The Sparrow

by Susan K. Downs, Susan May Warren

Previously published as The Spy Who Loved Cold War Era Romantic Suspense set in Russia by Warren, Susan May (AUTHOR); Downs, Susan K. (AUTHOR)
*****

A generational secret could change everything...

When love and duty collide, no sacrifice is too great.

Nadia "Hope" Moore is a woman engulfed by fear and determination. Married to a super spy, Mickey, she has always dreaded the day his dangerous lifestyle would catch up to them. That day arrives when he is captured and condemned to a Russian gulag. Despite feelings of betrayal, Nadia refuses to let him face his fate alone; she's prepared to do whatever it takes to save him.

Mickey Moore, a man haunted by the consequences of his choices, finds himself trapped in the grim confines of a gulag, awaiting execution. His only wish is to keep Nadia safe, even if it means accepting his grim fate alone. Unaware that Nadia is risking everything to save him, he faces a torturous decision—protect the woman he loves or embrace the traitor's role he's been forced to play.

The stakes couldn't be higher as both Nadia and Mickey navigate a treacherous path through espionage and betrayal. Nadia's mission to save Mickey could lead them both into a deadly ambush, while Mickey's struggle in captivity could end in his execution or worse, lead to Nadia's capture. Their actions could either reunite them or destroy them both forever.

Will their love survive the ultimate test, or will the cold war's chilling grip claim their lives? Can trust be rebuilt amidst deception and fear?

"A masterful blend of heart-wrenching drama and breathless suspense, this novel pulls you into the depths of Cold War espionage and an undying love that refuses to yield to adversity. Warren delivers another compelling chapter in the Heirs of Anton saga, weaving romance and intrigue into a narrative that captivates from the first page to the last. Prepare for a story where passion meets peril, and the only certainty is the strength of the human heart.”

**Previously published as The Spy Who Loved Me.

The Crimson Legacy
Book 1: The Prodigal
Book 2: The Sparrow
Book 3: The Partisan
Book 4: The Secret

Genres: Historical, Christian

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024

About the author

SUSAN K. DOWNS resides in Canton, Ohio, where her husband serves as a district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene. This mother of five and grandmother of one traded her career as an international adoption program coordinator for one as a writer and editor, but she still loves to visit Russia. . .if only by way of her imagination.

Reviews

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sparrow by Susan May Warren features a couple that is already married, but the wife, Nadia, needs to free her husband, Mikey, from the Russians, who have him in prison. He has been tortured for about two years. Warren does a good job at diving into the characters’ thoughts and their insecurities as they try to figure out how they are going to deal with the aftermath of what has happened. Even though this is a good part of the story, Warren does keep the characters moving as they agree to leave Russia together, but then events occur, and that decision is changed also. As for romance, there is trust issues and dealing with the feelings that had occurred previously. Again, Warren does a wonderful job at bringing the Russian landscape to life. From the tiny details to the cold in the air, readers will feel like they are moving through Russia in the 1970’s too. Overall, The Sparrow by Susan May Warren features a different type of relationship. One that I actually liked. Too many stories are featured before the marriage. I liked seeing the after-marriage aspect. I recommend this story.

I received a complimentary copy of The Sparrow by Susan May Warren, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Kami Topf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐
UM YES. 100X YES
This book gave Alias but during the Cold War in the best way.
Mickey and Hope are married, but he's been in a Russian gulag and she rushes to rescue him despite everyone's claims of him betraying the CIA.
yup, they're both CIA and Mickey was her handler 🤭🤭 Vaughn and Syd anyone?!?!

Anyway from the get go there's miscommunication, of course, but written well where he's trying to protect her and she's trying not to believe the rumors people are saying about his unfaithfulness (to her and the CIA).

THEIR CHEMISTRY IS EVERYTHING 😍😍😍 y'all I can't make this up, they are so in love but life is seemingly drawing them in different directions. Can God lead them back to each other?

Anyway, yes, the emotion, the devestation, the intrigue, the cold war history, the passion, the love, the faith themes were incredible. Susie May did it again!

Mickey is the strong, protective, do-it-my-way MMC and Hope is the empathetic, determined, we'll-do-it-together FMC. it's also really interesting reading this because we read their daughters story in the first book and it just keeps going back in time so it's super cool to read the different perspectives and know the future too. ❤️❤️

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spies, traitors and a married couple trying to survive the dangers around them while trying to protect their love.

I enjoyed this one more than the first book. The pace was a lot faster and all the spying and possible friends who might be double agents kept me engaged right till the end.

Both main characters also had to learn who they could ultimately trust, not only for their safety but also for living the life they were meant to live.

The series is interesting where we go back in time. I am looking forward to learn more about Nadia/Hope’s parents.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Linda R · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, the author goes back to 1970 to tell the story of Ekaterina's parents.

Nadia "Hope" Moore left her life as a spy in Russia behind to return to America and give birth to a baby girl. Learning her husband, Michael "Mickey" Moore, a fellow agent, never received her message about leaving but was instead captured and is set to be executed, Nadia returns to Moscow to save him.

Previously published as Nadia and then The Spy Who Loved Me in The Heirs Of Anton, Susan May Warren has republished this series with new covers as The Crimson Legacy. Book 2 is now The Sparrow, the story of Hope and Mickey. I liked how strong this couple's faith and love were. I'm ready for more answers to the family's heritage.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book. It's a shorter book and I was able to read it in one afternoon/evening. I love that this series travels further back in time in each book. I didn't realize that when I started to read this book but it's a fun twist on how a series usually goes. This book is about Hope/Nadia and her husband, who is in the gulag. Nadia returns to Russia to save her his husband. This is despite her knowledge that he cheated on her. And despite the fact that she isn't safe in Russia.
I was never sure who to trust and not trust. To me that made the story more enticing. I enjoyed the intrigue and I really enjoyed how the author brought God into the characters lives. And how turning to Him is just what they needed.

[Kimberly Bowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in The Crimson Legacy, Ms. Warren absolutely does not disappoint! And talk about creativity, Ms. Warren goes back in time from the first book in the series to tell the story of Ekaterina's parents, Mickey and Nadia. When Nadia travels to Russia to bring Mickey home from his spy work, she must decide whether to follow her own will or God's will. Such an intriguing story of love, loss, betrayal, espionage, and redemption set during the Cold War.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves reading about the Cold War and it's harrowing times.

I received a copy from the author; however, my opinion is my own and is done of my own volition.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A wise person isn't a person who has all the answers, but one who, when looking at the questions, applies God's truth, adds faith, and goes forward in courage."

In this sequel to The Prodigal, we're traveling back in time to 1970s Russia where we meet Mickey and Nadia. Their flight is filled with adrenaline and fast-paced action in the midst of Cold War espionage. There are betrayals and double-crossers but also moments of self-realization, hope, and faith. Truth and faith lessons are spot on and the enduring love between Mickey and Nadia is amazing. I loved both Mickey and Nadia - they are loyal, steadfast, smart and work fabulously together as a team. I had wanted to get more detail on their lives with their daughter Kat and was a bit disappointed that I did not in this book. But it was still an excellent book that kept me turning the pages until the end.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of SDG Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Katie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the concept of traveling backwards in time in this series. We met Kat Moore in The Prodigal and now we meet her parents in The Sparrow. This is a story of spies, love, danger, double crossers, and God’s grace. A fast paced whirlwind with twists and turns that keep you guessing. I can’t wait to read book three!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Malika Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting spy adventure story! This series goes back in time with each book to uncover the past that we got a peak at with Kat’s story in book 1. It is a book that you won’t want to put down as you follow Hope & Michael on their journey to uncover the truth about who the double agent is.

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A daring rescue. A treacherous game. A surprising betrayal. A hopeful love story. This book has it all!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great book. I love the setting and the adventure the characters had. It had a lot of Bible and reliance on God that was awesome. Can’t wait to read third book.