The second book in The Adirondack Pinkertons series, The Heart of an Agent, is centered around Pinkerton agent Lily Handland who was one of the most interesting side characters in the book one, A Changed Agent, so I was interested to see where her story would lead. Very little of the Pinkerton aspect is actually included, but what followed was an excellent story of a grieving widower (Owen Murphy) who has let his business suffer and the spunky young woman who shakes him up and gets the business moving forward again, while slowly winning his ever so reluctant heart that is finally and a bit grudgingly beginning to mend. It was interesting to learn about the Great Camps of the Adirondacks that were only mentioned in the first book. Throw in some good neighbors, a lovely caretaker couple, an interfering relative, a faith slowly restored and the specter of Lily's past and you have a slower but lovely tale.

I was a bit disappointed not to see Lily in action but still enjoyed her and Owen's story and naming his deceased wife Rebecca was a fun touch. If you enjoy Pinkerton stories where the relationships are more important than the mystery, then this is a series to try.

This review refers to a Read Now e-galley read courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've always wanted to visit the Adirondacks and through the pages of this delightful story, I feel like I have. Tracy Lyons writes with such vivid imagery I felt like I was in the Adirondacks. Enjoying the crisp mountain air, and fresh pine breeze, while watching the deer play hide 'n seek with their spotted fawns and listening to the various birds singing from the trees.

I haven't yet read the first book in this series, but you can be sure that I will be picking up A Changed Agent, as soon as I am able. I did not feel lost in the story; you can easily read this as a stand-alone. However, If this book is any indication the first book must be pretty fantastic as well.

I enjoyed the dynamic, full of life characters. This story oozes emotion and you feel it every step of the way. While the story may not have a lot of spine-tingling action, the emotion and lively characters easily move the story in an enjoyable page-turning progression. I give this story 4.5 stars and I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

The Heart Of An Agent by Tracey Lyons is the most delightful Christian historical romance which just wrapped itself around me and soothed my soul.
With comprehensive descriptions, the reader is reminded of God's beauty in nature. Sweet smelling blooming flowers and sunny days are guaranteed to bring a smile to the reader's face.
The novel has the themes of new beginnings. "Everyone deserved a second chance." No matter what has happened in the past, we are all a new creation in Jesus.
It is also a study of very raw grief. "An ocean of grief" that threatens to drown the living. A grief that consumes. "Prayer had been his only attempt to dissolve the pain." We need God at all times but even more so in the bad. "Be with me as I struggle with this pain."
There is a wonderful ray of sunshine in the form of the character of Lily. She breezes through the novel. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious for all.
The house in the tale has been neglected. It needs a spring clean to bring it back to life. This is a motif for a life sinking under the weight of guilt and grief. This life needs a spring clean to cleanse away the guilt and tears. To life the burden it was never meant to carry.
Family is important. Family are all those who love us.
The novel is about forgiving. We need to forgive ourselves.
It is not about forgetting those who have gone before. There is a particularly touching moment towards the end of the novel.
Telling the truth is far better than keeping secrets. Secrets have a way of escaping and causing relationship damage. Far better to reveal all oneself.
A wonderful, warm uplifting novel to brighten any day.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

The Heart of an Agent is the second installment from Tracey J Lyons's series, The Adirondack Pinkertons. I have read the first book, A Changed Agent and liked it, but I thought this book was better1 I found it to be unique to read about a woman to work for the Pinkerton agency. I never though that was a possibility during those times. I just love Lily and admired her strength in trying to settle down to enjoy a peaceful life. I could feel her struggles moving on from her past. I felt a real connection to her. I, also, liked Owen. I was not sure of him at first but he really grew on me. Especially, after I got to know him.
I found The Heart of an Agent to be a pretty good read. I can not wait for the release of the next book in the Adirondack Pinkertons series.
4 stars.
I received this book from the publisher. The review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Lily Handland, former Pinkerton agent, is tired of being lonely - that's why the FORMER before her job definition. She is ready to be known and to plant roots, have a purpose which doesn't have to be so secretive. She wants to be able to share. And so she finds herself in Adirondack Mountain region partnering (at least attempting to) with widower Owen Murphy. Sparks fly as Owen finds out he's bargained (well, actually forced into a situation) for more than he can hand with the feisty and bossy Miss Handland. Owen has had trouble opening up since the loss of his first wife, but this spunky former detective might be the perfect asset to bring light back to his life.

Lily Handland had no one for so long . The former Pinkerton agent who wants more than being undercover and without roots, hands in her resignation and seeks out a purpose. In the New York Adirondack Mountain region, a town called Heartston draws Lily into laying down some roots and using the monies earned from her hard-living as a Pinkerton agent, for some business purpose. When the local banker suggests she partner with the widowed owner of Great Camp, a resort of sorts which has fallen into disrepair, Lily sees promise when she see the hidden beauty herself. Having the owner, Owen Murphy agree to the partnership is going to take a bit of convincing.

Owen Murphy lost his zest for living when his beloved wife passed away two years ago. Still in deep mourning, the Great Camp is falling apart and he's neither noticing nor caring. Even his loyal caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Cuddieback are at their wits end watching their employer/friend, remain in self-imposed limbo. When the feisty Lily Handland appears to save the day, Owen resists at first, but slowly returns to the land of the living with each task and idea Miss Hamdland sets before him.

Never having been in love before, Lily quickly falls for the brooding Owen Murphy, but knowing Owen's late wife was nearly perfect, and the fact that Lily was a Pinkerton agent who held may secrets, gives the young lady pause in finding true happiness. Keeping her past a secret may be the downfall of the life she is yearning to grasp onto, but what can she do? Read, The Heart Of An Agent by the wonderful author Tracey Lyons to find out!

The Heart Of An Agent is the follow up to A Changed Agent, and what a follow up it is. Tracey J. Lyons brings the reader full force into the beauty of the Adirondack Mountain region and shares its breathtaking views, as well as a tender story to tug at the heart-strings. Ms. Lyons brings the reader to a region little read about in historical romance and what a fresh insight it is. The emotions brought forth by the widower and the former agent gave this reader a roller coaster of a ride. The Heart Of An Agent is a recommended read for those who love second chances. Bravo Tracey J. Lyons, you have a new forever fan.

This is the second book in the series: The Adirondack Pinkertons. I didn't read the first book but I didn't have any problems following the story, even though it had people in it from the first book. I will go back and read it to have a bit more understanding of the characters. Lily has left her job with the Pinkertons and has decided to invest her savings in helping a Great Camp become a working business again. But Owen doesn't really want her help. He does finally goes along with her help or he lose his home. So begins Lily's new life, but what will happen when he discovers her old profession?

I received this e-book from NetGalley for review and was not required to give a positive review.

The Heart of an Agent is a winsome historical romance that aptly captures the beauty and relaxing nature of the historic Great Camps of the Adirondack Mountains. The Heart of an Agent sounded delicious, and I was delighted to find it very enjoyable.

Lily Handland is ready to move on from her life as a Pinkerton agent. Determined to stay in the small town of Heartston, she begins looking for a project. The run-down Murphy Great Camp is the perfect fit for Lily. But the owner, Owen Murphy, still grieving his wife and their lost dream, fights Lily on every new idea and expense. But just as Lily finds hope of finally having somewhere to belong, someone to love, the shadow of her past threatens everything for which she has worked so hard.

I like restoration novels, where the characters take on some form of renovation or big project. Maybe it's experiencing the improvements without having to do the work! In any case, it was fun to see Lily drive the restoration of Murphy Great Camp. She is teeming with endless ideas, but it is the sense of belonging, the promise of finally having a home, that drives her.

I enjoyed the way the romance develops. At the beginning of the novel, Owen is quite obviously still grieving the loss of his wife. Falling in love doesn't even cross his mind. He just wants the irksome lady with so many big ideas to go away and leave him be. He is forced into working with Lily and does so reluctantly. At every step, they butt heads over changes and costs. But slowly, they find themselves working for the same cause. And as Owen finds himself dragged out of the cocoon of grief in which he had wrapped himself, he is surprised to discover he quite enjoys Lily's company and everything she has helped him to achieve.

I did think that the book would have benefited from sharing more of an insight into Lily's past and the reasons she feels so much shame about her time as an agent. Without details of the things she did it was hard to understand why she wanted it to remain hidden. However, I must admit that I have not read book one, and perhaps that is where is I will find more details about Lily's actions as a Pinkerton agent.

Overall, The Heart of an Agent was a refreshing and enjoyable book in which to sink, like taking a holiday to one of the old Great Camps. The story combines romance, companionship, and beautiful scenery with a sweet story of hope and love regrowing.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.wordpress.com/">Madison's Library.</a>

The Heart of an Agent by Tracey J. Lyons is a heartwarming novel of healing, hope and strength set in 1892.
Lily Handland has spent many years tracking down criminals as a Pinkerton operative and is ready to retire in the Adirondack Mountains near Heartston NY. A handful of people in the town know who she is and she wishes to keep it that way as she decides what her next adventure will be. She has saved a great amount of money and wishes to start or invest in a business. The banker tells her about the Murphy Great Camp and sends her to check it out.
Owen Murphy lost his wife to a tragic accident. He is overwhelmed by grief and has let their dream camp fall to near ruin. The guests are now few and far between. Lily arrives and is greeted by Mrs. Cuddieback, the cook and housekeeper. She and her husband have been doing their best to keep the camp going. Lily checks in and realizes the beauty of the property and wants to stay and invest. Speaking with the banker, Owen realizes his only choices are to partner with Lily or foreclosure. Will they be able to make Murphy Great Camp a place everyone wants to visit again? Will Lily’s past divide and destroy their relationship?
I enjoyed this book very much. It might be a difficult read for someone going through fresh grieving as Owen’s pain is palpable. I felt very sad for him as he was in deep depression and sadness letting everything around him crumble. There seemed to be the ideas that Lily’s past needed to be hidden as if it were bad. It wasn’t like she did anything illegal or immoral though she had posed as a saloon girl on her last assignment. Lilly is full of enthusiasm which in turn excites everyone around her and makes it difficult to be sad. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. The author does an excellent job of bringing the characters and their emotions to life.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.