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The Falcon and the Sparrow
Against the European upheaval of the Napoleonic wars, a young timid lady becomes entangled in a web of intrigue. 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. She soon discovers, however, that she faces more enemies besides her own fear. Will Dominique find the strength she needs in God to risk the gallows and save her brother? But will it be enough to betray the man she has come to love? Admiral Chase Randal no longer believes in God. After the death of his wife, he threw himself into a career at sea and spends most of his time away from home sailing a fleet of HMS warships. Much to his dismay, he suddenly finds himself landlocked in London, forced to temporarily fill a position on the Admiralty Board left vacant by an ailing member. Bitter and angry, he longs for the day he can return to sea and escape the memories of his wife. When the new governess arrives, Chase finds her too weak and nervous to mentor his son, but soon discovers that her sweet nature and strong faith fill his home with a love and joy he has not felt for years. Though he must battle his sister's constant disapproval, a would-be-lover's jealous flare ups and his best friends infatuation with Dominique, his biggest fight is with his growing affections for the lady. But what will this staunch British Admiral do when he discovers Dominique is a French Spy?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2008
49 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
MaryLu Tyndall
56 books981 followersA Christy Award finalist and winner of two Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling heroes during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before she penned her first novel. Now, with more than twenty-five books published, she makes her home in California with her husband, six children, four grandchildren and various stray cats. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. For more information, visit her website at marylutyndall.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 19, 2020
Absolute on the edge of your seat, page turner, with unexpected twists and turns full of wonderful action until the end! The Falcon and the Sparrow is a masterful book taking place in London during the Napoleonic wars with France. The imagery presented by Tyndall is incredible. I could picture every scene, the people, places, and the food. I could smell the sea water and rain as well a hint of the other not so pleasant smells. London was given a full picture that agrees with all history I have known so far as being very accurate. After having recently seen the film "Amazing Grace" and reading the book Once Blind it was nice again in this story to see a dear friend John Newton.
This book is incredible. It is definitely on my favorite list. Through out the whole story I was curious and clueless as to how things could and would pan out. I definitely recommend this story for lovers of history, and those who crave adventure. There are spys, ball room dances, building, danger on the streets of London, sword fights, threats to one' honor and more. Oh it's just fabulous!
This book is incredible. It is definitely on my favorite list. Through out the whole story I was curious and clueless as to how things could and would pan out. I definitely recommend this story for lovers of history, and those who crave adventure. There are spys, ball room dances, building, danger on the streets of London, sword fights, threats to one' honor and more. Oh it's just fabulous!
September 16, 2011
I love a good christian/ historical fiction, but this was not good christian/historical fiction. Oh it wasn't the writing, or the plot so much. It was the characters and their relationships and the way they handled situations. The characters never looked for an alternate way to fix their problems, never examined the way they kept making the same stupid mistakes. The romantic angle felt stilted and set up. The lead man and lady always fell into these really awkward situations and neither of them possessed the propriety or sense ,for goodness sake, to deal with eachother honorably. They were attracted to one another only by looks, not by character qualities or beliefs.It never seemed to bother the leading lady that she loved a non-christian!Then the leading idiot man kept having these dreams about his dead wife. The author implied that the wife was actually interacting with him! And when a major characters died, I didn't feel anything. I cared so little about the people involved.
December 29, 2013
What in the world ??
The whole book was so good and then the last 20 pages made me - ARGGGHH!!!!!
Of course the girl gets the boy,
BUT
the girl's brother dies saving her.
I mean you spend the whole book trying to save your brother and then he just point blank dies....
And then it turns out that the villain loved the boy all along and now that he is dead, the villain decides to become good.
*Grits teeth*
The whole book was so good and then the last 20 pages made me - ARGGGHH!!!!!
Of course the girl gets the boy,
BUT
the girl's brother dies saving her.
I mean you spend the whole book trying to save your brother and then he just point blank dies....
And then it turns out that the villain loved the boy all along and now that he is dead, the villain decides to become good.
*Grits teeth*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
Where do I go when I just need a comfort read? Often times Marylu tyndall!
Marylu has a formula that is just perfect for when I need that bit of nostalgia and romance.
But, hey, I love her stories!
Marylu has a formula that is just perfect for when I need that bit of nostalgia and romance.
But, hey, I love her stories!
February 4, 2009
M.L. Tyndall’s The Falcon and the Sparrow
Winner of the Road to Romance Reviewers Choice award for her novel The Redemption, MaryLu Tyndall deserved it—and more. Her fiction made her a 2007 nominee for the prestigious Christy Awards. The fact that she did not win means there are some judges due some slaps!
Now that her Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is concluded, Ms Tyndall’s newest offering, The Falcon and the Sparrow, came available in August. Expect to see her name again on the list of Christy nominees in 2008. If it’s possible, MaryLu’s powerful literary skill is like fine wine: it gets even better with time, and can be intoxicating when sampled. She takes you there like nobody else.
Walk through the port city of Dover in 1803, a time when Great Britain ruled more of the planet than any other empire before or since. Drink in the accurate sensory imagery of the era through the eyes, ears, and nose of, her main character Dominique Dawson. Poor Dominique is forced to spy for the French at a time when Napoleon seeks to destroy the British fleet.
With the twists and turns typical of Tyndall’s fiction, Dominique’s stressed arrival has her thrown immediately into a dinner party with London’s high society. By page thirty, Dominique lurks and eavesdrops to learn whatever she can to save her brother, who’s held hostage by the French.
Like no other author I’ve read, Tyndall’s research into her historical setting paint the people and issues of 1803 in amazing colorful detail. This novel’s intrigue depends on the customs and social etiquette of her characters, the affluent ruling class. What could easily be tedious to a twenty-first century reader, is another page-turner.
Rather than my poor attempt to communicate what Tyndall does so well, I prefer to just give samples so you can see for yourself:
“Dominique’s pulse battered her ears. She dashed around the marble statue at the bottom of the stairs just as heavy boots hammered into the hall. Squinting into the darkness, she rushed into the cover of the murky shadows toward the back of the house, praying no one had seen her. Soon, however, the men’s boots echoed like claps of thunder up the stairs as they went to join the ladies, letting out a sigh, she leaned against a set of thick double doors and laid a hand upon her heaving chest. Lord, I can’t even listen in on a conversation without being petrified to death. What kind of spy am I?”
Christian fiction can easily be preachy. MaryLu never goes there. Characters’ faith are all part of the subtext, like the following scene, which takes place just after Dominique is treated horribly by an English Lady:
“”May I ask why you forgave my sister so easily? Her behavior toward you was beyond reproach.” The gracious act still baffled him. Why, if they had been men, a duel would have resulted from such a scurrilous affront.
She pressed her shawl against her chest. “Who am I not to forgive others when I have been forgiven so much?”
Chase grunted. He assumed she meant by God. “And what horrid things could someone so young have done that required forgiveness?”
“’Tis not so much what we have done, but the condition of our hearts, Admiral. A wrong motive can be just as spiteful as an evil act.”
Forgiveness. Chase had taught about God’s forgiveness at church all his life, but he had never felt he was forgiven, had never witnessed anyone else receive forgiveness in a way that changed him, and had never really seen true forgiveness in action.
Until that night.”
It’s all about Tyndall’s characters. You can’t help but care for them. Like you and I, they’re real flawed people. Let MaryLu take you to their world as only she can, and enjoy her newest offering: The Falcon and the Sparrow.
Frank Creed is a novelist and manuscript critiquer for thefinishers.biz
Winner of the Road to Romance Reviewers Choice award for her novel The Redemption, MaryLu Tyndall deserved it—and more. Her fiction made her a 2007 nominee for the prestigious Christy Awards. The fact that she did not win means there are some judges due some slaps!
Now that her Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is concluded, Ms Tyndall’s newest offering, The Falcon and the Sparrow, came available in August. Expect to see her name again on the list of Christy nominees in 2008. If it’s possible, MaryLu’s powerful literary skill is like fine wine: it gets even better with time, and can be intoxicating when sampled. She takes you there like nobody else.
Walk through the port city of Dover in 1803, a time when Great Britain ruled more of the planet than any other empire before or since. Drink in the accurate sensory imagery of the era through the eyes, ears, and nose of, her main character Dominique Dawson. Poor Dominique is forced to spy for the French at a time when Napoleon seeks to destroy the British fleet.
With the twists and turns typical of Tyndall’s fiction, Dominique’s stressed arrival has her thrown immediately into a dinner party with London’s high society. By page thirty, Dominique lurks and eavesdrops to learn whatever she can to save her brother, who’s held hostage by the French.
Like no other author I’ve read, Tyndall’s research into her historical setting paint the people and issues of 1803 in amazing colorful detail. This novel’s intrigue depends on the customs and social etiquette of her characters, the affluent ruling class. What could easily be tedious to a twenty-first century reader, is another page-turner.
Rather than my poor attempt to communicate what Tyndall does so well, I prefer to just give samples so you can see for yourself:
“Dominique’s pulse battered her ears. She dashed around the marble statue at the bottom of the stairs just as heavy boots hammered into the hall. Squinting into the darkness, she rushed into the cover of the murky shadows toward the back of the house, praying no one had seen her. Soon, however, the men’s boots echoed like claps of thunder up the stairs as they went to join the ladies, letting out a sigh, she leaned against a set of thick double doors and laid a hand upon her heaving chest. Lord, I can’t even listen in on a conversation without being petrified to death. What kind of spy am I?”
Christian fiction can easily be preachy. MaryLu never goes there. Characters’ faith are all part of the subtext, like the following scene, which takes place just after Dominique is treated horribly by an English Lady:
“”May I ask why you forgave my sister so easily? Her behavior toward you was beyond reproach.” The gracious act still baffled him. Why, if they had been men, a duel would have resulted from such a scurrilous affront.
She pressed her shawl against her chest. “Who am I not to forgive others when I have been forgiven so much?”
Chase grunted. He assumed she meant by God. “And what horrid things could someone so young have done that required forgiveness?”
“’Tis not so much what we have done, but the condition of our hearts, Admiral. A wrong motive can be just as spiteful as an evil act.”
Forgiveness. Chase had taught about God’s forgiveness at church all his life, but he had never felt he was forgiven, had never witnessed anyone else receive forgiveness in a way that changed him, and had never really seen true forgiveness in action.
Until that night.”
It’s all about Tyndall’s characters. You can’t help but care for them. Like you and I, they’re real flawed people. Let MaryLu take you to their world as only she can, and enjoy her newest offering: The Falcon and the Sparrow.
Frank Creed is a novelist and manuscript critiquer for thefinishers.biz
August 6, 2008
ABOUT THE BOOK
When Mademoiselle Dominique Dawson sets foot on the soil of her beloved homeland, England, she feels neither the happiness nor the excitement she expected upon her return to the place of her birth. Alone for the first time in her life, without family, without friends, without protection, she now faces a far more frightening prospect, for she has come to the country she loves as an enemy-a spy for Napoleon.
Forced to betray England or never see her only brother alive again, Dominique has accepted a position as governess to the son of Admiral Chase Randal, a harsh man, still bitter over the loss of his wife. Will Dominique find the strength she needs through God to follow through with the plan to rescue her brother? Will Chase find comfort for his bitter heart in God's arms and be able to love again?
And what new deceptions will they both find in France when they arrive to carry out their plan?
My review:
I really enjoyed The Falcon and the Sparrow . The story contained all of the distinct Tyndall elements of depth and mood that I've grown to love and expect from her books. Intrigue, romance, suspense, and passion are always part of Tyndall's plot, which makes them page turners for me. The author successfully tortures her characters by getting them into the worst predicaments, and that always makes for incredible tension. 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 2008.
---
When Mademoiselle Dominique Dawson sets foot on the soil of her beloved homeland, England, she feels neither the happiness nor the excitement she expected upon her return to the place of her birth. Alone for the first time in her life, without family, without friends, without protection, she now faces a far more frightening prospect, for she has come to the country she loves as an enemy-a spy for Napoleon.
Forced to betray England or never see her only brother alive again, Dominique has accepted a position as governess to the son of Admiral Chase Randal, a harsh man, still bitter over the loss of his wife. Will Dominique find the strength she needs through God to follow through with the plan to rescue her brother? Will Chase find comfort for his bitter heart in God's arms and be able to love again?
And what new deceptions will they both find in France when they arrive to carry out their plan?
My review:
I really enjoyed The Falcon and the Sparrow . The story contained all of the distinct Tyndall elements of depth and mood that I've grown to love and expect from her books. Intrigue, romance, suspense, and passion are always part of Tyndall's plot, which makes them page turners for me. The author successfully tortures her characters by getting them into the worst predicaments, and that always makes for incredible tension. 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 2008.
---
July 30, 2011
From the pen of MaryLu Tyndall, best known for her pirate romance comes The Falcon and the Sparrow. A quiet but beautiful governess and a tortured Admiral meet in this fascinating tale of espionage, secrets, and love. The characters make you fall in love and the drama tears at your heart.
Dominique Dawson, daughter of a British naval officer has no choice but to spy upon the household of Admiral Chase Randal under the guise of a governess. In order to save her brother Marcel from the grasp of a terrifying French cousin, Dominique vows to get the information she needs and escape the Randal household unscathed. Thanks to Randal’s sweet son, William and the surprising vulnerability and gentleness in Chase’s own eyes, betraying the Crown becomes more difficult than she could have ever imagined.
On top of it all a London society and a scorned sister who despise all things French, challenge Dominique’s faith and strength of spirit. With few friends to confide in she is in danger of being discovered as a traitor by the British and seeing her brother left to fend for himself at the hands of Lucien Bonaparte.
Our hero, Chase Randal is not without his own difficulties. Drowning out the sorrow of his wife’s death in drink, a matchmaking sister along with her scheming friend, and a seemingly unrequited love for a certain governess all are challenges to his life to say the least. His life, his career, and his family’s well being are at stake if he cannot uncover the identity of the spy within his own household. The only thing is his heart may be in danger if he does find the guilty party.
MaryLu Tyndall with her usual grace and style has tackled many serious issues in The Falcon and the Sparrow and has still managed to pen an entertaining and uplifting story. While there are really no high seas escapades this story more than makes up for its lack of pirates with seedy London alleyways and its nefarious citizens. The lush romance and heavy doses of Christian and moral issues make this a must-read for inspirational romance fans. Some of the twists in the conclusion were a bit hard to take in but still, The Falcon and the Sparrow should please all Tyndall fans
Dominique Dawson, daughter of a British naval officer has no choice but to spy upon the household of Admiral Chase Randal under the guise of a governess. In order to save her brother Marcel from the grasp of a terrifying French cousin, Dominique vows to get the information she needs and escape the Randal household unscathed. Thanks to Randal’s sweet son, William and the surprising vulnerability and gentleness in Chase’s own eyes, betraying the Crown becomes more difficult than she could have ever imagined.
On top of it all a London society and a scorned sister who despise all things French, challenge Dominique’s faith and strength of spirit. With few friends to confide in she is in danger of being discovered as a traitor by the British and seeing her brother left to fend for himself at the hands of Lucien Bonaparte.
Our hero, Chase Randal is not without his own difficulties. Drowning out the sorrow of his wife’s death in drink, a matchmaking sister along with her scheming friend, and a seemingly unrequited love for a certain governess all are challenges to his life to say the least. His life, his career, and his family’s well being are at stake if he cannot uncover the identity of the spy within his own household. The only thing is his heart may be in danger if he does find the guilty party.
MaryLu Tyndall with her usual grace and style has tackled many serious issues in The Falcon and the Sparrow and has still managed to pen an entertaining and uplifting story. While there are really no high seas escapades this story more than makes up for its lack of pirates with seedy London alleyways and its nefarious citizens. The lush romance and heavy doses of Christian and moral issues make this a must-read for inspirational romance fans. Some of the twists in the conclusion were a bit hard to take in but still, The Falcon and the Sparrow should please all Tyndall fans
November 20, 2015
Wow. This book is one of the strangest, oddly written books I've read.
Weirdness #1:
The Plot:
Why wouldn't Dominique tell the admiral about the blackmail/spying if she truly didn't want to help the French? 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.
Weirdness #2:
The Main Characters:
Dominique's character vacillated from really stupid to really timid to unrealistically confident. It was almost like reading about someone with multiple personalities. Very bizarre.
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.
Weirdness #3:
Really? A dark angel follows Dominique around? So cheesy. 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? And even more: why didn't he try to help her? Just weird.
Weirdness #1:
The Plot:
Why wouldn't Dominique tell the admiral about the blackmail/spying if she truly didn't want to help the French? 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.
Weirdness #2:
The Main Characters:
Dominique's character vacillated from really stupid to really timid to unrealistically confident. It was almost like reading about someone with multiple personalities. Very bizarre.
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.
Weirdness #3:
Really? A dark angel follows Dominique around? So cheesy. 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? And even more: why didn't he try to help her? Just weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
The Falcon and the Sparrow is like no other book I have read in a long time. It had all the elements that I like in a story: passion, suspense, and a character with a deep faith in God. Oh, and a setting in the 1800’s helps, too, as I love a good historical novel.
Ms. Tyndall’s storytelling ability is amazing! I didn’t need to get very far into this book before I was hooked. Her broad vocabulary shines on each and every page. I couldn’t help but be transported to London, and see, hear, and smell everything as I was reading each page. She also did a masterful job with the tension between the characters. There was incredible chemistry between Chase and Dominique…so much so that I could practically hear Dominique’s heart pounding during the kissing scenes!
Finally, I simply loved the title for this book. Even though this is a fictitious story, it proves that God cares for each and every one of us, even the littlest sparrow.
Ms. Tyndall’s storytelling ability is amazing! I didn’t need to get very far into this book before I was hooked. Her broad vocabulary shines on each and every page. I couldn’t help but be transported to London, and see, hear, and smell everything as I was reading each page. She also did a masterful job with the tension between the characters. There was incredible chemistry between Chase and Dominique…so much so that I could practically hear Dominique’s heart pounding during the kissing scenes!
Finally, I simply loved the title for this book. Even though this is a fictitious story, it proves that God cares for each and every one of us, even the littlest sparrow.
May 10, 2017
I was a little unsure when I started to read this book. Some of the comments on people’s comments were discouraging. But I decided to go for it and I am glad that I did. I don’t understand when people make comments about how unrealistic a book is when we are reading fiction. Also, because it was not social norm doesn’t mean it never happened, so the author used her imagination. Also, this book is written for an adult audience. There are some attitudes that are portrayed in the book that I would not agree with. These attitudes are to develop the story and the audience see changes taking place in the character’s lives. 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.
August 5, 2013
Loved it! Mary Lu Tyndall writes books the way I like them. Darn near perfection in my mind. 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.
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.
September 12, 2010
great story - just too sappy! If I had to read one more discription of the admiral in his "tight pants" I was going to puke!
November 9, 2023
I loved reading this book. Dominique's father was from England and her mother from France. After her father's death they moved to France. Now her mother has died leaving Dominique and her brother penniless. Finally a cousin takes her brother in but Dominique must go to England to spy and get documents to help France win England. She goes to England and becomes a governess for Admiral Chase Randal. How she gets the documents, her relationship with the Admiral's son, and her relationship in the Admiral's home is what the story is about.
September 8, 2017
PG-16
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.
(Humph! Please!).
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.
(Humph! Please!).
February 2, 2020
I did choose to read this today on a Sunday when I was sick and unable to attend church. I chose it because because it is Christian fiction. As to rating this, it was an interesting story line (3.5 stars) and the Christian part was woven into the story rather than just being extraneous add-on verbiage (3.5 stars). I think this is the first book I have read by this author and I would read more.
September 11, 2021
Well written historical Christian fiction. Dominique must betray England to save her brother’s life. She takes a job as a governess in the household of Admiral Chase Randall and his six year old son, William. There are a few twists and turns and a great message of faith and believing in God’s plan.
March 15, 2018
I enjoyed this story very much!
I could not put it down until I finished it! The writer developed the characters’ growth, throughout the story. The author wrote in such a way as to fit the people and event appropriately for this time period.
I could not put it down until I finished it! The writer developed the characters’ growth, throughout the story. The author wrote in such a way as to fit the people and event appropriately for this time period.
May 25, 2020
Another great historical story by this author. She has a way of reminding us that despite our flaws, God still loves us and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives- even redeeming our bad decisions and mistakes for His good.
December 9, 2020
I think my favorite character was the mysterious man in black -- one of God's angels as proof that God is truly still involved and active in our lives today. Marcel's role and death were somewhat of a surprise. I wish the author had included bible references for all the scripture she quoted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It had all the elements one looks for in a story, well developed characters, a good plot, and a happy ending leaving you a little breathless. And it's a Christian novel which I absolute love!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It had all the elements one looks for in a story, well developed characters, a good plot, and a happy ending leaving you a little breathless. And it's a Christian novel which I absolute love!!!!
November 23, 2018
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.
Nice to read a romance that leaves you uplifted rather than feeling dirty. Love how she weaves Gods love and protection into her plots.
June 27, 2019
It was a good read even though parts of the story weren't believable.
Read
July 5, 2021Another really good novel by MaryLu Tyndall. I love how she brings faith into her books. The climax was not what I expected.
July 18, 2025
Skilled writing
Skilled writer. Needed a bit of editing. No church bashing in this one. Couldn’t put the book down and neglected the chores.
Skilled writer. Needed a bit of editing. No church bashing in this one. Couldn’t put the book down and neglected the chores.
September 28, 2025
I couldn’t stomach more than four chapters. The crude way women are spoken of may be “of its time” or “typical of men” but it’s course and I have no interest in reading such . I want no part of it.
January 8, 2022
I realized about 3 pages in that I had read this book before, but decided to reread it, as it had been a long time and I thought I loved the plot. I did. I loved the historical aspect of the tension between France and Britian as well as the realistic threats that Dominique faces. I love the mostly unpredictable romance between Chase and Dominique and the spiritual development they both go through. There are also several supporting characters that add flair and depth to the plot.
August 10, 2014
The second book I have read by Marylu Tyndall was sadly a disappointment. I didn’t really enjoy Veil of Pearls and but gave The Falcon and the Sparrow a chance, one reason being that it is the only one of her novels set in Britain, but also because I did not want to give up on her work completely.
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 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. Not an especially original characterization in the case of the last, and the former giving the impression of a somewhat formulaic or cliché ridden story. Also, the consistent depiction of almost all wealthy/aristocratic characters in such a way does make me wonder if author dislikes the upper classes as a whole.
The romance was fairly typical for the genre with a nice Christian partner falling for the hurting and unavailable/unsuitable other half. 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.
I’m not certain how accurate the setting was, and the historical details were at times interesting, but other deficiencies detracted from this. As with other books, I felt the descriptions of the supposed dirt, unhealthiness, unpleasantness and squalor which supposed blighted most cities throughout the ‘old days’ was exaggerated and overdone. Even affluent areas like St James’ Park stinking of manure, seriously? 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 don’t mean to appear facetious or irreverent, as the scripture does teach God can send angels to protect his people, but this happened in Veil of Pearls too so it seems to be quite a frequently used device, almost making it seem like people could knowingly put themselves in dangerous or compromising situations, but if they were a Christians they did not need to worry as their angel would appear.
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.
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 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. Not an especially original characterization in the case of the last, and the former giving the impression of a somewhat formulaic or cliché ridden story. Also, the consistent depiction of almost all wealthy/aristocratic characters in such a way does make me wonder if author dislikes the upper classes as a whole.
The romance was fairly typical for the genre with a nice Christian partner falling for the hurting and unavailable/unsuitable other half. 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.
I’m not certain how accurate the setting was, and the historical details were at times interesting, but other deficiencies detracted from this. As with other books, I felt the descriptions of the supposed dirt, unhealthiness, unpleasantness and squalor which supposed blighted most cities throughout the ‘old days’ was exaggerated and overdone. Even affluent areas like St James’ Park stinking of manure, seriously? 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 don’t mean to appear facetious or irreverent, as the scripture does teach God can send angels to protect his people, but this happened in Veil of Pearls too so it seems to be quite a frequently used device, almost making it seem like people could knowingly put themselves in dangerous or compromising situations, but if they were a Christians they did not need to worry as their angel would appear.
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.
June 4, 2013
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. A GOOD, FAITH FILLED READ.•:*¨¨*:• o°•
I quite enjoyed this book. 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. If I buy Christian, I want it to BE Christian. Further this book touched on angels, which I found both interesting and uplifting.
This book takes place in the early 1800s, 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. Her assignment is to infiltrate the Admiral Chase Randal’s home as the new governess to his six year old son; a boy who has lost his mother, and is starved for love and attention. 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. She seeks out a friend of her father’s for guidance. 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.
Chase is a man who has been forced to come off his ship and fill the seat of an ailing Navy man to help advise regarding France’s advances. 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: MaryLu Tyndall: Swashbuckling Romance or at her Blog: http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com or her website: www.MLTyndall.com
I love how her banners read Swashbuckling Romances Anchored in Faith!
Included at the end of the book: n/a
This copy was given to me by a friend and I am offering my honest opinions for no compensation.
315 Pages
I quite enjoyed this book. 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. If I buy Christian, I want it to BE Christian. Further this book touched on angels, which I found both interesting and uplifting.
This book takes place in the early 1800s, 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. Her assignment is to infiltrate the Admiral Chase Randal’s home as the new governess to his six year old son; a boy who has lost his mother, and is starved for love and attention. 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. She seeks out a friend of her father’s for guidance. 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.
Chase is a man who has been forced to come off his ship and fill the seat of an ailing Navy man to help advise regarding France’s advances. 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: MaryLu Tyndall: Swashbuckling Romance or at her Blog: http://www.crossandcutlass.blogspot.com or her website: www.MLTyndall.com
I love how her banners read Swashbuckling Romances Anchored in Faith!
Included at the end of the book: n/a
This copy was given to me by a friend and I am offering my honest opinions for no compensation.
315 Pages
March 1, 2017
This book had the potential to be really good, but the author kept throwing in vulgar remarks and suggestive scenes. The plot/storyline was interesting, but I had to stop reading it. Won't be reading anything else from this author.
April 13, 2012
M.L Tyndall draws you in quickly in The Falcon and The Sparrow. 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. Chase is bitter after his wife’s death and becomes cold and almost heartless. He avoids his son like a plague because he reminds him of his wife. 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. 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. There isn’t pages after pages of preaching. We see both Dominique and Chase along with their friends battle their inner happiness. Dominique and Chase’s love grows throughout the book while they come to see their own worth. Tyndall describes their physical attraction to each other in a clean, but “butterfly in the stomach” kind of way. Once again, Tyndall does not disappoint! (I didn’t expect her too anyway! )
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