An Agent for Clarissa

by Laura Ashwood

In order to avoid a marriage she doesn’t want, Clarissa Ferguson will have to get married to a man she doesn’t know.

Clarissa Ferguson craves a life of adventure. The last thing she wants is to become a socialite and marry a curmudgeon to appease her mother. When she sees an advertisement for female Pinkerton Agents, she leaves on the next available train to Denver Colorado. What she doesn't expect is to meet a handsome man on the train who ends up being her new trainer.

Noah Harding is recovering from the loss of his wife and family, and vows never to marry again. He throws himself into his work as a Pinkerton agent and has finally found a sense of purpose. He prides himself on being able to read people, that is until he observes a peculiar woman on a train headed west. What he didn't count on was that she is the newest Pinkerton Agent and he is required to marry her to solve a murder.

Will Noah be able to stay focused on the case with Clarissa distracting him? Will he be able to protect her when the case puts Clarissa's life in danger? When the case forces them to pretend to be something they aren't, what happens when their feelings become real?

Genres: Historical, Historical Mystery, Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2020

About the author

Laura Ashwood writes sweet romance happily ever after's and compelling women's fiction. She lives in northern Minnesota with her amazing husband and two very spoiled Chihuahuas. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with their four adult children and their families, cooking, fishing, watching Food Network, and reading. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute little story. I wanted something light and quick and this worked. I've tried to read several of these and normally end up stopping but this one kept me interested. There was a bit of a Christian element and this was squeaky clean.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Clarissa and Noah's story. It has action, suspense, drama and romance, and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This book was a joy to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The author has done a wonderful job of weaving real settings and people into her book. The Pinkerton Detective Agency has a rich history with women involved in it. I liked the heroine Clarissa and her vulnerability. This is a short, sweet romance.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa is a young lady that is so against marriage that she stands up to her Mother's attempt at getting her married before she becomes a spinster. Amy who is Clarissa's best friend suggests that she finds her own husband to keep her Mother from picking one for her. As she is looking through the paper she finds an ad for women to join the Pinkerton Agency. So she answers it and is accepted.

A really good story that you will enjoy. Clarissa has a mind of her own but works well with her new partner. Check it out. Can't wait to read more books by Laura Ashwood

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and Clarissa is a good new agent. Unfortunately she really has no idea what she is signing on to do. Noah loved being a Pinkerton agent and had avoided the Denver office because he had no intention to marry a new female agent in order for them to be trained. Fate has plans for both of them. Laura Ashwood has given us an entertaining story line, interesting characters, a mystery, danger and romance. I enjoyed this book.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a genuinely beautiful story. No typically drawn to romance stories but historical fiction always catches my eye. Laura Ashwood did a good job about building two solid characters. And historically accurate. Pinkertons did hire women to be agents. Now the premise of this story is romance. Will she fall in love with her trainer? But her first case as Pinkerton agent...interesting and intriguing.

[Terri Rosa Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Danger by Laura Ashwood is a beautifully written historical romance with just the right touch of adventure. Clarissa refuses to settle for a forced marriage—her heart longs for something greater. Noah believes his life has no place for love or marriage, yet that’s exactly what he finds with his unexpected partner-in-training.

Laura Ashwood weaves together adventure, heartfelt storytelling, and sweet romance to create a truly enjoyable and worthwhile read!

[Zona Fannin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarissa's mother is trying to force her to marry a man old enough to be her father because he is rich and has connections. Clarissa does not want to marry at all, so she runs away to become a Pinkerton agent. Noah is her partner and becomes her husband . They work on a murder on a murder case that has some unusual twists. Great story. I couldn't put it down

[Marion Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story about a young lady who knew what she wanted. A man who was sure he did as well. I love the way Clarissa and Noah interacted. They were good as a team and Noah realized that Clarissa wasn't a push over and was very smart. It was a good clean book and I am looking to enjoy more of Laura Ashwood's books

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Long and Short of It

This was a delightful romance between a woman who did not want to get pressured into marriage, so she left home to become a Pinkerton agent, which required her to marry. I enjoyed reading about the case the pair was to solve inspired by a true case involving a real female Pinkerton. Great characters and well-written. A good read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Agent for Clarissa

Clarissa met Noah on the train to Denver and was very thankful when he saved her life. Little did they know they would not only meet again at the Pinkerton office but would soon be married. Clarissa may be a newbie to being an agent but takes to it extremely well and catches the culprit. Now, can she catch a husband too?

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical romance…

Courting Danger is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve ever read! Not only HF, it’s an amazing romantic mystery that is well written but also well researched. The characters are realistic, likable and well developed. I love the unique storyline as it surprised me several times. I highly recommend it!

Kindle Unlimited

[Kimberly Borup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pinkerton agent mystery and romance

An entertaining and clean romance. Trying to escape another man that her mother was pushing her to wed, Clarissa finds a way out. She joins the Pinkerton agency to find a different adventure and this is where the story really takes off. I enjoyed this HEA.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I loved reading Clarissa and Noah's story.😍 Amazing job! If you love romance this book is definitely a must read!

[Becky Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

I have read every book in this series.I hate to see it end....this book was a perfect one to finish the series...it was so good...left you wanting more..New author for me I think...looking for more by her

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger

I enjoy reading about Pinkerton detectives.It was fun reading about Clarissa. We all have different personalities and dreams. This book describes so much about struggles, dreams and was entertaining.

[Alice Kimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning, the reader is pulled in and is rooting for Clarissa. She carries is along on many adventures. This story is full of drama with a happily ever after. Very enjoyable reading!!!

[Candyce Vee Zern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so good!

Loved this story! I had so much fun with Clarissa and Noah. Meeting on a train and then being assigned together on a case was perfect!

[Lisa Dierks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick read that has love & adventure, check out this one from a MN author.

[Judith Syren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!

I love the mixture of intrigue and romance. I'm so glad everything worked out inthe end for the best. Great book!

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line and characters.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed this story. That was interesting. There was a twist that I didn't see coming. I really liked the main characters, too. Highly recommend!

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story!!!
Instead of letting her Momma marry her off to a man she can't stand, Clarissa decides to take her future into her own hands. She sets off to join the Denver office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency.
Noah is headed to the Denver office for an assignment when he meets Clarissa on the train. Who knew they would not only both end up in the Denver office but that they would be sent on the same assignment? Can Clarissa use her talents to help on the case? Will Noah get accustomed to his new partner? Will their partnership grow to something deeper?
This is a clean, sweet romance.
I loved it!!! There are so many good books in this series, but Clarissa's story stands out. It is one of my favourites. The story is cute, engaging, humorous and intriguing. There is so much to love about this book.
Don't miss reading this book!! If you haven't read others in the series, you can read this book by itself and not be lost.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her parents want her to marry a man JUST because of his political connections.
Fortunately her friend has the idea of a mail order bride . . .and the Pinkerton agency is recruiting FEMALE agents - who have to marry the man who trains them. THIS IS A SUPERB BOOK. LOVED IT!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This author writes very well! I loved the suspense in this story along with the drama and romance. Ms. Ashwood is a talented writer that brings you in with her well-written characters and her stories that keep you on your toes. I have read a couple of other books of hers and in each book, she surprises you. Must read!

[Michal Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh, I really enjoyed this book… lots of suspense and sweet love in between! It was fun to watch Clarissa and Noah fall for each other as they partnered as detectives on a creative case. Enjoy!
I received this book as an ARC, and am willingly reviewing it!

[Cortni · Rating 5 out of 5]

With out giving to much away I can say this book was fantastic. It wasn’t something I would normally read. It was a mix of mystery and romance. It was a very easy read! I had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommend!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little novella by a new to me author!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful story

I really enjoyed this story and I hope to read more books by this author. I enjoyed the characters as well. This was a Christian and clean story.