Revealing the Truth by Lorri Dudley

Revealing the Truth by Lorri Dudley
Series: Agents of Espionage Book One
Publisher: Wild Heart Books, November 20, 2023

REVIEW BY JOAN HALL

Revealing the Truth is the first book of Lorri Dudley’s Agents of Espionage Series. Set in England in the early 1800s, it’s categorized as Historical Christian Romance. There is also plenty of suspense.

After a tragic accident took the lives of her parents, Katherine Jenkins is left to look after the family estate, maintain a line of famous Lipizzaner horses, and make certain her younger sister Claire completes finishing school. While one might expect a countess to sit inside the manor and be waited on hand and foot, Katherine is not afraid of hard work.

When her so-called “guardian” shows up, demanding that she marry him, Katherine has no such intentions. Being held prisoner in her own home, she manages to get away only to be involved in a carriage accident much like the one involving her parents. A man and wife find her beside the road, wet, cold, and hurt, and take her to their home to recover.

British spy Stephen Hartington’s assignment is to uncover an underground network of horse thieves brings him to his family manor and stables. Imagine his surprise to find an unexpected guest who supposedly has amnesia. It soon becomes apparent that “Kate” knows a lot about horses. Is she part of the ring of thieves? Has she taken up temporary residence in his parent’s home to provide inside information? Does she know more than she’s letting on?

Stephen soon finds himself falling in love with the mysterious stranger. He can’t afford to allow his feelings to cloud his judgment. And while Katherine’s feelings for Stephen grow, she isn’t sure who she can trust.

After her parents died, Katherine found herself drifting from God, but the Hartington’s faith makes a genuine impact on her.

“How do you know when to trust God, especially when something horrific could happen?” Katherine held her breath, eager to hear the woman’s answer.

“It all starts with a small step of faith. Like a new foal on wobbly legs, we may fall, but God stands beside us, nudging us back up and letting us lean on Him as our faith grows.”

Lorri Dudley, Revealing the Truth

Later, Katherine calls on God for guidance.

“Lord,” she whispered. “It’s Katherine. If You are listening, please help me to know who to trust. I want to trust in You, but I’ve been so hurt. I can’t handle this all on my own. Please, protect Claire and the Hartingtons…and me. I’m scared.”

As I said earlier, the story is filled with plenty of suspense. Who can Katherine trust? Will her “guardian” find her and force her hand in marriage? Who is behind the ring of thieves? Will Stephen’s want to be fiancée come between him and Katherine?

The book wraps up with a satisfying conclusion and a surprising twist that I didn’t see coming. I happily give this one five fish.

I read the Kindle version of Revealing the Truth through Kindle Unlimited.