I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

I love stories set during the Regency period, so I was very excited about the opportunity to read Love, Lies and Spies. This young adult novel was written by Cindy Anstey.

Juliana Telford is a young woman of Quality about to embark on her first Season in London. She is very excited about this; she is not interested in finding a husband- no, our Miss Telford has some ulterior motives. She hopes to get her research about lady beetles published, so London is the perfect place to be to achieve this goal. Juliana encounters Mr. Spencer Northam at the beginning of the book, and continues to encounter him once the Season begins in London. Spencer is secretly working with the War Department; he knows that communiqués have been exchanged, and he needs to figure out who is behind these treasonous activities. Mr. Northam has also declared that matrimony is not for him, but it is difficult to concentrate when in close proximity to such a beautiful young woman.

Love, Lies and Spies is such a charming book. Cindy Anstey writes in a more authentic Regency style, so this reads like a Jane Austen novel. Treason is certainly a very serious endeavor, but the tone of the novel is rather light. There are mix-ups, machinating mamas, intrigue, larks, and even a most determined unsuitable suitor.

I would absolutely recommend Love, Lies and Spies. This is a fine example of historical fiction; this book will surely delight fans of the Regency period, regardless of age. I am so pleased to have discovered Cindy Anstey, and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.