and love ( of children!) Who knows how these boys will help to save the pulley factory.
August 17, 2019
Such a wonderful series! Look forward to each new book. Carla Kelly writes with her own distinctive voice, like no other Regency romance author.
January 15, 2020
Wonderful
Very interesting characters continue to develop and delighted, while new characters appear and a future plot unfolds, if I’m not mistaken! I love curly Kelly’s work.
Very interesting characters continue to develop and delighted, while new characters appear and a future plot unfolds, if I’m not mistaken! I love curly Kelly’s work.
January 27, 2020
I started reading this because I read the first part in a clean regency anthology. This was DEFINITELY not clean, so I skipped to the end.
Read
February 7, 2020Loved it!
December 24, 2020
I liked the first in the series better. A little slow and hard to get into, but ended well.
December 3, 2021
Able Six, his family and St Brendan's School get caught up in helping the war effort by watching for activity involving the prison ships in Portsmouth harbor. They get involved with a couple of runaways, a plot to endanger the Navy supply production and a little matchmaking. A fun adventure and an endearing story.
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