A Pearl Before Spies

by Rebecca Connolly

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A spy by any other name...

Abigail Chateris is embarking on her first operative assignment in five years-on the island of Guernsey. Her task is to play governess to the young daughters of Mr. Bichard, the man suspected of direct involvement in the plot against Lucy Allred months ago. With the danger from the Faction increasing, she is the only operative that can be spared to uncover these secrets in the hopes of preventing similar threats.

Gilles Bichard is intrigued at once by the new governess in his household. She is immediately taken in by his daughters and the rest of the staff as though perfectly created for the position. She is also the first woman to awaken his heart and his senses since the death of his wife, and that prospect doesn't terrify him as much as he feared.

What he does fear, however, are the secrets he has and the price he might pay to keep them.

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

Georgian (1714–1837)

Series

The Agents of the Convent • Book 5

Audience

New Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

2 Mild

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

1 None

Publication Date

March 4, 2025

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Editorial Reviews

"Another riveting read. I could not put this book down!! I wish this series would go on and on."

Well-written, suspenseful and totally engaging!!!

Another riveting read. I could not put this book down!! I wish this series would go on and on.

story line a little dull

Rebecca writed good dialog and smooth flowing script. But The storyline didn't have a lot of depth. It felt like, rush the story, have H and h fall in love, kiss quite a bit, throw in a little spying and end the story.

I didn't really feel the attraction between the characters. The relationship attraction was too quick, with nothing really behind it. There was nothing to work with. Some of the stories in this series have been great, but this one just average and a little monotonous.

I know Rebecca has an ability to make great stories, but this isn't one of them in my opinion.

I would have loved to see the h really strengthen her legs and have success with getting stronger and less crippled. So more development in that. Develop their relationship slower, show why they loved each other, not just random attraction.

Have them more involved in the action.

It's an ok read in the series.

Romantic!!!

So beautifully written! Captivating and romantic!! I have read many of Rebecca Connolly's books and this is my absolutely favorite. Kudos to another wonderful book!

Some unexpected twists on standard tropes

The theme of the widower devastated by losing his perfect first wife has been overused IMHO, but Rebecca Connolly adds some touches of her own that make this book definitely worth reading. The characters are relatable and interesting and the plot compelling. While I knew we would get a happy ending and satisfying conclusion, I appreciated the unexpected twists. For example, I didn't expect Gilles' reaction when he discovers Abigail's deception, but his decision to trust Abigail and his love for her rather than assume the worst was such a pleasant and sweet surprise. Not quite as much "secret agent" action in this novel as some of the others, but it wasn't needed. And oh that final revelation on the last page! I definitely didn't see that coming, but I am excited to see where it takes us! I will say that you definitely need to read the earlier books in the series to fully enjoy this one. 4 stars only because it's not quite as good as some of her others (e.g. the London League) . I received an ARC but my review is my own.

Completely lovely!

This is such a good series and this particular couple is filled with tenderness and sensitivity. It was a pleasure spending time with them as they tried to bring healing to both their bodies and their minds. My only critique is that the book was too short. I could’ve stayed on Guernsey forever.