Fortune Favors the Sparrow (Agents of the Convent, #1) (2024)

Melissa

2,379 reviews245 followers

February 9, 2021

DANG!!! She does it again! I love a Connolly story! Each one is so unique! I was a little worried we would get a repeat of the mens spy story's, but dang not even close! This one had a different feel, and totally different characters with different motives. I felt like I was reading a new author! Girl how do you do that! This was a slow build as the new world and players get a little time in the beginning, but I never lost interest. I was so invested in the Sparrows story. The love story was so SWEET! Geeezzzz:} I was burning as they danced!! Connolly knows how to write a good romance scene with not even a kiss! Happy sigh, now I have a book hang over....

    clean-romances great-kisses spy

Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...)

1,623 reviews553 followers

March 3, 2021

I'm so excited for another series with undercover agents in London! This first book introduces us through Clara to some of the major players in the underground spy network. The variety of people helping her is fun and I especially enjoyed Phoebe, who plays Clara's aunt on their assignment. Clara is naturally overwhelmed, but her mentors have faith in her, and she doesn't want to let them down. I loved how quickly she grew dedicated to her task and the risks she was willing to take the deeper she became invested. Wonderful romantic chemistry mixed with adventure and suspense gave this series a strong beginning! I can't wait to continue with the next book.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Monica Ahlström

59 reviews4 followers

January 23, 2021

Clara Harlow's life changed drasticly by two chocking events that happened within a very short time. The first one was that she learned that the very proper Finishing School where she works as a teacher also was a secret training place for female spies and that she was asked to be a part of it by becoming an agent! The second one was that the host, that was not meant to be at home at the house where Clara was residing for her first mission, capured her attention and very fast also her heart. That complicated both her mission and her life a very great deal! That he was equally captivated was very satisfying and very destracting too.

The duke of Kirklin was thrown from his boring life when he unannounced decided to visit his least favorite estate Kirkleigh and found guests there. He suddenly thought his planned short visit was in no hurry to be ended and it had everything to do with the captivating Clara. How is it possible to find oneself so totally drawn to someone one has only known a few days?!

I absolutly love the London League series and am so happy to have this new spy series to dive into. The last London League book, To Sketch a Sphinx, plays out just before the start of this book and the discovery at it's ending is the perfect scenario for this book. The spying in this book starts off differently and not as daring as that of the London league's dashing, brave agents and if that is because it's Clara's first mission or if we will see a different kind all together does not matter at all, I'll happily take whatever is given to me! The thought that people with different personalities and skills can be useful no matter their station in life is a very pleasing attitude and I hope we will see a variety of that in this series. My head is already swimming with possibilities!

I like the persons in this book and the unstoppable and sweet lovestory between the main characters and as always my heart beats for the safety of The United Kingdom! And may my hope, that the charming best friend of the Duke in some future book will be the futunate man to fall in love with another lovely spy from the Convent, come true!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Mara

1,272 reviews91 followers

March 17, 2021

I was taken in right away by this suspenseful story of Clara, who's an art and French teacher at a finishing school, when she's asked by the head mistress to take on the assignment of impersonating the ward of the late Duke of Kirklin.

I love a good Regency romance and I love suspense and spy books too, so when one of my favorite authors debuted another Regency spy series I was like heck yeah!! Not only is this a Regency spy story, but it's about female spies!! And where would they find and train these female spies? Where else, but at a girls finishing school.

I liked both of the main characters and the dual point of view. I really like when I get the male point of view, I feel it makes me understand his actions better. I REALLY liked the character of Phoebe and hope to see her in future books.

I liked Clara and felt she acted as any regular person would if they suddenly found out a huge secret that was hidden right under their nose where they worked. I liked how the Duke was able to forgive her for the deception, followed his heart and tracked her down at the end. If you've read Rebecca Connolly's London League series you'll enjoy this new series. I can't wait to read more of this new series.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Holly Bleggi

1,080 reviews34 followers

February 7, 2021

Great start to a new series by Rebecca Connolly. Rebecca Connolly is one of my favorite authors and I loved how this series will take us in to learning about the female spies that we heard about in the London League. I thought this book was great. I loved the romance. I loved how the Duke had to decide if his love was strong enough for Clara to get over her deception. I loved how they ended up together in the end. I look forward to the other books in this series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

GG

577 reviews9 followers

January 24, 2021

What a delightful story. Clara and Hawk were an engaging couple from the very beginning. More romance than spy story, still it was nice to touch base with the London League, and to get a glimpse into the inner workings of the Convent. There is so much more I would like to know. And there is plenty of name dropping from previous books. It could be considered a stand-alone but reading the previous London League books enriches the story.

Watching as Clara and Hawk grow in love, with what problems they have coming from Clara as a newbie spy is lovely. They get their HEA with a promise of more to come, which is a good thing. The side characters were quite interesting, some I recognized, and I hope we hear more of them.

Now for what I perceive as problems, I found only two. The cover which is wonderful shows Clara as a brunette. Yet Hawk describes "her hair somehow managed to be both brown and blonde." And later as "deep golden hair" . The cover doesn't portray that.

Second (this may be a spoiler) Clara goes from completing her mission in one chapter to being under arrest and in restraints in the next chapter with no explanation as to what happened. I would have liked to know. It may not have changed a lot in the arc of the story. Perhaps more will be revealed in an upcoming book which I am looking forward to. I highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to the author for a free copy, allowing me to read and review. I have given a true and honest opinion. And so it is.

Marilee

1,186 reviews156 followers

January 24, 2021

I love the idea of a regency series about a group of female spies! Clara is happy as a teacher at a school for girls but accepts a covert assignment for king and country. During her first mission, she unexpectedly meets the Duke of Kirklan - now she has to figure out how to fulfill her assignment and keep herself from falling in love with the charming duke.

This was a well-paced and intriguing story that had me staying up way to late in order to finish. I liked both Clara and Hawk (though I wished the model on the cover matched the description of Clara) and loved that I got to read from both their povs, and appreciated their small character arcs. There are some fantastic side characters that I really hope we get to see in future books! There were definitely some unexpected plot twists and wow, does Rebecca Connolly know how to write a swoony romance! Definitely looking forward to the other books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but a positive review was not required.

Anna

1,390 reviews28 followers

March 18, 2022

This romance developed a little to quickly for my preference and I rather wish that Hawk had not been a duke as I think a lower rank would have satisfied the plot better. However, Connolly has become almost indecent in writing scenes of romantic tension, and I did like both Hawk and Clara, and appreciated that both had quiet and modest natures.

    romance

Danielle Warner

217 reviews1 follower

February 22, 2021

Sorry 3.5 * only. Plot lacking

I am completely surprised at this story, but not in a good way. In this continuing saga of the spies and such, the plots have been great, they were believable for the most part and quite engaging. Romance generally was secondary which was great. However, in this story the spy part seemed to be unrealistic (I will expound later on this), in addition the main plot was just the unceasing interest of the H & h. Constantly analyzing their relationship and if the other was interested as much……
The spy plot was kind of lost in the background.
I really would like to give it 3.5* but that isn’t an option. Still the writing itself was smooth and I didn’t notice being annoyed with the actual writing itself. Though I did notice the continuing description of their body reactions to each other as a bit weird. Emotions traveling from legs to their ribs or such…. kind of odd.

In the end I was totally getting bored with the focus on the relationship with the H and h.
I like adventure and an engaging plot, with romance more as a side point.

So for the unrealistic bits:
The girl being impersonated had been 13 years old when the people in the area and household had last seen her. At 13 most girls look mostly the same at 20. Their face for sure is already developed fully. So to have someone impersonating a person that was known by some staff and some in the village, is not very wise. Had they set her as living there up until about 8 or 9 that would have made more sense.

Then a couple times she says she needs to read the information about the real miss Moore. What, she didn't even research and commit to memory the info she had been given of the person she was to impersonate? Really??? In addition it seemed like she was only given minimal training before going on her first assignment.

Also she was well known by the H sister! The H comes regularly to the school to see his sister, so at any point she could be sen there. Or at any point the sister could unexpectedly arrive at the estate.

Why would the "convent" choose someone who could so easily be exposed in all these situations. Her mission was so wrought with failure. And then of course she falls in love with the H… more disaster. She can’t even focus on what she is supposed to be doing. Which was what anyway, I didn’t know anymore.

Then the H and h walking hand in hand along the beach would have been only allowed for those courting. And yet no one, other than a few sly remarks, made a big deal out of that.

Then near the end how did they discover her and arrest her??? We got no details!!!! One moment she was safely back at the home, next chapter she's being hauled to jail? For breaking and entering and impersonation. What happened in between and how they discovered her is a mystery. Is a chapter missing???

So over all, The plot was only in the background, it was over shadowed by the constant longing of the H and h. And the premise was wrought with disaster from the beginning with all the unrealistic bits that could easily expose the impersonation. So early on I just expected disaster. Which is so different than how I felt about the other stories in this saga. So this gets 3* usually I give Rebecca Connolly 5*. I was sadly disappointed. Hopefully her next will be up to the usual standards.

Shauna Jones

495 reviews8 followers

January 23, 2021

Espionage, traitors and romance
Rebecca Connolly has done it again with this book building on the mention of the convent in her other books. At last, we get more info on the training of female agents seen in some of her other books. There is a threat against England and some very specific skills are needed to address it. Clara is that person. A teacher of art and French in Miss Masters’ Finishing School, she has the ability to accurately sketch the landscape, present herself as a lady of quality, and listen for any clues in either French or English. Sent to a home of a Duke near the coast, she poses as someone who had lived there previously, unconcerned about the deception until the Duke arrives at this home unexpectedly. Will he recognize that she is not who she claims to be? Can she still complete the tasks she was given? Or will the Duke’s presence put England at even more risk? A great read. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Samantha Martin

81 reviews4 followers

January 26, 2021

Fortune Favors the Sparrow is a delightful regency romance! Rebecca Connolly is a master with words and beautifully paints a picture of longing and passion.

Our hero Hawk finds himself captivated by Clara, a spy who who is using an assumed identity to stay at his property during a covert mission. After only a few days in her presence, he finds he can’t stay away from her. He craves her smile, and soon finds himself inventing reasons to visit her. She is falling for him too, but is scared what will happen when her real identity comes to light.

The spy stuff in the story was fun, but the way you can literally feel the chemistry between the two characters jumping off the page... that was the real treat for me. I felt the character’s emotions throughout the story. And, of course, the flirty banter was top notch.

I simply can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Richelle

401 reviews33 followers

May 19, 2021

Romance - Clean
Language - None
Violence - None
Series Book 1 : However, this series begins where the London League series ended. I highly recommend reading that series before starting this one. The books DO need to be read in order.

You can never go wrong with a book by Rebecca Connolly. I loved the London League series, and when I finished the last, To Sketch a Sphinx, I couldn't wait to begin this one.

Clara and Hawke are both written very well. Their love story is so sweet and charming. I worried for Clara and how Hawke would react when he discovered the truth about her secret life. A well developed story within an even larger story. I highly recommend this book, and any book by Rebecca Connolly.

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Lori

83 reviews

January 26, 2021

This was such a cute romantic tale. Clara Harlow finds her world is not what it seems at the school she teaches at. She is asked to take part in being a spy and using her skills to help find the enemy within England. She goes undercover as Miss Moore and meets the Duke of Kirklin. She finds her heart being drawn to him as she strives to uncover if there is a threat in the area.

It takes a bit to get into the story as with any new series. I did love how Clara and Hawk are drawn to each other. It definitely has it's sigh worthy kissing moments. This story had adventure along with romance. I definitely enjoyed it! It is a clean read. I look forward to more to come in this series.

Pamela

1,756 reviews37 followers

August 25, 2024

I loved this book, and its ending. This series is wonderful. Sparrow, a spy for the English against the French has to find where the secret goods, and messages are arriving, and report back to Weaver. The Duke of Kirkland, or Hawk as his friends know him gets attracted to Clara. Her friend and ally helped with her subterfuge. Only towards the end her name change is revealed, and her future takes an alternate course. Clara Moore is Clara Harlow. The county magistrate gets involved, and well she can hardly explain. It was a great chase for Hawk to go after the woman he loves, no matter her name. It was exciting, and romantic. Plus it had an epilogue. Five stars.

    adventure clean-book-no-sex-or-cussing drama

Ashley

413 reviews28 followers

January 27, 2021

I always enjoy Connolly's books. I was excited for this new series because her London League series had lots of action and adventure with still a bunch of swoony romance. This was just like that. It was fun getting a glimpse into the Convent. I enjoyed the Duke and Clara both. It was fun to watch their instant attraction turn into love and see how they overcame their obstacles.

Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove

787 reviews14 followers

August 18, 2022

Loved this story so much. The intrigue and the mutual attraction of the MCs was very well done. The plot was complete without being overdone and the romance was just perfect. Definitely recommend this one!

Anna (The_Reading_Pantry)

325 reviews54 followers

May 25, 2021

I had no idea what to expect with this new series; I only knew that I love any book written by Rebecca Connolly. Female spies are also a plus! This story had a different spin on your traditional female spy storyline and even the romance was different and refreshing. Clara and Hawk are so sweet and bold in their feelings, which is unique in regency novels. It took a minute for me to get into the book, but once Hawk and Clara met, I was a goner. Cleaning and my other daily tasks were just put on hold. 🤣 This is a page turner for sure!

About the book:
Clara is a teacher for the Miss Masters’ Finishing School. She didn’t know that Miss Masters’ school was also a front as The Convent: the training base for female spies. Clara was recruited due to her special skill sets and was sent on a mission to gather intelligence in Kirkleigh. She didn’t expect the Duke to be in residence of the home she was supposed to infiltrate. (He had multiple estates and rarely visited Kirkleigh according to their sources.) By being forced in close contact with Hawk, Clara didn’t expect to be torn between her mission and her heart.

I highly suggest this one! Got check it out! Now I’m just eagerly waiting for the sequel. I might just reread the London League series instead. ☺️☺️

I was given a complementary advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. This in no way affected my review. Thanks, Rebecca Connolly!!

Becky

196 reviews4 followers

January 26, 2021

This was a fun book, it introduced the convent, and what its real purpose is. We met Clara whom was a teacher and was sent to work undercover. While there she met Hawk. They had a great relationship. However with most relationships there were rocks in their path in the form of secrets and misunderstandings. It was a happy ending in that they worked it out and caught the bad guy!
I gave this book 4 stars because I had a hard time getting into it. Nothing really grabbed my attention and held on. But all in all it was a good book.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sylvia

481 reviews48 followers

February 7, 2021

An intriguing start to a new series from Rebecca Connolly. Although Fortune Favors the Sparrow is slow in terms of story and action, Connolly’s writing style is always satisfying. Not much happened until the last quarter of the story, and it felt a bit unfinished. It might have been better as a shorter story, and I found the characters a bit bland. Still, Connolly’s trademark swoony romance and accomplished storytelling abilities make me hopeful for the rest of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Swoony Awards

439 reviews163 followers

Want to read

January 26, 2021

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

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Welzen

866 reviews13 followers

November 15, 2021

Primera novela de la serie sobre los Agentes de Convent de Rebecca Connolly. La elección de esta novela vino impuesta por su gran puntuación en esta web. Lo que no siempre es un acierto, aunque tampoco un error.

Fortune favors the sparrow es una novela que tiene una buena premisa: una joven profesora debe hacerse pasar por una joven dama para poder investigar un posible caso de traición en las costas inglesas. Pero en su camino se cruza un apuesto duque del que se enamora sin remedio.
Este es un libro muy educado. Excesivamente educado. Todos son perfectos personajes de la época, se hablan con cortesía, los caballeros con muy caballeros y las damas muy damas, aunque seas una espía tienes que ser la flor más bella del racimo de damas presentes, lo que significa buen peinado, muy buen traje y muy buenos modales. Todo es muy correcto tanto que provoca que la trama y los personajes estén muy tiesos. Parecen maniquís de un modelo concreto de personaje.
El Duke of Kirklin, George Russell, es el perfecto duque, se ocupa de su propiedades, no fuma, no bebe, no va a burdeles de mala muerte, permite a sus hermanos tener la vida que quieren, aloja a amigos que están en plan vago, ayuda a sus empleados con las labores del lugar, y no tiene traumas psicológicos que lo hagan un ser oscuro. O sea, es un soso dentro del mundo romántico.
Clara Harlow es profesora en una escuela de señoritas, habla francés y es una gran dibujante. Es recatada, sobria y no ha alzado la voz a nadie en su vida. Sus modales en la mesa también son perfectos. Tiene un pasado un poco especial que ha hizo descender un poco en el escalón social pero está feliz con su pacífica vida en el campo enseñando a señoritas francés y a pintar acuarelas.

Pero la escuela es un lugar donde se entrena a las mujeres espías de la época. Me paro. Toda la parte de la escuela, las mujeres espías y todo lo demás es una pura fantasía, al menos tan y como me lo plantea Rebecca Connolly. En ningún momento me creí que alguna de ella pudiera ser una espía porque mi concepto de espía es mucho más complejo que la representación que aquí se describe. A ver, no es que todo el mundo pueda ser James Bond, o la Rosa Escarlata pero algo de emoción tiene que haber en el mundo del espionaje, no vestirse como un dama y escuchar banalidades en una aburrida fiesta. Que es lo que pasa aquí.

Considerando la trama principal de toda la novela no hay nada de emoción o intriga y sin muchos personajes que se suponen que han hecho cosas heroicas pero no se dicen cuáles. Es como si un amigo te contara que le han pasado muchas cosas durante un huracán para después descubrir que la única emoción es que al gato se le subió al peluquín con un trueno y luego no había manera de desengancharlo.

En cuanto al romance es todo muy educado. Se ven, se presentan, van a pasear por la playa, se despiden. Se echan de menos. Se escriben... Como romance también falla un poco porque es todo excesivamente formal. Hay cierta falta de emoción no en los personajes o sus sentimientos sino en cómo Connolly los ha descrito.

Evidentemente con un libro tan formal y educado no se puede esperar nada de escenas sexuales, porque es un libro de romance blanco.

Fortune favors the sparrow es mi primera incursión con Rebecca Connolly y no puedo decir que me haya gustado mucho. Reconozco que ella tienen un buen estilo narrativo pero es demasiado formal, educado, rígido y encorsetado para mi gusto. Yo prefiero las novelas donde los personajes se salgan de su zona de control o rompan las reglas de lo políticamente correcto según su época.

Para aquellos que buscan una correcta novela romántica con un tono de aventura muy sutil se la recomiendo. Para los que buscan algo más salvaje, mejor otra opción.

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Sharraleigh

24 reviews

July 1, 2021

I've read all of the books in London League and a couple of others that Connolly has written, but Fortune Favors the Sparrow eclipses them all in terms of depth of emotion. I rarely give books 5 stars, as I reserve those for the very books ones that I've read, but this book is solidly 5 stars in my opinion! I really love when authors focus on minute details that convey emotion in romance stories instead of a plethora of dialogue or mundane descriptions of settings. Connolly describes settings AND emotion in a way that a reader can imagine not just the scene, but the emotion emanating between characters in their heads.

Anyone who has ever been in love will be able to put themselves in Clara and Hawk's shoes and completely understand the whirlwind of feelings, the insanity that comes with it. Connolly captures these feelings so well in the book, and you can practically experience exactly what Clara and Hawk are feeling in any given moment.

I also REALLY love that there is no use of tropes here (enemies to lovers, second chances, love triangles, etc.) and the story still worked perfectly. Additionally, the supporting characters are delightful as well (Nat and Phoebe, mainly) and there are no irritating, one-dimensionally evil characters like wicked stepmothers or overly controlling fathers.

I usually prefer reading about heroines that are outspoken, witty and independent, as it's difficult to write an engaging heroine that is shy or sweet or reserved, but the way Connolly has created Clara's personality is fabulous. She's sweet and honest without managing to be boring, and although I love some of the London League heroines better, Clara is still wonderful and perfectly likeable as a character.

Fortune Favors the Sparrow is a wonderfully original story about spies, smuggling, and treason. Although this book leans more on the romance side than any of the other books in London League. I saw glimpses of Connolly's mastery in writing emotions onto a page in To Sketch a Sphinx (specifically, the dancing/ball scene where the main characters try to infiltrate a Faction meeting), but it was not as well done as in this book, which has more depth and character development. It's so nice to see when authors are improving in their craft, because you know that the next books will get even better and better.

Meagan Myhren-Bennett

Author25 books147 followers

January 31, 2021

Fortune Favors the Sparrow
Agents of the Convent #1
By Rebecca Connolly

Clara Harlow's life is dedicated to her students and her fellow teachers at Miss Masters Finishing School. But her skills as an artist and her command of the French language are about to introduce her to a side of the school she never imagined existing. All too soon she finds herself assuming the identity of the late Duke of Kirklin's ward to gain access to his estate in Kent and puts her artistic skills to work. She never expected to meet the new Duke of Kirklin...

George (Hawk) Russell is bored with the life of a duke. His late uncle's estates all but run themselves, leaving him with nothing to occupy his time. Worse than living a boring life, Hawk finds that he bores himself. But what's a Duke to do? Why break the rules of convention, of course. As Hawk begins the annual tour of his estates he never expected to find a most captivating young lady residing within the walls of Kirkleigh. And soon he finds himself reluctant to out of Clara's presence. Her company has brought something into his life and he doesn't want to give it up.

But when Hawk learns of her deception will their connection be severed? Or will she just disappear when her mission is completed, leaving him with a broken heart?

This book continues with the plot uncovered in To Sketch a Sphinx and the effort to thwart the overthrow of the English government by those with French sympathies. This is the first book in Rebecca Connolly's new series Agents of the Convent and it builds upon her previous series. This Regency Era book can be read as a standalone if you have not read the author's previous series as it features, for the most part, characters new to this world.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion if I choose. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Melanie

555 reviews

January 31, 2021

Romantic Suspense in Regency England

To be clear, the intrigue starts post-Regency, in 1825, but close. Being the first in a series, there is a lot of set-up and introduction to characters, some that have value to this story and many that will most likely play a
significant role in future books.

This story focuses on Clara, a teacher of French and Art, at a finishing school for young ladies, who come from both the ton and from the lower classes, though you’d never know the difference, the finishing part of the school being that good. Clara, having been teaching there several years after suffering from a scandal not of her own making, abruptly learns the school is not all that it seems to be. In fact, it is an elaborate front for a regiment of government spies.

As you might guess, Clara joins the ranks of spies and along with those assisting her, attempts to ferret out the secrets being held by a coastline in Kent. Neither she, nor her handlers count on her meeting the Duke of Kerklin, whose property she is using as a part of her backstory. The Duke is an entanglement no one expected, the least of whom is Clara, who assumed her chance for love had ended in scandal long ago.

I very much enjoyed both the intrigue and the romance of this story. As Clara got further embroiled in the mystery and the romance unfolded, I wanted to get the to the end as quickly as possible because I couldn’t imagine how Clara was going to extricate herself and still win the heart of the man she loved.

The wait was worth it and I can’t wait until Book 2. I enjoyed the early 19th century spy craft as much as I enjoyed the romance.

Tammy

63 reviews1 follower

January 27, 2021

Romance with a Side of Covert Ops and Spies

Fortune Favors the Sparrow is a new series similar to the London League but is based on the teachers and students at Miss Masters’ Finishing School (aka The Convent), an all girl’s school.
The Sparrow is Clara Harlow, a teacher at the school who speaks flawless French and has the artistic ability to match any Renaissance Master. It’s these exceptional abilities that lead her to be recruited to assist in a recognizance mission. She struggles in learning about the schools true mission and her place in it but accepts nonetheless. While on this mission she meets Hawk, the Duke of Kirklin. The love story that develops between Clara and Hawk is pure romance. Each look, each sigh, each touch conveys emotion and meaning: it’s a language only they can understand. Quite honestly I found their developing romance to be masterfully written, innocent but intense with the promise of so much more. (You don’t need sex to sell romance!)

While more romance than intrigue, there are plenty of glimpses into the world of covert operations and the story successfully lays the foundation for the series. I hope future books tie up a few of the loose ends for Sparrow. I’m thrilled with the female spy aspect and there are many interesting characters introduced that I hope are featured with their own stories: Is Emma really visiting a sick aunt? What happened to Nat? What’s Pippa’s story? And Martin and Alexandra? Phoebe? Brick? So many options for wonderful stories to come! More, please!

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Mandy

1,106 reviews53 followers

January 24, 2021

I really enjoyed Rebecca Connolly's London League and was really excited when she announced this new series showcasing female spies. Fortune Favors the Sparrow did a great job setting up this group of female spies and introducing many side characters I hope to see more of as well as bringing in small touches of the spies from the London League books.
Both Clara and Hawk were fun characters and I was glad to get both of their POVs. I do wish the cover model’s hair matched the description though of Clara’s golden locks in the book, but that’s just a personal preference. The first part of the story was a little bit slower for me, particularly for their romance, but the second half of the book picked up and I definitely enjoyed their chemistry and that first kiss. I felt like there were a couple of unexplained loose ends, but I imagine the author did that intentionally as a lead up for the next book in the series. This story does resolve, so it's not a cliffhanger. I am excited for more in this series and recommend this book.
The content is clean, with some kissing and maybe one or two mild swear words.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jessie

1,390 reviews77 followers

February 11, 2021

I loved Rebecca Connolly's London League series and was excited about this spinoff. This time instead of male operatives, the spies are female. Clara Harlow doesn't know that the finishing school she teaches at employs and trains up female spies, when she is recruited for a mission she doesn't know what to think. I liked the build-up at the beginning of this book. Since Clara was new to the world of espionage, I felt like I got to enter it at a slower pace. Less names and code names to mix up, less to drink in at the beginning.
Clara quickly adjusted to her undercover role. The only trick to it is the Duke 0f Kirklin. He wasn't supposed to be at home when she impersonated his uncle's ward. And she wasn't supposed to fall in love with him. How can you love someone when you can't even tell him your real name?
I loved the intrigue, and especially the romance. Clara and Hawk were adorable together. Great chemistry. While the chemistry was swoon-worthy, it was a relationship that developed from friendship and deepened beautifully. Their letters when they were apart cracked me up!
I will read anything that Rebecca Connolly writes!

Content: clean (minor curse words-d and h, some kissing, no violence)

Our Book Confessions

616 reviews15 followers

February 3, 2021

This story had all the banter that we love about Rebecca. Her characters are always unique and entertaining. Clara and Hawk are no different. There were multiple times where I was impressed with the insight and vulnerability she wrote into the character's story.
She sets her scenes with beautiful imagery. I love how it played out in not just the feelings of the setting, but the feelings of the characters as well. The scenery and setting often reflected Clara's art, Hawk's need to feel purposeful and their growing feelings for each other.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next book and am crossing my fingers that Adrianna will be part of this convent at some point. I'm also really hoping that Ginny Gerrard belongs to THE Gerrards...cause that would be absolutely perfect. Especially with the little bit of personality Rebecca teased us with.
It's only book one and I'm already completely invested, that's how fantastic Rebecca Connolly is at writing a world that pulls you right in, I'll happily stay here awhile thank you.

Anneke Bartschi

15 reviews

February 22, 2021

The London League series by Rebecca Connolly are some of my favorite books, so I was excited for this spin-off series. While, this book picked up right where the London League stories ended, you can read this book without reading the previous series. I do like how some of the characters from the London League series make appearances in this book and I am hoping that continues to be the case in subsequent books. It's always fun to read how old characters are doing and find out what is happening in their lives. I loved how the relationship between Clara and Hawk developed in this story. Their letter writing back and forth was fun to read and to see how their connection became deeper. I am left with one question about what happened in this book. I do not want to give away any spoilers, so I'll just say, "How was Clara's rouse and unlawful entry into the neighbors' house discovered? Who discovered what she was doing?" Maybe these questions will be answered in the next book or two....

Brandi

1,200 reviews29 followers

February 1, 2021

An exciting new series! Just when I think Rebecca Connolly cannot possibly top her previous book, she shows me just how talented she is. Fortune Favors the Sparrow returns to the world of espionage in the Regency Period. I am loving this new line of characters, although revisiting previous ones from London League is wonderful bonus as well. Clara is the kind of heroine you instantly fall in love with. She is smart, beautiful and kind. She just wants to do the right thing and rises to the challenge when called to do so. Hawk is a charming Duke who wants more than what is before him and is willing to walk outside the box. As a side note, his friend Nat is quite entertaining as well! Together, Clara and Hawk weave a captivating love story that is clean and full of swoony moments. I loved their chemistry and unfolding love story. Don’t miss out on this new series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

    2021-read
Fortune Favors the Sparrow (Agents of the Convent, #1) (2024)
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