REVIEWS

Link to reviews of my books here. Scroll down to read review quotes.

The Wishing Tree: Love, Lies, & Spies on Chincoteague

N. N. Light's Book Heavean (7/17/23): 5+ stars: 

“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.”

    Amazon Canada:

    https://www.amazon.ca/review/R3BNE6FTEY2IE6/ref=pe_1086170_134824320_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

    Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5684320291

    Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1065353215


Darlene (7/19/23): 5 stars: 

“If you're looking for a unique, fast-paced, unusual story I recommend this suspenseful romance.”

    Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5699275678

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-            reviews/R2ABE4JVPV9BMZ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl

Hidden Gem: the Secret of St. Augustine



NetGalley 4/1-28/2022, 5/1-15

https://www.netgalley.com/book/253660/reviews

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Colleen Mooney: 4/22/2022, 5 stars

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/thankyou?asin=B09QJHCB4V&channel=glance-detail-thankyou

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4684819613

Bookbub, https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1184414944

There are lots of twists and turns with romantic involvement along with funny characters. You don’t want to miss this one!.”

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Michelleg55—Bookbub, 4/27/2022, 5 stars

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2402574525

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4693390864

“intricate, well-plotted, and unpredictable”

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NN Light, 4/4/2022, 5++ stars

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/hidden-gem-the-secret-of-st-augustine-br

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/hidden-gem-the-secret-of-st-augustine-by-m-s-spencer

NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/book/253660/reviews 

“one of the best books I've read this year”

“Spencer writes an addictive mystery with quirky characters, a treasure hunt, all taking place in one of the oldest cities in America.”

“The descriptive narration is lush with details and the dialogue is whip-smart while also humorous.”

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Meg (thyme.for.books); 4 stars; 4/27

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4692707997?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

NetGalley: https://www.netgalley.com/book/253660/reviews   Meg C, Reviewer, 4 stars

“a fun mix of suspense and intrigue with just the right amount of romance.”

“There are plenty of twists and surprises to keep readers guessing until the very end. (I revised my suspicions several times throughout reading.)”

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 Meg C, Reviewer, 4 stars  (NN Light?)

https://www.netgalley.com/book/253660/reviews

one of the best books I've read this year”

“M.S. Spencer writes an addictive mystery with quirky characters, a treasure hunt, all taking place in one of the oldest cities in America.”

“The descriptive narration is lush with details and the dialogue is whip-smart while also humorous.”

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Mark Love, 4/28/2022

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2073817453

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4694610069

Amazon (as KC): https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2AP51S3RFK8US/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B09QJHCB4V

 Spencer has a knack for creating memorable lead characters.”

This book has it all. There’s mystery, intrigue, romance, clues, misdirection and a cast of characters that you’d expect to be peeking over the back fence…”

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 Educator 743657, 4 stars--NetGalley

This book had me laughing and trying to sort out the red herrings from the genuine clues at the same time.”

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Lois 4 stars, (same as Educator?)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4691259798

“This book had me laughing and trying to sort out the red herrings from the genuine clues at the same time”

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“Renee W, Reviewer, 4 stars - NetGalley

Mystery with some romance in it. Very enjoyable read.  The characters are relatable and sweet. Fast paced with good story plot.  Lots of excitement!

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Anna Maria G, Reviewer, 4 stars - NetGalley

A mix of romance and mystery, a compelling and entertaining story. The solid mystery kept me guessing and hooked, the romance was sweet and I rooted for the characters.

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Ell9677

5/2/2022

https://www.netgalley.com/book/253660/reviews

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3FD5UZMXUY5WC/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B09QJHCB4V

4.0 out of 5 stars Real-life mystery meets cozy mystery

“Real-life mystery meets fiction in this delightful tale, and a dash of romance is sprinkled in.”

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Mrs. Spinney's Secret

Wanda Osepowicz 5 stars (2/15)

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3592244684

Alexis Long 5 stars (2/28)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3865632002#_=_

Roxx T (Canada, mobi) roxxisreading@gmail.com: 5 stars
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1ZEEEEIWO7NX0/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

 

https://www.amazon.ca/review/RF0W2TUWPSD4K/ref=pe_1086170_134824320_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv


https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2708705247

 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3853884287

 

and my slightly longer review can be found here on my blog:  https://roxxisreading.blog/2021/02/22/mrs-spinneys-secret-m-s-spencer/

Nickie.long.al

5.0 out of 5 stars

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RGRF5JOYJOKPP/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B08P886V99

Lisa Pichner : 5 stars

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FKQLHCU2U16M/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1394261981?source=link_share

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3863459931

Darlene 5 stars  3/9/2021

https://www.amazon.com/review/RQX94Y9MHUMST/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv        

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2947241066

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3873129557

 

Stephanie Lulofs: 5 stars march 2021  stephlulofs  @stephlulofs

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1930828017

 

 (Mona Williams)sniper318@charter.net 4 stars 3/13/2021

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3HZA53JFBPBB2/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B08P886V99

StephMichL: 5 stars 3/12/2021

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3HZA53JFBPBB2/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B08P886V99

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3888305543

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/484573780

Lynn Beezley 5 stars, 3/13/2021

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/519501789

https://www.amazon.com/review/R20BZQJXRWGZ05/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Isabel Nicholson: 5 stars (uk)

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2941145442

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2X1E9J6U24LIS/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

 

 

Flotsam & Jetsam






The Penhallow Train Incident

Beth Daniels 3/1 5 stars

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1LK99A2TMA03Y/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4580655955?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/988370192

Beth Henderson 5 stars date?

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/988370192

Jenny See 3/5 5 stars

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1309597954

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3KRLGWR7O1H8A/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4589149510?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

Jo Anne Vicenti 5 stars  jody.714@hotmail.com

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/117889056

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4588349471?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1PBH8M7U4SWU1/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

Kathy Smith 3/12/2022

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4604770590?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R18YBKYWFLY1K4/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

Laura Reading 3/18/2022  4 stars

 

 

 


https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/300277484


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4550200568

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RHZQOHM0Z6DQN/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

Lynn Beezley I think 3/26 4 stars LYNNBEEZLEY@GMAIL.COM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1D3X06QQ6V314/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4618396645

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1819088816

 

Roxx Tarantini 5 stars 2/24/2022

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4572095092

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2211851036
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2VJZ9R9HF0A4C

Sandy Giden, posted 3/16  4 stars

Bookbub: sgiden recommends The Penhallow Train Incident

    Or: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3888395591

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4608719785

 

Sheila Davis 3/6  5 stars


https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4249988305

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1UGEK8Z5PKR2R/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4591390914

 

Suzannah Clark clarksuzannah@gmail.com   Iread iread    @clarkws

5 stars  2/25 review

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/M_S_Spencer_The_Penhallow_Train_Incident?id=lyzYCwAAQBAJ

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1798073917

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4572980446?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

https://www.amazon.com/review/RSXZ8ZC86IELC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-penhallow-train-incident-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-penhallow-train-incident-ms-spencer/1122175522?ean=2940157886295&bvnotificationId=78501528-965a-11ec-8600-0eed9c4cc7b1&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/202158711

 

Wando O  5 stars  2/26/2022

goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4557054452

bookbub  https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1477590685

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1KL0MPJKYDP7O/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01BOBX5NC

 


Audio

Stephanie:
Bikram:


Netgalley (2)


Amazon
Audio:

Artful Dodging

6/27/12 YaGotta Read (erin o’quinn)
7/7/12Amazon (erino’quinn)

8/11/12 rochelle weber (4 ½ roses):







Lapses of Memory

7/26 Smile Somebody Loves You! 5 hearts & recommended read :http://wp.me/p38Iym-SA
8/11 Rochelle Weber 5 stars: http://www.amazon.com/review/R28Y3M7XO6XLMU/
9/6/13 Manic Readers: MR Reviews, reviewer Alberta—5 stars: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=39025
10/21 Layna Pimentel on Goodreads--4 stars: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18112098-lapses-of-memory?ac=1

C. B. Clark

Pit and the Passion

Rochelle Weber
 Netgalley (3)

Whirlwind Romance


Amy Garrett 3 stars


Mason’s Mark




Mai Tais & Mayhem

Rochelle’sreviews:

Triptych


Rochelle Weber 5 stars: “I simply have to say that M. S. Spencer is brilliant. I don't think I could write a book with so much intrigue and suspense..don't miss it. It's a keeper!”


By Toni (Lincoln, NE) in Goodreads · ★★★★★ · December 30, 2011
A very romantic To Catch a Thief. This may be titled an erotic romance, but the eroticism is tempered with a great deal of romance. The dialogue is witty, the descriptions are poetic and lush, and the story is an entertaining and very funny one."


By Laura (Fairhope, AL) in Goodreads · ★★★★★ · July 31, 2013
Funny, flirty, and downright sizzling in a few places.


Triptych is a tale of three sisters. They all live together in a mansion on the bank of the Potomac River.



Sybil is the youngest, and keeps her older sisters on their toes with her propensity for flitting around willy nilly and lifting her skir... ...more


Toni Sweeney 5 stars: http://www.tonivsweeney.com/Book_Review/Entries/2011/12/23_Tryptich_by_MS_Spencer.html:
"Love the characterizations, especially that of Corey who comes across as one of those brilliant youngsters who get into trouble because people don’t understand his genius. Sibyl was another matter, she was characterized as such a spoiled brat in the first chapter--no matter how outrageous she acted or how rude she was, everyone just brushed it off--that I wished someone would hit her. A little not sparing the rod wouldn’t quickly un-spoiled that child!, that child! Still, if it wasn’t for Sibyl’s belief that the world was made for her, the story would have nowhere to go, so she’s a good, if maddening, plot device."

1/5/12 Storm Goddess Book Reviews
"M.S. Spencer's intriguing tale of romance and suspense keeps the reader on their toes with twists and turns. You can expect the unexpected."


*****
Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-Written Mystery with a Love Story to Go Along, May 23, 2014
By 
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower (Kindle Edition)

I'm intrigued by presidential history -- especially stories of our nation's founding fathers -- so when I read about "The Mason's Mark", I knew it would interest me. Author M. S. Spencer has crafted a satisfying mystery and added in just enough historical detail to please history lovers like me without going overboard and coming across as pedantic. Her characters were likable and true-to-life. If you enjoy suspense and thrills along with a love story, you'll quickly be caught up by this tale of murder and scandal. I enjoyed the opportunity to be entertained while learning a lot about the Masonic Temple and its history.



OLD BOOKS



Lost & Found:





Lost in His Arms:
Rebecca Rose 7/14/2010, 5 blue roses & 1 gold rose: http://www.authorrebeccarose.blogspot.com/?zx=d6137609ab7bde19


Losers keepers

August/11: Sirens Song Reviews (not Rachel)


Toni Sweeney 4 stars: “…the story’s an enthralling one, and the descriptions of Chicoteague island,  famous for its annual pony round-up,  give it an authentic air.” www.tonivsweeney.com









Lost in His Arms:
"Really enjoyed reading this engrossing story which offered plenty of romance and intrigue. Especially liked the description of the settings (Paris, Washington, DC.) and the depth of the characters. M.S. Spencer obviously knows her stuff and can keep a reader turning the pages, with unexpected twists at every turn. Didn't want to put it down!"

Rebecca Rose--Five Roses: http://www.authorrebeccarose.blogspot.com/?zx=d6137609ab7bde19
Applause all around! M.S. Spencer dotted all the I's with this novel. Suspense, mystery, romance. While at the beginning I wondered what would happen to our hero and his love. They had spent so little time together, yet is sustained them through so much. Like a good movie, the tale built until you found yourself grinding your teeth from uneasiness. What a feeling! Ms. Spencer knew her stuff when it came to the political world of Washington, DC. And she never had me questioning the truthfulness of her knowledge. Plus, and I'm patting my own back here, I'm the person who never goes to see mysteries. They don't pull at me because I figure them out in ten to fifteen minutes. Thank you, M.S. Spencer! I never saw it coming and it was a pleasant surprise. :)
Congratulation M.S. Spencer! I don't believe Five Blue Rose's is enough so I'll give you a gold one on top of them.

"Lost In His Arms is everything a great romance should be. Two impassioned people, unable to resist each other, go through hell and back to be together. It's a great romantic suspense and the twist toward the end was perfect. Though I wasn't sure exactly how M. S. Spencer was going to find a happy ending for Chloe and Michael, I was pleased with how it was accomplished.

I read the book in two sittings and would have finished it in one, if I hadn't started it so late in the evening. I felt Chloe's pain and frustration and only wish there had been more of Michael in the mix, but I suppose you can't have everything. As it was, he was the perfect mysterious hero. I urge you to give Lost In His Arms a try and I look forward to reading more by M. S. Spencer."
This book has a solid, original storyline that is a bit more mainstream than romance in my opinion, but its romance elements are hot. I got caught up with Chloe and Michael. Fans of political thrillers should thoroughly enjoy this. There's exceptional dialogue and a cast of wonderful secondary characters that will leave readers wanting more.
Toni Sweeney--Five Stars: http://www.tonivsweeney.com/Book_Review/Entries/2010/9/24_Lost_in_His_Arms_by_MS_Spencer.html
This is a story reminiscent of the 1963 Cary Grant-Audrey Hepburn movie Charade of a mysterious man who may or may not be a spy, and a plucky and resourceful woman who falls in love with him.  Chloe is no hand-wringing female accepting blatantly obvious facts, but a woman intent on discovering the truth, even if it means proving the man she loves is dead.  Michael is absent through most of the story, popping in only long enough to make love to Chloe and confuse and ensnare her even further, leaving more questions than answers:  Is he, isn’t he?  Does he, doesn’t he?  This doesn’t mean his isn’t a good characterization, however.  The reader will cheer for Chloe and wish Michael would stay still long enough for her to find out the truth, but no one will ever think he’s in the wrong for what he does.

A thoroughly enjoyable story.
Lost and Found:

"This is a wonderful tale of one woman's difficult journey to free herself from the expectations she'd had for herself and the kind of life she'd always imagined she should have. Rose is a frustrating, endearing, visceral character that readers will easily identify with. There were times I found myself wanting to hug her, slap her, cheer her and yell at her. Ms. Spencer has created a deep, intelligent protagonist that is engaging and provocative. Her quest to be free from not only her marriage, but her the weight of her own flawed expectations is something everyone can identify with at some point in their lives. 

The characterizations in this tale were absolutely unforgettable. James is a strong, upright man whose own flaws provided the perfect counterpoint to Rose. The supporting cast was amazing. Each one of these characters leaped from the pages, everything from their dialogue to their descriptions was original and off-beat.

Ms. Spencer has a dynamic way of setting the scenes. Her descriptions of places are vivid and arresting. In my mind's eye, I was right there, feeling the bite of the wind, the cold of the rain. I could actually taste and smell the lobster and the various dishes. Ms. Spencer has an obvious love of food that translates to her fiction. I wanted to eat everything she described." 


Icy Snow Blackstone:  http://www.tonivsweeney.com/icysnow/Book_Review/Entries/2010/8/27_Lost_and_Found_by_MS_Spencer.html : 
"It’s nice to have a “mature” couple as the hero and heroine of a story for a change, and this one is suspenseful as well as sensual.  The Maine descriptions and using actual place names give it a realistic feel, making me want to see those beautiful forests and rugged craggy lakes.  I liked it, and I think you will, too!
(Love the cover, too.)"

Losers Keepers


Toni Sweeney 4 stars: www.tonivsweeney.com
"A love and a mystery!  Good on both counts.  In this case, Dagne’s mooning over Jack don’t so much irritate as entertain,  as do her efforts to forget him,  none of which work of course.  There are a barrage of quaint and quirky small town characters in this story, though Dagne’s mother, who appears mostly through Skype and seems to know what her daughter’s doing and thinking without being told,  does get a little disconcerting.  Nevertheless, the story’s an enthralling one, and the descriptions of Chincoteague island,  famous for its annual pony round-up,  give it an authentic air."

Sirens Song Reviews:



"[T]his book was written tastefully and flowed quite nicely. It pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me immersed throughout."