Danger, suspense, and romance have been key factors in the previous Harbored in Crow's Nest books, and author Danielle Grandinetti continues this winning format in Relying on the Enemy. How far is Gilbert Cox willing to go to atone for his father's sins? Will young widow Marian Ward agree to a marriage of convenience with the son of a man who ruined her family?

This intriguing story, set in Crow's Nest, Wisconsin, is filled with tension and unanswered questions but there are also many moments of grace and forgiveness. Gilbert is immediately drawn to Marion's young daughters, and they are just as taken with him. The circumstances may be unconventional but the budding relationship between these two unselfish people is a desire to behold. If they can only stay safe long enough!

If you enjoy a marriage of convenience trope and historical Christian suspense, you'll want to read Relying on the Enemy. There's also a teaser for the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book that I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

A well written and touching marriage of convenience story with intrigue and danger.
Those who have read Ms. Grandinetti before will recognize some characters and the setting in Wisconsin.
Widow Marian Ward has two girls and looks after her Mother-In-Law, Elaine. She is having a hard time making ends meet after Robert Cox swindled her our of her money. Gilbert Cox is nothing like his father and comes to make restitution to those his father harmed. Due to extenuating circumstances, Gil offers to marry Marian.
I liked the tie in to Anne of Green Gables, when Nettie and Essie ask Gil if he is named after Gilbert Blythe and he settles in to read Anne to the girls. Gil is compassionate and really cares for Marian and her family. Gil wanted “to be her protector, her provider, to redeem what his father had broken.” Both he and Marian seek guidance from God and advice from Pastor Moller.
With dramatic scenes and threatening villains, this book keeps you guessing at who is causing trouble and who is really an ally.
Another wonderful historical novel.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via justread tours. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* ( )

I love this series so, so much and couldn’t wait for the next installment, so the fact that I devoured this novel in one sitting is not surprising whatsoever.

A “backwards and upside down” situation brings Gilbert Cox and Marian Ward together in the most unconventional, yet seemingly perfect way and it is a journey that is worth witnessing. The mysterious air that has been ever present throughout this series continues in this volume and I ate it up. It adds the perfect amount of tension and mystery that keeps you guessing, as well as is highly entertaining.

Gil and Marian are true partners in every sense of the word and is something every relationship should aspire to be. I loved every scene with them together and the girls were the sweet little cherries on top. Nettie and Essie are absolutely precious and bring back warm memories of my sister and me when we were younger. Good times.

I loved getting updates on past characters in the series and seeing where they have ended up. It was in reading these particular scenes that I realized just how truly invested I am in this series. Crow’s Nest has become a part of my literary family, and I am so proud to claim it. This series has such richness and deep character connections that it’s hard not fall in love, and how Gil and Marian melded so perfectly together is a mystery that was beautiful to behold from cover to cover.

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

So far he had managed to provide food, clothing and electricity, but his promise to protect….it weighed on him.

1931 in Crow’s Nest, WI was not a time to easily find a job, as Marian was finding out. How was she to take care of her girls and her mother in law with no income? When the son of the man who devastated her family’s financial future arrives to make restitution by marrying him, is this what God wants her to do?

Threats on one’s life and the life of your loved ones can make even the supposed enemy seem worth trusting. Will they finally figure out who is threatening Marian’s life before it is too late?

An early copy of Harbored in Crow’s Nest #3 was received through Hearth Spot Press. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )