Maid of Deception (Maids Of Honor Book 2)

I really enjoyed this book and I wasn't sure if I would because I'm not too well read in the historical fiction genre. The main character, Beatrice, leads an interesting life in Elizabethan England as a maid (spy) to the bitter and cunning Queen Elizabeth. Her life has many twists and turns as she searches for true self and for true love.What I enjoyed the most about this book is while reading it, I could picture in my head what England looked like during that time period. Everything from the landscape, to the architecture, to the way the characters dressed and spoke - it call came alive in my mind!If you are hesitant to read historical fiction, I would suggest starting with this book. I am happy that this is part of a series and I want to read them all! Jennifer McGowan did a great job creating characters and dialogue you would expect from that time period. Wonderfully entertaining, and funny!

The casual cruelties of the Queen ring quite true, as do the scheming machinations of courtiers, spy's and pawns in this series set in the time of the young Queen Elizabeth (the first one, not the current one).I really like the writers device of using each of the Maids (personal spies) to tell the story from their viewpoint on each book.There are several storylines going on, and lots of slowly revealed back stories, so the story never drags. MAIDS OF DECEPTION developed a thoroughly unlikable character from book one, into quite a sympathetic one in this storyThe characters have depth, hidden motives, changing roles, and the story has lots of intrigue. I am poised to hit the One Click Buy button for the upcoming books. I do wish writers could write as fast as I can read!

Not as good as the first in this series but interesting nonetheless. I like the setting of the book and all the historical details. What I didn't like this time around was the mystery that wasn't a mystery about Beatrice's father and her mother. Also, how can Beatrice be so unaware of her own family?! It is incongruous with her being described as so shrewd. Plus the whole Scottish plot, what was that? It was confusing and I didn't really see a clear reason for why Elizabeth was hounding after them.The only real plus in this book was the romance between Beatrice and Alsdair, I thought that was nicely written and well drawn out, not too abrupt but built up and believable.

I am giving this story 5 stars because it was a beautiful story that offered all the elements I like in a story: a handsome, strong, straight forward hero. Check. A beautiful, complex but kind, principled heroine. Check. A cast of characters that were believable, relatable and interesting. Check. Sound pacing, graceful writing style. Check. I liked everything and look forward to re-reading this story in the years to come. This is my first by the author but it won't be my last.

"Elizabethan Spy Girls" Great fun that keeps you turning pages! Historical YA with plenty of romantic elements! Don't let the historical aspect fool you, you hardly realize you're moving through actual events. This is the second book in the series where the main story focuses on Beatrice and her love triangle against a rich tapestry that McGowan has woven for us! Now I have to go find the novella: THIEF BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Jennifer McGowan is a born storyteller, instinctively withholding information to the last, delighting in the suspense and surprising in her imaginative depiction of the complexity of Queen Elizabeth.

Love this book. The history is a little confusing at first, but it becomes clearer as the book progresses. I love the characters and can't wait for more of this series.

Great sequel to Maid of Secrets. Jennifer McGowan makes the Elizabethan period accessible, interesting, and romantic with her dynamic heroines, and with a little bit of QEI thrown in for fun.