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To Entice a Spy
In 1794, Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne seeks revenge for the brutal death of her female companion during a Paris riot. On her return to England, Eseld delves into espionage to defeat the French rebels.
Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld’s childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife’s death. He’s determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.
A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He’s intent on revenge against those who oppose him.
With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.
Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld’s childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife’s death. He’s determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.
A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He’s intent on revenge against those who oppose him.
With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.
Unknown Binding
Published October 10, 2021
35 people want to read
About the author
Diane Scott Lewis
26 books181 followersDiane Scott Lewis grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and joined the Navy at nineteen. She wrote book reviews for the Historical Novel Review magazine and was a historical editor for The Wild Rose Press. She'd been on editorial panels and a digital panel for the HNS. Her first novel was published in 2010. She's had numerous historical novels published since: adventure, romantic elements, and a time-travel. She also published a Revolutionary war novel told from the British side-Her Vanquished Land.
Her current release is a WWII romantic suspense, Bretagne, a forbidden affair.
Her current release is a WWII romantic suspense, Bretagne, a forbidden affair.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 22, 2021
The book starts off as a mystery trying to solve which aristocrat is a French spy. The history of the book is so well researched as is the French Revolution. Childhood friends reconnect and each is trying to discover who is spying for France. There is a shift midway into the story that deals with time travel and I think a character from the book Beyond the Fall, a time-travel adventure is introduced. I enjoyed that part a bit more than the spy novel and may read the book. The romance is secondary to finding the spy. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
November 5, 2021
Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne seeks revenge for the brutal death of her female companion during a Paris riot. On her return to England, Eseld delves into espionage to defeat the French rebels.
Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld's childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife's death. He's determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.
A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He's intent on revenge against those who oppose him.
With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.
This is a good story of treachery and love. Spies abound in this tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Baron Robert Penhale, Eseld's childhood love, rejoins the Secret Services after his wife's death. He's determined to protect England from the revolution terrorizing France.
A ruthless French spy fights for the common man while disguised as an English aristocrat. He's intent on revenge against those who oppose him.
With the spy stalking them and Robert in fear for Eseld's life, the fate of the couple verges on disaster.
This is a good story of treachery and love. Spies abound in this tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 19, 2021
I found an intricate map of Truro England in the 18th century and wanted to set a spy story there. A strong woman who isn't a blushing debutante, an ex-love, and a ruthless spy, all during the French Revolution. Murder, passion, and bits of humor. I hope everyone enjoys the story.
November 11, 2021
Widowed Countess Eseld has spent years living in France, where she’d moved with her daughter to assuage her grief. Yet as the Revolution rages in 1794, she’s battered again by the violent death of her beloved ladies’ maid / companion. Eseld offers to become a spy to avenge the tragedy and returns to England, to pursue her quest and to keep her teen daughter safe.
She reenters society and feigns interest in a handful of men to try to rout the spy. But her mission is complicated by awakened feelings for her boyhood love, Baron Robert Penhale. Penhale also is widowed now, and he fights his desire for her while sharing the urgency to capture the spy funneling money to support France’s upheaval. Yet even as she’s drawn to him, Eseld holds back her own intentions, knowing he’d warn her away from the dangerous endeavor.
Reading To Entice a Spy deeply immerses readers into Truro, England in the late 18th century. Author Diane Scott Lewis has a great capacity for historical detail, adding many nuances to enhance the Regency setting. The novel called up images of the swoon-worthy PBS drama, Poldark – one of my favorites. Eseld is a strong, likeable heroine, who exhibits courage and moxie through her mission, even while upholding the propriety of her station. It was lovely watching the childhood sweethearts reunite, even as challenges interfere.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
She reenters society and feigns interest in a handful of men to try to rout the spy. But her mission is complicated by awakened feelings for her boyhood love, Baron Robert Penhale. Penhale also is widowed now, and he fights his desire for her while sharing the urgency to capture the spy funneling money to support France’s upheaval. Yet even as she’s drawn to him, Eseld holds back her own intentions, knowing he’d warn her away from the dangerous endeavor.
Reading To Entice a Spy deeply immerses readers into Truro, England in the late 18th century. Author Diane Scott Lewis has a great capacity for historical detail, adding many nuances to enhance the Regency setting. The novel called up images of the swoon-worthy PBS drama, Poldark – one of my favorites. Eseld is a strong, likeable heroine, who exhibits courage and moxie through her mission, even while upholding the propriety of her station. It was lovely watching the childhood sweethearts reunite, even as challenges interfere.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
July 19, 2022
Set in the time of the French Revolution, To Entice a Spy is cleverly written from the English point of view. The tightly written plot follows the exploits of the headstrong, resourceful English widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne and her childhood love Baron Robert Penhale as they both work separately and unbeknownst to one another to root out a French spy disguised as an English aristocrat intent on financially supporting the revolution in France by using ill begotten British funds.
Experienced historical fiction author Diane Scott Lewis did her homework and it shows. She embeds readers in the story from the first page on with her remarkably in-depth descriptions of the times. Readers are swept into the story and become a part of it by experiencing the architecture, fashions, foods, drinks, smells, sights, social mores, and sounds of England in the 1790s.
Lewis has penned a deftly plotted tale that weaves ribbons of mystery and romance into a historical event and makes it come alive. The tautly written story is driven by love, loss, trust, betrayal, family ties, and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity created by both human fallibility and fate. The story moves at a comfortable pace with flawed, but believable characters who drive the plot. Readers find themselves rooting for the protagonists from the beginning to the end of the tale. The characters evoke strong emotions in readers right from page one. This reader found herself wanting to hug Eseld and Robert on one page and throttle them on the next. Lewis creates a huge conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all turns out.
Part romance, part mystery, part thriller, and a part second chance at love; To Entice a Spy will capture the imagination of readers who enjoy a passionate love story fueled by human frailty, intrigue, and suspense. This terrific book has more than earned the five-star rating this reader has given it.
Experienced historical fiction author Diane Scott Lewis did her homework and it shows. She embeds readers in the story from the first page on with her remarkably in-depth descriptions of the times. Readers are swept into the story and become a part of it by experiencing the architecture, fashions, foods, drinks, smells, sights, social mores, and sounds of England in the 1790s.
Lewis has penned a deftly plotted tale that weaves ribbons of mystery and romance into a historical event and makes it come alive. The tautly written story is driven by love, loss, trust, betrayal, family ties, and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity created by both human fallibility and fate. The story moves at a comfortable pace with flawed, but believable characters who drive the plot. Readers find themselves rooting for the protagonists from the beginning to the end of the tale. The characters evoke strong emotions in readers right from page one. This reader found herself wanting to hug Eseld and Robert on one page and throttle them on the next. Lewis creates a huge conflict with a backstory to keep readers turning the pages to see how it all turns out.
Part romance, part mystery, part thriller, and a part second chance at love; To Entice a Spy will capture the imagination of readers who enjoy a passionate love story fueled by human frailty, intrigue, and suspense. This terrific book has more than earned the five-star rating this reader has given it.
November 19, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.
This is a historical novel set in Truro, in 1790, with the return of Eseld, widowed Countess of Trehearne, home, after being in France for several years. It was a traumatic period for her, first with losing her husband, the Earl, suddenly to a heart attack. This prompted her to flee to France, to be with her stepmother, for some emotional comfort after her loss. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in the Revolution there and stuck until she could safely arrange papers to return to England for her daughter and herself. In the process of trying to gain this, she is witness to some horrors of the Revolution, including the murder of her friend and companion, Hester.
This prompts desires for vengeance against the Revolutionaries, and she begins some clandestine work to try to uncover spy activity in Truro on her return. Returning also brings about some strong memories, including her loss of her husband. After all, they shared many years together and grew to love each other, and had two children together. But, her marriage was an arranged one. Her first love, Robert, Baron Penhale, also lives in Truro. He is recently widowed, and on seeing Eseld again, realizes there is still a strong attraction, but their stations in life have changed, as she is a Countess, and he is too far below her in the social strata.
Also, he is also covertly working with the government and local officials to try to flush out those who are supporting the French Revolution; spies and traitors. There are rumours that there is female aristocrat, recently returned from France, who may be working with a Royalist Duc, and he suspects Eseld, and worries for her safety.
Eseld engages in the social events in Truro to get closer to various members of local society, reengage in friendships, but also to strike up relationships with various men, to winnow out who could potentially be a spy/informant. This raises worries, and jealousy in Robert. Eseld also comes to realize that she may be in over her head, especially when she realizes the danger that her daughter may be exposed to.
This was a very enjoyable novel in many aspects. A spy and intrigue story with good historical bones. I found the love story of Eseld and Robert to be quite touching and very believable. They were childhood friends and sweethearts, pulled apart into different relationships. She came to love her husband and was broken apart when she lost him. He married, and while he did not love his wife the way he loved Eseld, it sounded like he cared and respected her, and did come to love her, only to lose her tragically as well. But then the two lost loves ended up finding each other again. I enjoyed the quiet strength of Eseld, and her relationship with her daughter and her support of the daughter's rather unusual hobby and interests. One thing I found confusing was the introduction of a time travel/supernatural element to the story. It did not fit in with the tone of the story. However, as I look back on the other works of the author, it does reference a previous book she had written, even though this does not appear to be a sequel or part of a series with that other book. Those tidbits seemed quite out of place and a bit jarring in the storyline. Interesting, but distracting and detracting I felt, even though there is the allusion to the rise of Bonaparte and the long duration of the impending war. I did however enjoy the little twist of turning paper clips and shampoo, some things that we take for granted today, into an entrepreneurial endeavour though.
Regardless, I did feel this was a good read about second chance love, with mild intrigue. The history was sound, the dialogue interesting. The action rather mild, but does draw you in, and there was a bit of mystery as to the various factions involved, especially as it would appear that Eseld and Robert may be working for two different entities that may or may not be at cross purposes?
3.5 stars out of 5 for me.
This is a historical novel set in Truro, in 1790, with the return of Eseld, widowed Countess of Trehearne, home, after being in France for several years. It was a traumatic period for her, first with losing her husband, the Earl, suddenly to a heart attack. This prompted her to flee to France, to be with her stepmother, for some emotional comfort after her loss. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in the Revolution there and stuck until she could safely arrange papers to return to England for her daughter and herself. In the process of trying to gain this, she is witness to some horrors of the Revolution, including the murder of her friend and companion, Hester.
This prompts desires for vengeance against the Revolutionaries, and she begins some clandestine work to try to uncover spy activity in Truro on her return. Returning also brings about some strong memories, including her loss of her husband. After all, they shared many years together and grew to love each other, and had two children together. But, her marriage was an arranged one. Her first love, Robert, Baron Penhale, also lives in Truro. He is recently widowed, and on seeing Eseld again, realizes there is still a strong attraction, but their stations in life have changed, as she is a Countess, and he is too far below her in the social strata.
Also, he is also covertly working with the government and local officials to try to flush out those who are supporting the French Revolution; spies and traitors. There are rumours that there is female aristocrat, recently returned from France, who may be working with a Royalist Duc, and he suspects Eseld, and worries for her safety.
Eseld engages in the social events in Truro to get closer to various members of local society, reengage in friendships, but also to strike up relationships with various men, to winnow out who could potentially be a spy/informant. This raises worries, and jealousy in Robert. Eseld also comes to realize that she may be in over her head, especially when she realizes the danger that her daughter may be exposed to.
This was a very enjoyable novel in many aspects. A spy and intrigue story with good historical bones. I found the love story of Eseld and Robert to be quite touching and very believable. They were childhood friends and sweethearts, pulled apart into different relationships. She came to love her husband and was broken apart when she lost him. He married, and while he did not love his wife the way he loved Eseld, it sounded like he cared and respected her, and did come to love her, only to lose her tragically as well. But then the two lost loves ended up finding each other again. I enjoyed the quiet strength of Eseld, and her relationship with her daughter and her support of the daughter's rather unusual hobby and interests. One thing I found confusing was the introduction of a time travel/supernatural element to the story. It did not fit in with the tone of the story. However, as I look back on the other works of the author, it does reference a previous book she had written, even though this does not appear to be a sequel or part of a series with that other book. Those tidbits seemed quite out of place and a bit jarring in the storyline. Interesting, but distracting and detracting I felt, even though there is the allusion to the rise of Bonaparte and the long duration of the impending war. I did however enjoy the little twist of turning paper clips and shampoo, some things that we take for granted today, into an entrepreneurial endeavour though.
Regardless, I did feel this was a good read about second chance love, with mild intrigue. The history was sound, the dialogue interesting. The action rather mild, but does draw you in, and there was a bit of mystery as to the various factions involved, especially as it would appear that Eseld and Robert may be working for two different entities that may or may not be at cross purposes?
3.5 stars out of 5 for me.
November 12, 2021
Before the reader gets very far into this novel, the history chops of Diane Scott Lewis become quite evident. As a worldwide traveler, a navy veteran, and a member of the Historical Novel Society, she has amassed a considerable knowledge of history and that knowledge is on clear display in her new novel, TO ENTICE A SPY. Her story is set among the privileged class (and others) in England in mid 1790’s against the backdrop of the chilling repercussions of the ongoing French Revolution. Don’t get me wrong, TO ENTICE A SPY includes a serviceable mystery/suspense and is wrapped in a nice period romance, but the immersion in the historical period steals the show. Readers get a feel for the confusion and uncertainty that marked this era and through the author’s POV of Pierre, they even get a glimpse of the ardor that gripped the French revolutionaries. As just one example of her penchant for historical detail, readers even get to enjoy the particular wine and drink favored by both the upper and lower classes at the time.
I was also struck by the author’s creation of a central character in Eseld, a woman very much of her time but with a mind of her own and one who was willing to question the society norms she was born into. Certainly a character who will resonate with modern day readers, especially those who treasure a bit of history with their romance.
Readers looking for a nice escape into a captivating past will find much to love in Diane Scott Lewis’s TO ENTICE A SPY.
I was also struck by the author’s creation of a central character in Eseld, a woman very much of her time but with a mind of her own and one who was willing to question the society norms she was born into. Certainly a character who will resonate with modern day readers, especially those who treasure a bit of history with their romance.
Readers looking for a nice escape into a captivating past will find much to love in Diane Scott Lewis’s TO ENTICE A SPY.
October 13, 2021
To Entice a Spy by Diane Scott Lewis is a beautiful standalone novel set during the French Revolution. This setting alone tells you the costumes are divine and the hero magnificent.
I enjoyed the fact that the heroine is not a young ingenue. Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne is the mother of two children, one away at school and 14-year-old Clorenda, who nearly steals the scenes she is in with her wit and loving heart.
Robert Penhale is back in the employ of England's Secret Service, attempting to discover a French spy working amongst the titled English. The beauty and maturity of his past love, Eseld, draws her back into his orbit. Little does he know she has her own agenda after witnessing too many horrors while in France with her stepmother.
The author's research into the period shines through in every paragraph of this tale. I was never pulled out of the story by a tidbit that didn't ring true.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and To Entice a Spy ranks among the best. Please pick up a copy today, especially if you are a fan of well-written tales of romance and intrigue.
I received a copy of the book for a Goddess Fish Promotional blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
I enjoyed the fact that the heroine is not a young ingenue. Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne is the mother of two children, one away at school and 14-year-old Clorenda, who nearly steals the scenes she is in with her wit and loving heart.
Robert Penhale is back in the employ of England's Secret Service, attempting to discover a French spy working amongst the titled English. The beauty and maturity of his past love, Eseld, draws her back into his orbit. Little does he know she has her own agenda after witnessing too many horrors while in France with her stepmother.
The author's research into the period shines through in every paragraph of this tale. I was never pulled out of the story by a tidbit that didn't ring true.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and To Entice a Spy ranks among the best. Please pick up a copy today, especially if you are a fan of well-written tales of romance and intrigue.
I received a copy of the book for a Goddess Fish Promotional blog tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
April 19, 2022
Intrigue. Espionage. Romance.
If you love these elements in an historical novel, then you’ll fall in love with to Entice a Spy by Diane Scott Lewis. Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne has returned to England following an extended stay in France during the tumultuous French Revolution. She’s determined to avenge the death of her female companion.
Eseld finds herself deep in the world of espionage when she agrees to root out a French rebel spy. A woman with a mind of her own, she doesn’t heed the pleading of her childhood love, and now widower, Baron Robert Penhale, to leave the spying to the men. Eseld doesn’t realize that he’s working in an official capacity to protect England from French terrorists.
Her actions not only put her own life at risk, but also that of her 14-year-old daughter.
Within all this, a romance between her and Robert blossoms.
Lewis deftly transports the reader to another era, highlighting both its pageantry and perils filled with well-developed characters who come to life on the page. You’ll especially love Eseld’s precocious daughter, Clorenda, who’s kindness to and love of animals deserves a special place in your hearts.
A remarkable story with twists and turns, To Entice a Spy will keep you turning the page.
If you love these elements in an historical novel, then you’ll fall in love with to Entice a Spy by Diane Scott Lewis. Widowed Countess Eseld Trehearne has returned to England following an extended stay in France during the tumultuous French Revolution. She’s determined to avenge the death of her female companion.
Eseld finds herself deep in the world of espionage when she agrees to root out a French rebel spy. A woman with a mind of her own, she doesn’t heed the pleading of her childhood love, and now widower, Baron Robert Penhale, to leave the spying to the men. Eseld doesn’t realize that he’s working in an official capacity to protect England from French terrorists.
Her actions not only put her own life at risk, but also that of her 14-year-old daughter.
Within all this, a romance between her and Robert blossoms.
Lewis deftly transports the reader to another era, highlighting both its pageantry and perils filled with well-developed characters who come to life on the page. You’ll especially love Eseld’s precocious daughter, Clorenda, who’s kindness to and love of animals deserves a special place in your hearts.
A remarkable story with twists and turns, To Entice a Spy will keep you turning the page.
April 17, 2022
This book gives us an interesting and unique take on the French Revolution, as it’s told mainly from the English point of view. As one who learned much about this time period in history class, I enjoyed the new perspective very much. This is quite the Historical Romance—full of precise research and immense detail, it delves into the roles of spies on both sides of the Channel. The historical figures are well-represented. The sights, sounds and especially the smells of eighteenth-century Cornwall are all here. Think of being immersed in a period drama, and you’ll have a good idea of my experience.
My hat is off to the author for this creation. There are no holds barred in this story. It was not an easy or a comfortable time to be alive. Her heroine, the widow Eseld, deals with her reality and her attraction to the hero bravely and well. The other characters—especially one of her villains—are multi-dimensional and real. I should have guessed the end, but I’m pleased to say I didn’t. If you love exacting Historical Romance, this one’s for you.
My hat is off to the author for this creation. There are no holds barred in this story. It was not an easy or a comfortable time to be alive. Her heroine, the widow Eseld, deals with her reality and her attraction to the hero bravely and well. The other characters—especially one of her villains—are multi-dimensional and real. I should have guessed the end, but I’m pleased to say I didn’t. If you love exacting Historical Romance, this one’s for you.
May 7, 2022
Traitors, spies, mobs, reign of terror, prelude to war and love rekindled after a long delay. Through the book I kept asking myself, “But who is the French spy?” The main character is on a mission to identify him while protecting her children and establishing herself in the role of widow in a society that places women on a pedestal and at the same time treats them as weak in body and mind. Most men in her world treat her as a lovely wealthy widow without a brain. They are half right; she is a lovely wealthy widow.
Enjoyed the way the author handled point of view, even the villain(s). Though the historical element is just before Napoleon seizes power, the story is timely as somewhere in the world there is always political conflict and its threat of war.
I recommend this book if you enjoy strong female characters, facts from both English and French history and a romance between people working on the same project from different perspectives.
Enjoyed the way the author handled point of view, even the villain(s). Though the historical element is just before Napoleon seizes power, the story is timely as somewhere in the world there is always political conflict and its threat of war.
I recommend this book if you enjoy strong female characters, facts from both English and French history and a romance between people working on the same project from different perspectives.
May 19, 2022
To Entice a Spy will have readers clamoring for more after reading Diane Scott Lewis’s historical romance. The historical settings and descriptions made me feel as if I were right there in England, especially the parties. The mystery and intrigue made for a compelling story. Lewis’s research in England and France in the late 1700s is commendable. Every aspect describing the setting, clothing, and food was sound. Though I found the main characters Eseld and Robert charming, I kept wanting even more, deeper insight into their feelings for each other. To Entice a Spy had a lot of characters which, although they added to the pool of possible spies, was hard to follow at times. The time travel character Tamale Powhele seemed out of place with the storyline, but overall, the story had believable characters, great settings, smooth dialogue, and a solid compelling mystery.
May 17, 2022
Full of passion and intrigue, To Entice a Spy is an engaging historical romance. It's richly layered with oodles of historical detail and steeped in the time period and place. Our heroine, Eseld, is independent and spunky, fiercely able to manage on her own, yet longing for love after the death of her husband. A second chance romance sparks with Robert, the love of her youth, and their story is woven in and among the spy plot. With a wide cast of characters and lots of intrigue, the book requires you to turn on your brain to keep the story line straight and keeps you guessing to the end. And I just adored Eseld's animal-loving daughter, Clorenda. If you enjoy a complex drama of espionage with romance and even a pinch of time travel woven in, this book is for you!
April 18, 2022
If you’re looking for an exciting historical romance filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense and memorable characters, To Entice A Spy by Diane Scott Lewis is the book for you. I was drawn into the story from the first page. The adventures of Eseld Trehearne, the brave and resourceful heroine, and the man she has long loved, Robert Penhale, as they attempt to ferret out a devious French spy amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution with England and France at war. The author’s attention to detail and descriptions of Truro, England, and the social mores of 1794 are fascinating. Well done, Ms. Scott Lewis!
November 11, 2021
I love spy story's usually from the regency so this seemed a good match and it was. A new author to me I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and mystery involved in this. The difference with this book being set earlier is that it contained a tale of living through the terror in France. It's also nice that the couple are older in their late thirties so all round a good new read for me and a new author to go investigate her other books.
I received this book from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review as given above
I received this book from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review as given above
November 11, 2021
Eseld Trehearne has been in France for five years, since her husband died. She has returned with her daughter. She has been asked to look for Frenchmen in town. Her old friend Baron Penhale is also trying to find the spies for the French. They have loved each other since they were children. Can they find a life together since having both of their spouses dead. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this story.
April 18, 2022
I adored the time period this story was set in, and the author’s obvious knowledge of the era. Combined with an awesome romance and the intriguing suspense, it hooked me. This is a must read for any fan of historical fiction.
February 26, 2022
Great book that kept me wanting to read more and more. I loved historical romance novels and this one had the right amount of everything.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews