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5+ stars for The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island #bookreview



Title: The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, and Spies on Chincoteague Island

Author: M.S. Spencer

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mystery, Spy Mystery, Romantic Mystery


Book Blurb:


Will the wind whip her token from the Wishing Tree and make her wish come true?


Addison Steele dreams of the day her husband--lost at sea--returns to her. Instead, she meets Nick Savage, whose every word may be a lie. She is soon embroiled in mystery, all related to the top-secret science station at Wallops Island, Virginia.


After a Belarusian scientist at Wallops is murdered, the questions multiply. Was it because he caught the person stealing classified documents or because he wanted to defect? Is Nick the spy--or is it his brother? How can she trust the man who is slowly claiming her heart when his story keeps shifting?


My Review:


The wishing tree grants what the heart wants but Addison’s heart is conflicted. So many questions and not enough answers. The Wishing Tree is a mash-up of cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and spy mystery. I was hooked from the very first page with the story behind the wishing tree. M.S. Spencer pens a riveting tale that somehow defies labels. It’s truly unforgettable.


Let’s start with the descriptive narration. One of the author’s signature writing gifts is the ability to transport the reader. She uses words to portray not only everything that is going on but the emotion as well. The setting is so well described, I experienced everything that happened, as if I was a local resident. Immersive narration at its finest.


The characters are another reason why I recommend this book. Each character has its own voice, set of emotions, and personal impact. I connected with Addison right away. The more she uncovered, the more invested I became. Nick is a mysterious character which I found to be like a puzzle to solve. The author creates suspense with ease when it comes to the characters.


The plot progression is evenly paced and well-plotted. The mystery unfolds and with a few twists I didn’t anticipate. Brilliantly written, The Wishing Tree will captivate readers for hours.


Another gem written by M.S. Spencer, I encourage you to read it for yourself.


My Rating: 5+ stars


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Author Biography:


Librarian, anthropologist, research assistant, Congressional aide, speechwriter, nonprofit director—award-winning, multi-published author M. S. Spencer has lived or traveled in five of the seven continents and holds degrees in Anthropology, Middle East Studies, and Library Science. She has published sixteen romantic suspense and mystery novels. She has two children, an exuberant granddaughter, and currently divides her time between the Gulf Coast of Florida and a tiny village in Maine.


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Reviewed by: Nancy

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