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Plus the spiritual element was tightly woven into the story's theme and into characters' lives.
I love how people actually changed in the story because they were around Dominique. She was like a light in the house full of nothing by heartache and pain, which is what Christians are called to be--light. This aspect of the story was done amazingly well. The romantic tension rocked as did the kissing scenes! That's often my favorite part of Tyndall's novels.
She does a great job of pairing up two very unlikely people with intense conflict between them, which makes for some serious electricity. I dare say the pages of this novel smoked with constrained passion and deep affection. I loved how the Admiral's heart began to thaw and how his son played a key role in the entire story.
As usual, this was well done! I've never read a Tyndall novel I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! The Falcon and the Sparrow was published by Barbour and released in Aug I was a little unsure when I started to read this book. But I decided to go for it and I am glad that I did. Also, this book is written for an adult audience. There are some attitudes that are portrayed in the book that I would I was a little unsure when I started to read this book.
There are some attitudes that are portrayed in the book that I would not agree with. I thought the author did a great job writing this story and I have read some of her other novels and enjoyed them. Not the best book I ever read but defiantly enjoyable. Mary Lu Tyndall writes books the way I like them. Darn near perfection in my mind.
The Falcon and the Sparrow has ratings and 96 reviews. Margaret said: Absolute on the edge of your seat, page turner, with unexpected twists and turn. Note: This is a reprint of The Falcon and the Sparrow published in A Reluctant Spy Captures more than she bargained for in this Best-selling Regency .
I read this book in a single day it was that good. Again, cheesy book cover but she has no control over that one, so no fault there Mary Lu! Glad they are improving her covers these days. If I had to read one more discription of the admiral in his "tight pants" I was going to puke! Sep 08, Teresa rated it liked it Shelves: PG Nice brain candy. A lot of hot, passionate kissing in this I didn't know Christian fiction had this much kissing!! I couldn't suspend my unbelief during Dominique's attempt to strike the Admiral on the head with the candlestick and then he simply dismisses it and still doesn't believe she could be the spy the Admirality committee insists is dwelling in his home.
But then again, they say love is blind. Mar 15, Sandra rated it it was amazing. I enjoyed this story very much! I could not put it down until I finished it! The author wrote in such a way as to fit the people and event appropriately for this time period. Nov 23, Colleen rated it it was amazing. Enjoyable read Nice to read a romance that leaves you uplifted rather than feeling dirty.
Love how she weaves Gods love and protection into her plots. Mar 15, English rated it did not like it Shelves: The second book I have read by Marylu Tyndall was sadly a disappointment. It had a promising beginning and premise, but was neither an especially good spy cum mystery novel nor a quality romance.
In some respects, it had many parallels with the other, including assorted bunc The second book I have read by Marylu Tyndall was sadly a disappointment. In some respects, it had many parallels with the other, including assorted bunch of leering and lecherous aristocratic men, or jealous and snobbish aristocratic women one of whom was after the hero who was really falling for Dominque, a woman hiding the truth about her past or identity, and a hero who has lost his belief in God because of suffering or difficult circumstances.
There were too many coincidental nocturnal encounters in unbuttoned shirts or only a nightgown for my liking, and the romance bordering on inappropriate or verging on the racy or even obscene. The attempted rape scene was almost enough to tip it over the edge- there are other novels which involve such things, but the way they were written did not seem obscene stomach- turning.
With everything I did feel uncomfortable reading the novel on some occasions. Not good for Christian fiction. As for Dominique wondering around seedy areas of London alone at night-well I understand she could not help it, and such scenarios are common in fiction. Dominque's nocturnal wanderings in seedy areas of London seemed a common enough occurrence for some books in this genre.
Yet not clever at all so her almost getting into trouble was hardly a surprise- until the mysterious man who was quite obviously an angel appeared to protect her. I thank the author for emailing me the Kindle edition after alerting her to a copy uploaded to the internet without authorization, but due to two bad reading experiences I sadly do think I will steer clear of her books in future. Feb 28, Katie rated it did not like it Shelves: This book had the potential to be really good, but the author kept throwing in vulgar remarks and suggestive scenes.
Won't be reading anything else from this author. It was my first time reading this author and the story was so refreshing to me. It was filled with faith and God, which I have found surprisingly not all Christian authors are willing to write. Further this book touched on angels, which I found both interesting and uplifting. This book takes place in the early s, during the time when Napoleon is starting to rear his ugly head.
Dominique Dawson has lost her parents and her only brother is being held hostage while she is forced to spy on the British Navy. However, this goes against everything she believes in. She has every intention of finding information that will help France and save her brother, while getting the task accomplished quickly.
But, she finds she is drawn to the family and its staff. She uses every opportunity to minister to them, as well as the friends and sister of the Admiral. It is a difficult position because she is treated with disdain by the women, and lusty ogling by some of the men. Many times, she doubts herself and her worth to God. He is a kind, and gentle elderly man of the cloth who prays with her and directs her to the scriptures. These moments were so sweet to read.
It has been suggested he has a spy at his home, and there is pressure to find the person. Additionally, his beloved wife had passed away a few years back, and his son has had several governesses that he continually finds fault with and dismisses. Because of the tragedy with his wife, he has walked away from God and carries bitterness and regret in his heart. He has vowed to never love again, and can not wait to return to the sea where he is respected and has a firm grasp on his role.
The day Dominique arrives at his home turns his world upside down. This book is filled with adventure, spite, maliciousness, tenderness, walking in faith and seeing the impact that brings to others outside the faith, and yes; love. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to others. You can read more about this author at her FB page: Swashbuckling Romance or at her Blog: Included at the end of the book: I believe this is by far my favorite from Tyndall. The Falcon and The Sparrow seems different than her other books to me.
I have enjoyed all of her other book, but this one had me feeling it in the pit of my stomach. Dominique and Chase are such amazing characters. He avoids his son like a plague because he reminds him of his wife. Chase and his friends dr M. Chase and his friends drink, socialize loudly, and are very worldly.
But, through the book, we see Chase change into a loving father and caring man. Dominique is faced with going against all she believes to save her brother.
Forced to betray her own country or watch her brother die, Dominique Dawson, arrives at the London home of Admiral Randal as a governess for his son, but her real purpose is to steal valuable Admiralty documents for the French. A Match Made in Texas. So, just trust God and obey, no matter how hard and we can't understand at that moment why. I have enjoyed all of her other book, but this one had me feeling it in the pit of my stomach. Born to an English Admiral and a beautiful Frenchwoman, Dominique Dawson discovers her heritage is more burden than blessing. She soon discovers, however, that she faces more enemies besides her own fear. Surprising twists and turns bring even more suspense for the characters—and reader.
She struggles with her beliefs and faith as she walks down a road that is full of deceit. Through this, she is still kind and forgiving. I enjoyed her struggle with what she believed what was right and her actions. We all face that challenge at some point in our life. In this book, the Christian aspect is woven in the story beautifully. We see both Dominique and Chase along with their friends battle their inner happiness. Once again, Tyndall does not disappoint! This tale of espionage, intrigue and romance will take the reader captive from the first page! Will Dominique betray the country she loves, sacrificing the only family she has left on the earth?
Or will she learn to love a new family and start over again? MaryLu writes so masterfully, you can smell the Thames River and the staleness of the London underbelly. The characters she creates have such depth, they can almost be heard breathing. The locations are tantalizing, a vicarious vacation for the reader. Her well-woven situations will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page!
I highly recommend this wonderful novel! Apr 10, Camilla rated it really liked it. The Falcon and the Sparrow- What an adventure! I was captivated from the beginning!
I was led on the journey of the characters, and driven to complete it all in a day and a half. Not even that, I suppose. I must admit that I abandoned many of my responsibilities, as I could not seem to concentrate on anything until I made my way through to the end. Mystery, intrigue, romance, and a journey of faith, forgiveness, and love… There is more danger than calm, more heated angst and misunderstanding and The Falcon and the Sparrow- What an adventure! Mystery, intrigue, romance, and a journey of faith, forgiveness, and love… There is more danger than calm, more heated angst and misunderstanding and judgment than peace, but it all worked together perfectly, in the end, for good.
I am left with quivering heart for the adrenaline-loaded moments, but content for the hope that remained. While it is just a story, it is full of truth which we can all learn from and grow in. My soul was encouraged, and I was reminded to persevere and hope and trust in God wholly and completely- even if situations do not make sense or I do not like them.
The redemptive power of love, generosity and kindness is clearly shown. I found pleasure in how each historical moment was intertwined perfectly with the fictional world which was created by Marylu Tyndall. There were some delicate moments which I felt are better suited to adults and not younger readers. I recognize the value of the moments to the story and have no problem with them. I want to write a review about this one too Let me just say it makes my absolute favorites list.
I couldn't put it down once I picked it up! The romance was incredible. I could hardly breathe at moments wondering what would happen next. The title was awesome because I could just see them as those two birds at the beginning.
The writing here was I could see, hear, smell, and feel I want to write a review about this one too I could see, hear, smell, and feel everything. This is one of those books you know you will want to pick up again and again. You grab chocolate, a blanket, the most comfortable seat in the house and you want a book that will make it all better. This is that book. Heroes don't get any stronger, more heroic, yet any more sad than Admiral Chase Randal. I just love his name. His wife's tragic death has left him stern and withdrawn - from people and from God. He blames God for not saving her. Dominque Dawson is intelligent, honorable and loves God, but she feels trapped by the fact that her brother is being threatened.
She falters when she fails to trust God. Did I say that already? View all 3 comments. This book is one of the strangest, oddly written books I've read. Surely he could've helped her and that would've helped us do without the hundreds of pages talking about it. How could an admiral of he navy suspect a servant as spy who never have him a moment's trouble but NEVER for a moment consider the woman who wandered around his house at night? The plot just seemed really implausible. Dominique's character vacillated from really stupid to really timid to unrealistically confident.
It was almost like reading about someone with multiple personalities. Chase was an alcoholic who dreamed about his dead wife, was super mean to his son, and was too dumb to catch the spy right under his nose. Why would any woman want him, again? And he also seemed to suffer from multiple personality disorder. A dark angel follows Dominique around? Also, what pastor would say that spying on your home country and lying about it is part of God's will? Also, why did he just think it was no big deal? I like MaryLu Tyndall's stories. This is the third of her books I have read.
It's the first one I've read that she self-published. The story is very good and I recommend it. But it could have benefited from an editor. There are places where words are missing, where boots change to shoes and then back to boots again, where a minor character's name switches spelling a couple of times. Nothing that diminishes the story, but all things that jarred me out of it for a few moments. I wouldn't be surpri I like MaryLu Tyndall's stories. I wouldn't be surprised if she hasn't already corrected those issues in the ebook format, but I have copy that came out quite a while ago.
Dominique Dawson is meek, unassuming, fearful Admiral Chase Randal is cold, purposeful, and determined to resume his life at sea. The daughter of Admiral Dawson, who Chase greatly admired, comes to be his son's governess. He's appreciative of the change Dominique brings to his son, and caught off guard by the change she begins in him. But if he ever finds out her real purpose in his household has nothing to do with his son Told in MaryLu Tyndall's style with plenty of drama and a swashbuckling sword fight - of course!
Can she actually betray England? In order to obtain intelligence information, she takes a governess position for 6 year old William, son of Rear Admiral Chase Randal. Much is at stake, but can she actually gather information and pass it along betraying England or even save her brother? What of the family she works for and has come to care for, how can she betray their trust?
MaryLu weaves a gripping story full of secrets, past hurts, betrayal, and espionage; forgiveness, love and faith in God are a big part of the story. Surprising twists and turns bring even more suspense for the characters—and reader. Another great story by MaryLu! The sparrow, Dominique Dawson, is forced to become a spy for France by them keeping her only brother captured. The falcon, Admiral Chase Randal, needs a governess for his son, William, after three years of his deceased wife, so he can still be out at sea.
Dominique becomes the governess William needs, but in the process she is also sent to steal the Admiralty documents from Chase This single novel, "The Falcon and the Sparrow", written by MaryLu Tyndall has lots of action, trickery, and romance. Dominique becomes the governess William needs, but in the process she is also sent to steal the Admiralty documents from Chase's home in London for the French or the French will execute her brother.
As time goes on Dominique learns Chase has lost and turned from God, she grows deeply to care for him to help him see the truth again of God, though as she tries she feels her own faith wavers at what she is doing and seeking guidance from God. Read this wonderful historical fiction novel to see what happens with Dominique and Chase throughout this intense adventure!
Chase Randall is a jaded man, scarred by his past with little knowledge of how to raise a son, let alone show him the love and affection young William craves. Dominique is hardly the kind of woman he has been seeking out since his wife died and he despises her timidity. Yet something about her innocence and devout faith appeals to the man he used to be. Dominique prays that God will reveal to her a way to save her brother and enable her to live with the wrath of Chase Randall once he discovers her betrayal. Yes, the outcome is readily apparent but it is a small price to pay for great characterisation, a lively caper and genuine faith in action.
That he is not transformed immediately upon his association with the devout governess, gives authenticity to his journey towards redemption.
Rel On Monday, July 21, 2 Comments. Your email address will not be published. Want to share Relz Reviewz with your reading friends? Grab this widget for your blog or web site by copying the code below:. Relz Reviewz offers author interviews, character spotlights, book reviews, contests and giveaways, publishing news, and cover art sneak peeks for the best in Christian fiction. Coming soon from M L Tyndall! Adventure tales are interesting. April Erwin July 30, at 1: Loved this new book by Mary Lu.