Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is a stunning WWII novel filled with intrigue and sweet romance.

I had a hard time putting this novel down. Shirley’s determination and desire to serve her country made her someone worth rooting for. And Leo was a great hero with strengths and weaknesses that made him feel almost real.

I loved the look into the SPARS and women’s efforts during the Second World War. A lot of research went into this novel, and I appreciated the author’s note at the end explaining which parts of history she stayed true to and which parts she used a bit of creative license.

Patterson fills the novel with plenty of plot twists to keep you turning pages. With clues scattered here and there, as well as plenty of red herrings, I was kept guessing until the very end.

Overall, Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is an engaging historical romantic suspense fans of Sarah Sundin will devour.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

This book was amazing! I’ll admit that in the beginning it seemed like it may be more of a “light” read, yet as the story unfolded, it really became more layered. It was a really well balanced read.


Shirley was an endearing heroine. Coming from a small town and longing to see the world, in the beginning she is a bit timid and unsure of herself. She’s someone a lot of people can relate to. I loved reading about her leaving home to train with the SPARs, finding her voice, and learning to stick up for herself. As I read, I tried to put myself in her shoes; leaving all she knew to do a job with next to no support from loved ones, then coming home to vicious rumors while having to keep a secret for the government. It would be unimaginably difficult, yet Shirley handles it with maturity and grace.


The book is filled with historical details that make that era come to life. I loved all the touches of mystery and suspense that really kept me turning pages and guessing up until the end.


Those who love WWII fiction with suspense and romance won’t want to miss Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I wanted to love this one, but when history is changed in historical fiction it kind of turns me off. And growing up a military brat I have never once heard of women in the military being called sir.

Just great:
This was the first book I'd read by this author and I was impressed with the ease with which the words flowed and how I was drawn into the story right from the start. I found myself invested in what was transpiring and very fond of the main characters.
I appreciated that the characters had doubts and flaws and it was nice seeing them work through their various issues. Shirley was an inspiring young lady and I was impressed with her willingness to suffer scandal and shame in order to serve and protect her country.
I really liked how this book provided a unique perspective on WWII by focusing on the women serving in the US Coast Guard. There was danger, intrigue and mystery but also a good mix of tenderness and emotion. Overall a fabulous addition to what has been a superb series thus far.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

SAVING MRS. ROOSEVELT by Candice Sue Patterson

I am fascinated with this Heroines of WWII series. Women’s roles during that time were highlighted. I was really intrigued on what life was like as one of the SPARS during WW2. "Semper Paratus—Always Ready", also known as SPARS, was The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Women's Reserve. These women were at the shore stations while the officers and men were released for sea duty.

Shirley’s experience of joining the SPARS was an interesting read. So many fine details. A little slow at times. But as I continued to read, I felt like I was part of the story. I was so engrossed in the mystery, secrets and espionage. I liked Shirley more when she befriended Alma. Romance between the Captain and Shirley was sweet but it was not the focal point in the story. It’s a great read. 5 stars

Thank you to Barbour Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt is the first book I've read by Candice Sue Patterson. As I began the first chapters, I was quickly immersed in the characters as they sought to make a difference in WW2 by joining the newly formed SPARs. As the story progressed, so did the action as our hero and heroine fight to unearth a plot to save their country and the First Lady.

I think what I loved most about this story was the heroine. I appreciated how Patterson developed her characters and portrayed a very real woman with flaws and passions I could relate to. The dialogue, internal struggles, tensions between the supporting cast, and ever thickening plot all melded together to create a masterful novel.

I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book, and I hope to read more from this author!

I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Barbour Publishing’s Heroines of WWII series of books includes Candace Sue Patterson’s Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. This book focuses on Nazi spies and the German Bund who were active in the United States during the war. They were trying to work from within the States to further the Hitler regime.

This historical novel concerns a young woman whose brothers are enlisted to fight and she wants to be a part of that. The SPARS, a part of the Coast Guard, has been organized for women to help the war effort in jobs that will release men to fight in the services. Shirley Davenport is chosen to go undercover in her home own to find spies who are active in her community. She is very successful, although in doing this service her cover is that she was dishonorably discharged from the SPARS, which results in her shunning by the community and her family.

She finds that she cannot trust anyone, even those she thought of as almost family. Because her hometown is very near one of the Roosevelts’ homes, she is asked to look into a conspiracy to harm the President and First Lady. Her success or failure would have consequences for the United States in wartime.

I enjoyed reading this book because it brought home the truth that there were German spies among our citizens during the war. To think otherwise would have been foolish and naïve. I had been looking forward to reading this book when Barbour Publishing requested that I read and review it. I was grateful for the chance. Ms. Patterson is a writer worth reading and I’m glad I had the opportunity. I will be looking for more books from her.

historical-romance, historical-fiction, US Coast Guard, WW2, maine***

The premise sounded great but the style didn't suit me. Less of a story about the work of the women's Reserve of the US Coast Guard than a syrupy historical romance. I was so turned off that I didn't do my customary history check. If you like this kind of story, you'll love this book.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Barbour Publishing, Inc./Barbour Fiction via NetGalley.

Shirley Davenport is tired of being her fisherman dad's right hand girl on his lobster boat in Maine. She desperately wants to be part of the World War II war effort. So when she gets a chance to become part of the SPARS (female Coast Guard), she goes for it. When she finishes her training, she is sent back to hometown of Lubec, Maine just across from Canadian soil; and her assignment is to try and track down the German spies who are causing havoc in the area.

Filled with interesting historical details and a plot to catch Mrs. Roosevelt when she and FDR would visit their home on Campobello Island. Shirley was feisty, determined, and even allowed her name to be besmirched in her home town in order to protect Mrs. Roosevelt. Captain Leonard Webber was the perfect hero and protector of Shirley, and Alma was a wonderful character showing how prejudice still existed during WWII.

An intriguing look at what was an early Coast Guard program to allow women to serve and assist during World War II.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

This book caught my eye because of the title and genre (WWII). The premise was intriguing too, so I thought the story would be right up my alley.

It was not.

Not-so-subtle feminism remarks were threaded throughout the early chapters, and those rubbed me the wrong way. Despite that, I continued reading, hoping for the best.

The leading lady stared in awe at the leading man every time she saw him through at least page 70. I wasn’t sure why she was struck so dumb by a handsome face. Had she never seen a man with good-looking features before? Despite that, I continued reading, hoping for the best.

On page 74, a male officer referred to a female officer as “sir.” According to the military research I have done over the years, this is simply not done. Male officers are referred to as “sir,” while female officers are referred to by “ma’am.” One of my sources even said, “Despite its use in many fictional works, [‘sir’] is not a term used for female superiors, who are addressed as ‘ma’am.’”

At that point, I looked ahead at the author’s note to see if this “mistake” was mentioned as having purposely been made as a part of research or something. It was not mentioned at all.

However, the author’s note did make it very clear that this story was “purely fictional,” including altering historical facts, such as changing who did the training of the SPARs, the fact that former WAVES turned SPARs were trained separately and in a completely different state than the rest of the SPARs (in the book, they were trained at the same facility in the same state), dates and ship names were “altered to fit the timeline and mood of the story,” including the dates of the Doolittle Raid and a newspaper column written by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Upon seeing how much history was altered to create this fictional story, my interest in said story was immediately terminated.

History has and will always mean something to me. It’s something to learn from and accurately teach to future generations so that we won’t repeat mistakes that have been made before us. Having history altered like the abovementioned ways irks me, and I cannot support such blatant disregard for facts of what really happened in the past.

I wish I had liked this story or been able to make it past page 74.

I liked that proper 1940s attire and hairstyle, as well as a flock of birds, were highlighted on the cover. The introduction to the leading lady was good, and I liked that she was on a journey to find where she could best use her talents in society. It was great to see that the leading man had some past regret to work at overcoming, as this was reflective of the human condition. If not for the altered history, I likely would have enjoyed his story.

Content: alcohol, tobacco

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt
by Candice Sue Patterson

Synopsis:
"Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive."

Review:
I really enjoyed this book, especially the relationship between newly-enlisted SPAR Shirley Davenport and Captain Webber! Quick read, devoured it in a few days. Falling in love and saving the First Lady is all in a day's work for these two. Great characters in picturesque surroundings!

"Eleanor Roosevelt helped inspire the first female-only reserve of the Coast Guard known as the SPARs - an acronym for their motto 'Semper Paratus, Always Ready'."

Grab a copy of this quick-paced, highly-recommended book on December 1.

I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I am familiar with the WAVES, the navy Women’s Reserve, but prior to reading this book I knew nothing of the SPARs who were named after the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus, Always Ready.” This female reserve of the Coast Guard was established to free able-bodied men working the home front to join the war effort. The SPARs were decommissioned after World War II was over.

Fans of Sarah Sundin will be thrilled with Saving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue Patterson. Like Sundin, Patterson writes a well-researched story that includes intrigue and a touch of romance that honors the contribution of women to our nation’s armed forces, and that acknowledges the cost to those at home. I look forward to future books by this author, and new offerings in Barbour Publishing’s Heroines of WW II series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this astonishing book

oh my word where to start with this amazing book, woman back in the days of the war werent really encouraged to think outside the box but the ww2 changed all that, women were being encouraged to do their bit for the war effort

they were being offered the chance to be trained up so that the men could be released to go to war...

this is the story of two childhood friends who sign up to do their bit for the war effort..they became part of the spars

a threat is unveiled against the mrs Roosevelt, how and why nobody knows but shirley after finishing her training is then dishonourably discharged and goes back home to help identify these would be german spies in their midst

this assignment isnt without risk to her good name and as the whole town turn against her and her parents shame, will it be all to much for shirley

brilliantly written couldnt put it down

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

"Eleanor Roosevelt once said, 'Do one thing every day that scares you.'"
Set in the early years of WW2, on the U.S. homefront, this exciting story follows the paths of some brave women who sign up for the newly formed Coast Guard reserve called SPARS. History is brought to life through the eyes of strong characters who were determined to do their part to help win the war. They were challenged in many ways that made me wonder if I would have had the courage to do what they did.
Intrigue and a little romance moved the story along, which became more exciting towards the end as the danger grew and the women were in peril. The prejudice faced by one character in particular made her stand out; the author notes reveal this was based on a real person, sadly. Mrs. Roosevelt seemed to be a side character, but her writing and quotes added authenticity to the story. There are some spiritual discussions, as characters struggled to reconcile their faith with the circumstances of the war; they were short, personal and not too "preachy". It made them seem more realistic given what they experienced.
Recommend for fans of historical Christian fiction with some suspense and romance. 4.5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by a new to me author. Shirley wants to do something in the midst of the war that is raging. When the opportunity presents itself to be a part of the Women's Coast Guard, she jumps at the chance. After a grueling time of training, she ends up back in her hometown, working to save the First Lady. The story is tantalizing as the reader does not know in the end who is friend or foe. This was a wonderful story and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I thought this was an interesting premise and there were parts that I really liked, but there were also parts that were very predictable. Fans of WWII-era fiction will enjoy this interesting take of women's involvement on the home front and espionage.

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt (Heroines of WWII) by Candice Sue Patterson is a story filled with intrigue and drama that pulls you in and holds your attention until the very end.

I’ve read two absolutely wonderful WWII era books recently, and this is one of them, which I highly recommend.

Shirley Davenport wants to aid her country during WWII, so when her friend Joan tells her the Coast Guard is accepting women for their SPARs program, she readily joins. While she’s signing up, she meets a Captain Leo Webber and is almost confused by her instant attraction to him. When she gets to her training, she meets Alma, a black woman who has been on the receiving end of racism as was disgustingly common for that era. When a plot to kill Eleanor Roosevelt is uncovered and it appears the threat is coming from Shirley’s hometown in Maine, she’s sent undercover is the disguise of having an inappropriate relationship with Leo. What occurs next is the suspense of finding the threat and the spy, a growing romance between Shirley and Leo, and a growing friendship between Shirley and Alma.

I absolutely loved this book. Shirley was a fantastic characters whose strength, determination and heart had me cheering for her to succeed the entire book. I liked that she felt like a fish out of water during her undercover work, that she wasn’t written as immediately being this great super spy, but was learning and putting the puzzle pieces together as she progressed. Leo was an absolutely perfect gentleman for her, he had his own history that he had to forgive himself for, and I think he and Shirley helped make each other stronger. The same goes for Alma, I thought she was a wonderful, strong character who understandably takes longer to trust, but her friendship was a highlight of the book.

As far as who was behind the plot to kill Mrs. Roosevelt, there was a short segment where one of the villains was acting suspicious fairly early on in the book that gave that person’s role away, and although the final reveal was not unexpected, it was well written and ultimately was part of Shirley’s character growth as well.

I can’t recommend this book enough and even if you don’t normally read Christian historical fiction, give it a try because the Christian aspect doesn’t overwhelm and it’s such a well developed, well written book.

WWII buffs will enjoy this tale of little known facts of WWII within the United States. So pleased the author shared her great grandmother's job during the war.

What a wonderful read!! This is a well written book that has just the right amount of suspense, drama and romance to keep you turning the pages. I loved how the author brought the story to life with her words and wove fact with fiction to make a story that I couldn't put down. If you are a fan of Historical fiction, you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing, Inc via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.