Quick Review: All is Fair by Dee Garretson

 

All is Fair

by Dee Garretson

January 22, 2019
288 pages

Goodreads Summary:

Lady Mina Tretheway knows she's destined for greater things than her fancy boarding school, where she's being taught to be a proper English lady. It's 1918, and war is raging across Europe. Unlike her father and brother, who are able to assist in the war effort, Mina is stuck sorting out which fork should be used with which dinner course.

When Mina receives a telegram that's written in code, she finally has her chance to do something big. She returns to her childhood home of Hallington Manor, joined by a family friend, Lord Andrew Graham, and a dashing and mysterious young American, Lucas. The three of them must band together to work on a dangerous project that could turn the tide of the war.

Thrilled that she gets to contribute to the war effort at least, Mina jumps headfirst into the world of cryptic messages, spycraft, and international intrigue. She, Lucas, and Andrew have to work quickly, because if they don't succeed, more soldiers will disappear into the darkness of war.

Review

As a fan of all things historical fiction, All is Fair pulled me in with that gorgeous cover and enticing synopsis. The story was a bit on the short side but easy to read. I would've liked more spycraft as the synopsis promised.

What I Liked:

- the setting

- Mina!- she was kind, brave and super likable

- Lucas and his grins

- the bit of romance was cute

- Mina's adventure felt far from over- sequel please?

The Not So Much:

- the build up in the first half of the book was too slow and felt pointless at times

- the story wasn't particularly interesting

- it's war but the main conflict was very easily solved

- the ending happened too quickly

"If a moment of happiness is within your grasp, take it. There is nothing wrong with holding on to the last gasps of a dying way of life while you can. If it gives people some comfort or sense of purpose, we shouldn't judge, no matter how meaningless the act." (p. 115).