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Daughters of Liberty #2

Sisterhood of Spies

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They came for the books. They stayed for the revolution.

In the summer of 1776, as the American Revolution rages, Phoebe Tredwell and her literary society find themselves thrust into the heart of the conflict. What began as a harmless book club transforms into a secret network of spies when General George Washington himself requests their aid in gathering intelligence.

As British forces tighten their grip on New York, Phoebe and her friends devise ingenious methods to collect and transmit vital information. But their activities don't go unnoticed. With suspicious neighbors, British officers quartered in their homes, and the constant threat of discovery, the women must prove that in a man's war, they might just be the secret weapon that turns the tide.

A tale of courage, friendship, and the power of words in a time of revolution, where ordinary women rise to become extraordinary heroes.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2025

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About the author

Vanessa Lind

20 books56 followers
Vanessa Lind loves writing about strong women from the past, especially the ones who’ve got a secret or two. She enjoys heartfelt stories that keep readers turning pages with characters that aren’t easily forgotten.

Vanessa grew up in Illinois but has since migrated to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives near a town rich in history (and breweries). She has a serious book-buying problem, never turns down a cup of tea, and gets her best ideas while walking her boxer dog. Her goal in life, besides writing unforgettable books, is to be a good ancestor.

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5 stars
56 (73%)
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17 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Vivian.
729 reviews30 followers
February 8, 2025
Another great book by Vanessa Lind, this, the second book in the Daughters of Liberty series, starts where the first one ends, New York is in the verge of being lost to the British army and lose the war. And in fact the British now occupied Long Island and make the lives of the Patriots much more difficult.
Phoebe and her book club ladies find the way to help the Patriots efforts by coming up with a very clever way to gather information about the British troops movements and intentions, all this thru a literary pamphlet embedded with codes to share this information with the army of George Washington.
This book is so well written and with so many details that you feel you’re living the dangers with Phoebe and suffering along with her and her family. And it shows the true involvement of women during the war.
Don’t miss to read the author’s notes where you’ll read about the real people on which the characters of this book are based on.
Profile Image for W Gallant.
18 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2025
I love Ms. Lind's writing style and I'm a big fan. I gave her previous book in this series, (The Patriot's Daughter) a five star review as well. They are both such a pleasure to read.

As in the first book, it's the dialogue that stands out for me. My goodness, if this society could go back to speaking that way in today's world, what a difference it could make.

In this book, The Sisterhood of Spies, we're once again transported back to the American Revolution and the Tredwell family's exploits against the growing tensions with the British army. Wanting to continue her work to aid in the war efforts, with the gratitude of George Washington himself, Phoebe turns to her literary club members for help. With secret codes, clandestine travels and deep emotional investments, the group works to gather still more information that can change to course of the war.

Written with clarity and using a host of contemporary sources, Ms. Lind again blurs the lines between fact and fiction. We feel the worries of the Americans and the callousness of the British.

I want to point out just two examples of Ms. Lind's command of the colonial language that jumped out at me. I know that not everyone is going to think these are 'all that', but they're worth the recognition. One of the British guards that we meet on Phoebe's path is described thus, "The guard, a pudgy lad whose years could not have been more than eighteen,…". What a great way to say he was barely an adult. And in describing a crudely built defensive earthen mound, the author offers Phoebe's opinion, "Calling this place a fort struck Phoebe as aspirational." Great stuff.

I said in my review of the first book in this series that I was looking forward to the second. I'll repeat that sentiment with an even more enthusiastic "I can't wait for Book Three."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kymm.
1,044 reviews51 followers
January 16, 2025
I waited not so patiently for this book in particular. I fell in love with Book 1 of the "Daughters of Liberty" series "The Patriot's Daughter" and couldn't wait to keep going. The characters are what I would perceive to be loyal citizens who are against British rule during the American Revolution, the beginning of our fight for independence. These men and women in particular are smart, brave, ingenious, inventive everyday people who went up against one of the most powerful governments in the world at the time. The were the original fighters for liberty. It's all very exiting with scenes that will shock and disturb you to times of sheer joy and celebration. The Treadwell daughters in this one seem like spitfires each in her own way, but they blend together so well you'll find yourself cheering them on. I loved this story and again find myself waiting not so patiently for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and other Vanessa Lind books as well; I've enjoyed them all immensely. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Deacon Tom (Feeling Better).
2,715 reviews258 followers
January 12, 2025
Another Vanessa Lind winner! She takes us back to the Revolutionary war days, particularly the New York campaign and pulls in the unlikeliness of women as a heroes.

I found it very creative and exceptionally fast reading. I couldn’t put it down!

The characters were exceptionally believable and very relatable. In particular, I really liked the character Phoebe and the leadership. She portrayed in spite of threats and challenges from almost everyone.

I was also happy to see that Lynn brought back the Oyster Cove Literary Society. It was an entirely unique way of handling the plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and I’m waiting anxiously for the next in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for virginia.
180 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2025
Sisterhood of Spies is another fast-paced book by Vanessa Lind, continuing her saga from her Daughter of Liberty Series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The book was well-researched and had characters so real that I felt like I was in their literary spy club, too. Just wow!

I love the way Vanessa Lind developed Phoebe. She is a genuine fictitious character with a voice all her own. The author makes her so believable; Phoebe initially captured my imagination.

I had read the first book in the series, but it was unnecessary to read it first. The second installment works well as a standalone. But I am glad I read the first book before reading this one because it laid the groundwork for this tale, which continues the chronological events at the start of the Revolutionary War as seen from the eyes of the characters who live in Oyster Cove, an imaginary town on Long Island.

Vanessa Lind successfully makes Phoebe and her friends pop as characters, mixing them with real-life figures such as Nathan Hale and George Washington. The author depicts women as late 18th-century society viewed them, crafting Phoebe as a gutsy and resourceful black sheep, a character General Washington would recognize as crucial to defeating a cunning enemy. The author masterfully blends fictional and actual historical figures, highlighting antagonists as interesting characters you love to hate while realistically depicting British soldiers, not all evil, as in any war.

Beautiful settings added dimension and authenticity to the period. The author added a love interest triangle or two, creating a fun, easy, breezy beach read filled with the ingenuity of the women of Oyster Cove. I love how she made her father the stubborn old mule, humbled by the British taking over Long Island, as Washington retreats to regroup and figure out another way to keep the British from splitting the New England colonies from the mid-Atlantic and Southern Colonies. The dialogue is credible. I can imagine Phoebe conversing with her friends, her brother Robert, and dealing with the indomitable Samuel, her father.

A definite 5-star story. I'm eagerly expecting the next book in the series. I highly recommend the book and the series to any reader who loves Revolutionary War fiction. I want to thank Book Sirens, the publisher and the author, for the opportunity to read this book as a free ARC. This review is mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Andi.
28 reviews
February 14, 2025
This is the second installment in the Daughters of Liberty series. The story follows Phoebe Tredwell and her literary society, a group of women committed to the independence movement during the American revolution and dedicated to doing what they can to help further that cause.

I enjoyed Daughters of Liberty #2 much more than Daughters of Liberty #1. Phoebe seems to have matured a great deal into a much more likeable and realistic character. Not only that, but her friends have much more developed and intriguing storylines. Each has a unique background and differing perspective, giving depth to the dynamics of their group. In the first book, I found Phoebe quite...annoying...but that was gone in this one. I'm very curious to learn more about Lucretia as well. I also have to say that Blake is a highlight.

I appreciate these book so much as they give insight and recognition to the enormous efforts of women, especially during wartime. I hate that their stories and contributions go unrecognized and are oft forgotten, however, books like these bring them back to life.

For anyone interested in historical fiction, especially from a perspective that is often neglected, I recommend this series as well as Lind's Civil War series. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
76 reviews
January 19, 2025
I enjoy Vanessa Lind's books for her portrayal of strong women who were devoted to helping protect their country as much as the men who were allowed to go off and fight.
A group of women lead by Phoebe Tredwell formed the Oyster Cove Literary Society and through their communications with like minded women in neighbouring communities were able to get information to General Washington's troops. This sisterhood of spies put themselves in danger even though they knew spies, if caught would be hanged for helping the patriot cause.
The circumstances under which the women left behind had to operate was dangerous indeed, with Redcoats living under their roofs. There were many different situations that arose in this story that women were not considered able to do, but Phoebe and her society managed to do so even knowing the consequences that might happen if they were caught.
The research put into the telling of their story by the author is immense and closely follows the lives of real people during those times which makes the story that much more interesting .
I look forward to reading the next book to find out what the literary society will be able to do to further the patriot cause.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and it is my honest opinion.
959 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2025
Vanessa Lind is a gifted historical writer. "Sisterhood of Spies" is set during tthe Revolutionary War. Phoebe Tredwell heads up a group of women (The Oyster Cove Literary Society) who began meeting together to discuss books, but from almost the very first meeting, the group turns into an undercover spy network. After all, there's an advantage in deploying women--"Men will divulge to a woman things they would not tell a man." When the brutality of war comes closer to her small town and British officers are housed in the Tredwell home, their lives and habits are changed, and the risk of discovery comes dangerously close. I enjoyed the ingenuity of the women as they network with other women all over Long Island and develop their own code. Fearless and determined to do their part to fight the Red Coats, these women face death of loved ones, danger, and so much more. I also enjoyed the humor with Phoebe's bird Blake. The levity was appreciated amidst so many tense moments. I'm looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Profile Image for Katie.
103 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2025
Yet another amazing historical novel from Vanessa Lind! I always find Lind's books to be exceptionally well-written and thoroughly researched. The characters are easy to relate to and I love how the women band together in a time when women were not thought capable of such things.
This series is set during the Revolutionary War and focuses on the times you don't read so much about in history books and the people you don't read much about. I feel like this series accurately portrays how things would have been during the war, showing how ordinary citizens' lives would have been impacted outside of the fighting. I'd definitely recommend reading the first book in the series, it'll give a wider view of what's going on - and let's face it, we all need a good book recommendation.
I enjoy seeing what else is going on in the Tredwell household and I love Phoebe's character. She really stands out.
I always look forward to these books and I'm really looking forward to the next in the series with the Oyster Cove ladies!
Profile Image for Ruth McDaniel.
312 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2025
In 'Sisterhood of Spies', Phoebe and her sisters and friends are once again set to help give information to General Washington. Only this time, that endeavor becomes much more difficult, as the British have now occupied Long Island and the town of Oyster Cove.
There is hardship, and sorrow, anger, loss, but also joy as the women are always there to support one another, even as the British occupy their very homes. Phoebe reaches an understanding with her father, and she learns some unhappy news about James Ewing (from book one).
Ms Lind has done an amazing job of bringing to life the difficult lives of women during the Revolutionary war. With so much detail and rich description, one can feel like they've traveled back in time, even if only for the time it takes to read this fantastic story.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest and voluntary review.
274 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2025
The Second book in Vanessa Lind’s Daughters of Liberty series is just as good as the first. In this installment, Phoebe Treadwell and her ladies’ literary society have completely committed themselves to spying for the patriots during the British invasion. Their job becomes much harder when Phoebe’s home is taken over by British soldiers. But the women keep on, trying to recruit women from other towns and cities to build their spy network.

Ms. Lind’s historical research is impeccable, and she makes this period in American history come alive. I love her mix of real and fictional characters. It gives a wonderful sense of authenticity to the books. I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Di Paterson.
505 reviews18 followers
January 24, 2025
I enjoyed this, and wish I'd read the previous book. It's not necessary to have done so as this story stands alone, but I am curious about Phoebe's activities. This story is cohesive but ends too soon in my opinion. However, being part of a series, I'm sure the plot will continue. It's an interesting period of history, much of which I'm fairly ignorant about, so it's enlightening from a historical point of view and I like the way the book highlights the second-class status of women at the time, and I found myself getting quite angry with the men's attitudes, particularly Samuel's. But for all that, the characterisation is realistic and are likeable. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.
124 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2025
An interesting historical fiction with an amazing young women at its Centre who is determined and courageous. This story was captivating (altho the war correspondence news I skipped over) and brought us into the 18th century. I also found interesting the names of the characters as is fitting to that time.

Phoebe seemed to me to be not under the restrains of women of her time and had more freedom than other females, therefore she was headstrong and opinionated but femininely and graceful at the same time, with sound friends to help her.

Not having read the first book, I would like to know the back story of her adventures and the beginning of her romance with Jack.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,465 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2025
I love all things Vanessa Lind and this does not disappoint, this is book two in The Daughters of the Liberty Series. I love reading historical fiction as long as it it well written and researched. Phoebe Treadwell is the daughter of Samuel Treadwell a true Patriot as well as her brother Robert. She meets with General Washington who asks for her help. Phoebe and her friends are part of a literary society (harmless book club). They write a newsletter of sorts with poems and stories, that gains information about the Redcoats. This information gets passed along to her brother and General Washington. Can Phoebe continue to do this or does she get caught? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!
Profile Image for Karen Olson.
Author 2 books16 followers
January 15, 2025
Sisterhood of Spies provides an interesting perspective on the Revolutionary War, focusing on women who used a book club as a cover for spying on the British. The premise is engaging, and the historical context is well-researched, but the story didn’t fully draw me in. While the theme of women’s contributions to the Patriot cause was clear, the dialogue felt unnatural at times, making it harder to connect with the characters. Though there were moments of intrigue, it wasn’t a book that fully held my interest until toward the ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
834 reviews
February 6, 2025
Vanessa Lind is a magical storyteller and magic continues in this second book in the Daughters of Liberty series. Back are the ladies of the Oyster Cove Literary Society with their leader Phoebe. These are a group of courageous women in very trying times during the American Revolution on Long Island. I especially liked how the author interwove the fictional and real characters making and exciting and riveting story. This is wonderful historical fiction and I highly recommend this series and all of her other historical series also.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.
290 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2025
This book finds Phoebe as determined as ever to aid General Washington, despite the increased danger from the occupying army and from vengeful Loyalists. I was happy to see the growth in her after the events of the first novel. She didn't make decisions rashly, and she sought help from others when it was practical. The way she aided Washington was different this time, too. It was interesting to see her start to build a network, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to develop in future novels.

Thank you to BookSirens for the early read.
Profile Image for L KQ.
6,183 reviews27 followers
February 7, 2025
Occupied and Determined

Phoebe is back and has a network behind her to help aid General Washington. With the Oyster Cove Literary Society on board the chance for danger increases, especially as the British now occupy Phoebe’s hometown. I could not get enough of this book and how well it incorporates history and strong women that were aiding in the revolution. I can’t wait till the next one in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
160 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2025
This is the second book in a series and I would definitely recommend reading the books in order.

I struggled a bit in the beginning of the book to get into the story, but then after a while you can’t stop reading.

Thank you for the extra historical info at the end. Realizing how close the story and the characters are to historical facts gave the story a depth and a very sobering picture in your head.

Looking forward to the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Timothy Frandsen.
82 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2025
This is an interesting book. The period isn’t new but reading from the perspective of women that were involved made it enjoyable to read. During the Second World War it is quite common to read about the women that helped through deception. Not surprising that it also occurred in this period. Although it wasn’t something I had thought about.

Great story and great writing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Denise Taylor.
139 reviews
January 18, 2025
War and spies - not typically associated with women. It was intriguing to think of women passing information right under the noses of the enemy. I enjoyed the suspense and the secrecy. The author did a great job of writing a wonderful story of war, spies, and romance. I liked the way the characters were explained and introduced. The relationships and their many dimensional aspects.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
18 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2025
Wonderful book! I have read other books written by Vanessa Lind and I find them very interesting. I enjoy the historical references in her novels. The characters in this book are wonderful, I enjoyed all the interactions between the members of the sisterhood. I'm looking forward to more novels in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for TaniaRina Valdespino.
484 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2025
Wars are won with more than bullets
Males and females may have occupied the same houses, but they lived in different worlds. I’m beginning to now understand the term “women’s wicked wiles” came about merely because the guys were embarrassed that the gals outsmarted them while pretending to be brainless twits. Luved Phoebe’s “But Daddy…you promised me a new hat” when trying to get past security!

Since the men’s protectiveness toward the gentler sex leaned toward treating the latter as children (seen and not heard), women were able to gather intel and pass along relevant information due to being ignored while the men spoke of important matters.
Just imagine a world in which all females were adequately educated and respected rather than disdained and disregarded.

May we all find the courage to stand up for what’s right.
1,524 reviews15 followers
January 13, 2025
Another great add to Vanesasa book list. The revolutionary war, it's fighters, the patriotism all come through in this well written book. Phoebe and her friends need to be clever, hide is plain sight, ferret amd pass on secrets, doing what was considered a man's job. Well potrayed with some very real sentiments and outcomes.
700 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book, though it did have some sad events happen. The ending left us wanting to continue reading more about Phoebe and especially James Ewing. The book is well written with good character development. It is an interesting story. It is good to read the author's notes about which people and events were historically true. I recommend this book and look forward to reading the next one.
9,377 reviews141 followers
February 3, 2025
Great addition to the Daughters of Liberty series. The author once again brings strong characters and takes you back to the day perfectly with her descriptive and detailed writing. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
Profile Image for Ruth.
453 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2025
I like this second volume so much better than the first one. I feel that it built on the first book. Phoebe is more balanced in this book. She realizes the seriousness of the battle. Also, we see more of her father in this book and it is obvious where some of her personality comes from. I like what her literary society does in this story. I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,037 reviews48 followers
March 5, 2025
Wonderful book about history of war and what people will do to survive and help a cause they believe in. Wonderful group of characters to follow along on the adventures that they undertake during a difficult time in history. There are a few twists and turns that are unexpected. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Virginia.
335 reviews17 followers
February 6, 2025
This is the second book in the Daughters of Library series set at the beginning of the Revolutionary War and following the fortunes and misfortunes of the Tredwell family. While the British are occupying Long Island, the flame of patriotism burns hot in Phoebe. Can she devise a way to gather information for General Washington when the punishment for spying is death?? Maybe these events really happened. Can't wait for the next book.
15 reviews
February 6, 2025
Absolutely loved this book.
Really easy to get lost in another time - learned a lot about this period of history through another riveting story.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews