Blend of Romance and Espionage

In To Love a Falcon, Nancy Williams intricately weaves a narrative that seamlessly merges the realms of romance, espionage, and Russian folklore. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a war-torn Russia, where Katya Morozov, an aircraft mechanic, faces unexpected challenges as she is assigned to a remote outpost in Siberia.

The central conflict arises as Katya, eagerly awaiting the return of her naval officer love, Mikhail, encounters Yuri Sokolov, a test pilot with hidden battles of his own. Williams deftly explores the complexities of human emotions as Katya grapples with conflicting loyalties – torn between her steadfast commitment to Mikhail and the burgeoning attraction towards Yuri.

The novel is not merely a love story but a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” adding a layer of depth to the narrative. Williams skillfully navigates the intrigues of Russian operatives, painting a vivid picture of the harsh Siberian winters and portraying the courage of individuals risking everything for their beliefs and love.

The characters, particularly Katya and Yuri, are portrayed with nuance and depth, each harboring secrets that contribute to the intricacies of the plot. The inclusion of a mysterious woman in the woods adds an element of suspense and wisdom, propelling the narrative forward.

To Love a Falcon stands out for its ability to blend romance with elements of espionage and folklore. Williams’ prose is evocative, transporting readers to the harsh yet enchanting landscapes of Siberia. As a first-time reader of Nancy Williams, this novel serves as a testament to her storytelling prowess, offering a rich and engaging narrative that transcends traditional genre boundaries.

It is a well-crafted novel that captivates readers with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and seamless integration of romance and espionage.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.

To Love a Falcon is on Tour with Celebrate Lit!

Book: To Love A Falcon

Author: Nancy C. Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release Date: November 7, 2023

When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.

Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.

A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?

Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?

To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.

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About the Author

Nancy C. Williams grew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals. These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing, look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.

More from Nancy

Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?

“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!

My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.

I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!