The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann had the adventure of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but with something many suspense thrillers lack. A female lead. I loved being immersed in such a diverse culture where women were at the helm. The Christian theme brought a thought-provoking element I haven’t seen in many stories of the same genre.

One of my favorite lines in the book made me stop to laugh out loud:

“Jesus, take the wheel.”

“You’d better hope I’ve got it too.”

If you’re into action, adventure, treasure hunts, edgy Romantic Suspense, and globetrotting, you won’t be able to put down The Crown Conspiracy!

I received this book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow! Connie Mann has just become a “must read” author with “The Crown Conspiracy”. I love book with string tensile characters and Sophia fits the bill. She’s a modern day Robin Hood. She works hard to return stolen artwork to their rightful owners. Her best friend vanishes and she has to race against the clock to locate her.
You’re going to want to book a trip to Europe after reading the story. The author’s descriptions of each place made me feel like o was there. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#NetGalley #ConnieMann #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.

After a frenetic start, THE CROWN CONSPIRACY, by Connie Mann, becomes a thrillystery with strong women, exciting European locations and very subtle religious tones.

It was difficult to get started in the story: prologue begins in 1750 Italy; chapter 1 is current day Munich - high intensity event and meeting main character Sophie; chapter 2 we meet Lise and Mac, other two MC’s and begin to learn what precipitated the chapter 1 event; Chapters 3 continues the frenzy and introduces more characters but doesn’t give them any biographical information. I was grasping for purchase.

Chapter 4 starts the nonstop action of racing around Munich, chasing artwork, looking for clues, solving puzzles, heading to Cologne and Venice, meeting a new contingency of characters and finally getting a grip on who all the players are by the end of chapter 22 - 40% thru the storyline.

If you’re a fan of fast paced, clean fiction, this book will be perfect for you. Castles, royalty, mysteries, art, history, potential romance and a boatload of competent women for a series to be written about📚

Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

Sophie is an art expert who excels at spotting forgeries and at creating them. She's also an accomplished art thief who rights wrongs and avoids the spotlight. But she's soon thrust into that spotlight when a long missing royal portrait shows up at her best friend's art gallery in Germany. The portrait is one of three featuring Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her children who were tragically killed in an infamous accident forty years earlier. Now that accident and the deaths are being questioned again and it's only days before a new prince's coronation. Sophie's friend then vanishes and there are rumors of treasure that goes with the paintings. Sophie's convinced that finding the paintings will help her find her friend so she begins an investigation. But that has her at odds with other treasure hunters and a handsome and intrepid investigator who seems to be there at every turn. In addition, there's a mysterious group whose members an emblem much like the one the princess was wearing in her portrait. This group helps Sophie along the way. Sophie goes from castles in Germany to the canals in Venice as she searches for answers trying to piece things together, but she has to be careful whom she trusts. She's trying to save her friend but she may wind up saving the throne too.

I've enjoyed Connie's other books, so I was excited to try this one which is first in a new series. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. This tantalizing tale has mystery, intrigue, and suspense. It's well-written with wonderful characters and relationships that are well-developed and done very well. It's an edgy adventure with a group of women who help women as they right wrongs and generally accomplish the impossible. There's a slight Christian theme, but it's not overdone. There's also some romance that I'm hoping will continue in the next book. I loved this book and am eager for more from the series.

Wow! What a fantastic start to a new series. Fast paced, action packed from beginning to end. Secret society that mostly consists of women helping women band together to solve several mysteries. Missing paintings, missing young women, hidden treasure and throw in some Royalties. Once I started reading I was addicted and couldn’t stop reading. There are quite a few characters, but written so well that I had no problems keeping everyone straight. The main character Sophie Williams leads a double life and depends only on herself or her BBF who has disappeared. So when the Speranza Team shows up to help she has trust issues. Till they prove themselves to be in her corner. This definitely needs to be made into a movie!
Thank you #NetGalley and #ConnieMann for this ARC. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. All opinions expressed are my own and my alone. #TheCrownConspiracy #romanticsuspense #ChristianThriller

Welcome to the world 0f Speranza - a network of women who help other women, right wrongs and get things done that really matter.

Sophie Williams, an artist, but also one who could copy an original so that only the real artist would know for sure. This career was not about the money, but rather righting the wrongs in the world of paintings. But would her quick fingers be able to keep her safe, when so many wanted the painting she was tasked with finding?

I believe in God, even when He is silent. With plenty of danger, intrigue and a royal mystery you will not set this book down. Abductions, castles and more - is she really on the right side? I loved this story and hope that the author continues to bring us further into the work of Speranza!

An early copy was received through Tyndale and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

*Speranza = Hope*
Sophie Williams is on a dangerous search for a missing painting that was gifted to her friend Lise who has also disappeared. What mysteries does the decades old royal portrait hold? Sophie, an expert art forger, embarks on a seemingly wild goose chase from Germany to Italy for amswers. She is pursued by an art recovery agent Mac McKenzie and others. Just how many are anxious to find this painting and for what purpose?
Spectacular suspense and excitement are non-stop as Sophie encounters a troupe of women called Speranza, a secret group who champions women in need. More action than a James Bond film and reminiscent of a heist movie, this excellently plotted book has a spiritual lesson included. “I believe in God, even when He is silent.”
This first in a series hints at more adventures for Sophie, Mac and the gang and some room for characters to grow in their faith,
I am extremely eager for follow-up books.
*I received an ARC copy from Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

This exciting romantic suspense thriller had me captivated from the beginning when Sophie begins her adventures as a Robin Hood type figure. She isn’t stealing from the rich to give to the poor, but rather she is in the business of restoring art treasures to their rightful owners. Skilled at swordsmanship as well as hand-to-hand fighting, Sophie has to call on all of her talents to escape the villains around her that are determined that she not find royal painting about a missing heir. I loved the non-stop action and the characters who were so dynamic and heroic, but I especially enjoyed getting to know the Speranza Team that showed up almost like magic whenever Sophie needed their assistance. With a symbol of hope for the downtrodden and innocent tattooed to show their allegiance, this all-women squad of super heroines tackles some really bad guys and make some harrowing narrow escapes. With exotic settings and a little romance going on, too, this book was everything I would ever want to read in a romantic suspense thriller along with more than a few surprises added in. Twists abounded in this compelling story of fighting for justice in this tale of escalating tension as the women raced down canals in Venice and streets in Munich, ever searching for the elusive paintings as well as for a missing friend. Breathtakingly complex and addictive, this is sure to be one of my favorite books of the year!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

What a delightful book! The suspense and adventures will keep your heart-rate up from page one until the very end! I am eagerly anticipating Book 2 and the continuing work of the Speranza Team.

This new-to-me author had me hooked from page one! Sophie Williams, a master at art theft and forgery, works at her best friend's art gallery in Germany. When a decades-old missing portrait of the royal family of Neuhansberg shows up at the gallery unfortunately it throws the spotlight on Sophie. A tragic accident killed Princess Johanna and her children years ago and at that time three family portraits went missing. Why suddenly has one portrait appeared? A mystery to be sure. Then suddenly Sophie's best friend, Lise, goes missing and there are rumors that hidden treasure is tied to the other missing portraits. Convinced that finding the other portraits will lead her to her friend, Sophie begins a quest that takes her into dangerous territory. Can she trust those she doesn't know who come to her aid? And what about handsome Mac McKenzie, who is also after the paintings for a client? As he dogs her steps, they try to outwit each other at every turn. But will they have to work together eventually to solve this mystery and try and save Lise before it's too late? This novel is extremely intriguing and had me turning pages long after bedtime. With numerous twists and turns, I couldn't put it down!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

She was absolutely certain the trouble had just begun.

This was an amazing action adventure clean suspense novel written by a woman starring an incredible cast of women intent on helping other women! Faced with the disappearance of her best friend on the heels of receiving a lost masterpiece, art thief and forger Sophie won’t stop until she finds Lise and gets to the bottom of not only a modern day kidnapping ring but a forty year old royal murder.

Sophies character is complicated and a little hard to follow sometimes. Mac's character was not really defined until half way through the book. There were a lot of characters that were introduced throughout the book. It took me a while to figure them all out. All of that being said. I enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. There were a lot of surprises in this book. I'm hoping this is a series because I want to read more about Sophie and Mac.

I received this book from Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Oh my word!! Talk about girl power. The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann is the kick-off of Team Speranza and endless possibilities. A team of women, each specializing in one skill or another, but all coming together to help other women, and children, in need. They travel all over the world and have you on the edge of your seat from the get go. James Bond step aside. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book!! Bravo!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Oh my goodness! This book was a thrill ride from start to finish! It’s the very definition of unputdownable. I couldn’t read it fast enough. It has everything I love in a good thriller: intriguing mysteries, nonstop action, great characters, gorgeous settings, a powerful message of faith, and so much more!

I loved the friendship between Sophie and Lise. They were so supportive of each other. I liked how they were both trying to help people and right wrongs. It was so great to read about women supporting other women.

There was a lot going on in this book, but it never felt like too much. I loved all the twists and turns.

I’ve read a lot of great books this year, but this one tops the list so far. I’m so glad it’s the start of a new series. I’m very eager for more adventures with the Speranza team. I’ll be thinking about this story for a while! Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann is the first book I have read by this author but I definitely want to read more of her books. I really enjoyed this thrilling, adventurous, romantic suspense novel. I'm really hoping that she is planning on writing more of these Speranza Team novels. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and really want to see them go on more adventures.
This story is told from multiple points of view, both from the protagonists' and the antagonists' point of view. Sophie is who I would consider the main female character. Though there are several other women whose points of view we see parts of the story through. And there are at least a couple of villains whose point of view we see. And then there is Mac McKenzie, not a villain, but someone who comes between Sophie and her goals more than once, while also getting closer to her, and maybe, just maybe, there are feelings developing. But, she doesn't know whose side he is on, so she doesn't know how much she can trust him.
Sophie is a talented artist and can also forge paintings. Which seems a bit devious for the main protagonist, but she uses her skills for good. Her best friend, Lise owns the art gallery where she works and she is aware of her clandestine activities. She is also involved with a charity that helps the homeless. One day while looking into some suspicious happenings, she disappears. However, her disappearance coincides with the stealing of a long lost famous painting she received, so things are a bit suspicious. But Sophie trusts her friend and needs to find out what happened to her. And she finds herself pulled into events that are way beyond what she thought they were. Was Lise's disappearance linked to her help with the homeless, or with this painting? Or, are they all connected somehow?
And then there is Mac who is also after the painting for his client, but also after Robin Hood, a art thief who steals paintings and replaces them with wonderful forgeries.
And then there are the villains who are after the painting for different reasons.
There is a chase across different cities in different European countries with lots of non-stop action and danger and intrigue. Plus there is a centuries old undercover society helping women in danger. So much going on in this book, and I loved it. And I also loved how the author brought everything together.
As much as I loved the book, I did take off one star because of how many times the author said this or that character was "cussing." If it was the bad guys, it wouldn't have bothered me as much. But our main protagonists were doing a lot of that and I guess I assumed they would have been Christians. Then I realized, it didn't really say whether they were or not, though one of the main saying in the book is, "I believe in God even when he is silent." So, yes, there is belief there, but I would have loved to have seen more of a faith in God lived out in their lives. And no, I'm not saying Christians have to be perfect and not cuss ever.
My feelings on that aside, I did love this book. I loved that there were strong women leads helping those in need. I loved the royal conspiracy that was a part of the story. And the fast paced chases and the treasure hunt and the undercover spy-ish feel. It had me scrolling through the pages as I needed to see what was going to happen next.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

A secret world-wide team of women who are flawed, talented and dedicated to helping women and children in need, work to find the missing portraits of the Princess Johanna and her children. Meanwhile, other women are going missing. Sophie and her newly discovered Speranza group must find her friend Lise and the missing women and solve the mystery of the 3 portraits.

This book contains a swiftly moving plot, uniquely talented characters, a European setting and royalty, which combine to keep the reader engaged.

I enjoyed this book and am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary arc, in exchange for this, my honest review.

The Speranza team are taken on an adventure of their lives. When girls from the encampments are missing, Lise and Sophie look into what happened. The Crown Conspiracy has wonderfully developed characters, non-stop action, art thefts, trips to many different places, and all while being chased by the bad guys.

The non-stop action has lots of twists and turns that have you puzzled one instance after another. Friend or Foe? Robin Hood thief, art investigator, and the police are all involved. A set of characters that will have your head swimming in delight trying to figure it all out.

Everything wraps up nicely in the end with surprises that will make you smile and go, "A-hah!" I can't wait for the next in the series. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

This was a complex mystery with a definite mystique to it. Think Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible with treasure hunts and long held secrets coming to light, as well as dangerous missions with many disguises and danger around every corner.

Sophie Williams is an art forger and art thief. She is not your ordinary thief as she steals stolen art and returns it to the rightful owners. She is a modern day Robin Hood in the international world of art.

When a portrait of Princess Johanna and her children, who died 40 years ago, reappears, the frenzy begins. Sophie's best friend disappears, and she is determined to find her. She will need help, but she trusts no one.

Sophie was quickly my hero. She has an inner strength and is fearless. She faces challenges head on without any regard to her well being. It was an electrifying ride of deception, danger and intrigue. Speranza means hope, and you will learn that this means something special to the people she meets along the way. The book got very exciting during the latter half of the book as Sophie was on the run, and the twists were magnificent. The cast of characters were special and engaging. The inspirational message was an important part of the story as the characters leaned on their faith.

If you enjoy adventure, puzzles and intrigue, you will enjoy this wonderful book.

Thank you to Tyndale Publishers for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Did you ever go on a scavenger hunt? Sophie is an art forger who paints copies of priceless artwork and returns the originals to their lost owners and leaves the copy in its place.
Her friend Lise owns an art gallery and helps to rescue homeless women and children who are camped out all over Europe.
Now a lost picture of a Neuhansbergian Princess and her children who perished in a car accident 40 years ago needs to be found, but Sophia is not the only one looking for it - and those who want it will kill anyone who gets in their way and there is a mystery involved that will change history!

From the first chapter where readers join Sophie on an "art retrieval" mission to the last page, the adventure and suspense does not let up. Ms. Mann has penned a story that encompasses a decades old mystery, royal intrigue, human trafficking, friendship, and faith.

The story moved at a comfortable pace with plenty of clues that kept me guessing; and the characters were well drawn throughout the story. Camille, Mercy, Hank and Willa were talented and strong women who were devoted members of Speranza who provided rescue and hope for women and children. Their assistance to Sophie in her quest to save her best friend showcased their talents as well as their strength under pressure. I hope this is the first book in a new series by Ms. Mann because I would enjoy another adventure with Speranza.