A Pearl Before Spies

Agents of the Convent #5

by Rebecca Connolly

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.

Genres: Regency, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Clean Romance, Espionage

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

[Anna (The_Reading_Pantry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pearl Before Spies by Rebecca Connolly is book 5 of the Agents of the Convent series. If you haven’t read any of these books, I highly suggest you start with her London League series first. Love them all and they’re what really got me into historical spy novels. :) Each book focuses on a different character which is why it’s helpful to know the backstory and how they all relate from the London League series.

This book offers a slightly different vibe compared to the other books in her Agents of the Convent series. While this one doesn’t have as much action or high-stakes espionage, the romance is absolutely delightful. It’s a sweet and tender love story that’s clean, with only kisses, making it a good option no matter the age.

This was a super easy and quick read. I liked it and can’t wait to see what comes next.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this latest book in the Agents of the Convent series by Rebecca Connolly! It was an adventure and I loved every minute of it. I loved Abigail, aka Pearl, and Gilles and being able to read from both of their POVs. It was very enlightening and made the book delightful. Especially with wondering when certain secrets might be revealed and how those secrets would be taken by the other person. Because they BOTH have secrets that are pretty big. Ohhhh, I loved it so much. It was deliciously suspenseful and intriguing!

And Gilles's daughters stole the show. Or rather them interacting with Pearl, or them interacting with Gilles, but most definitely when they were all together. I was smitten by this adorable family. They were so sweet and it added such a beautiful and tender layer to this story! Well done to the author!

Gilles is such a wonderful character. I loved his care of his family and his concern and care (and later love) for Pearl. Be still my swooning heart!!! Yes, you will swoon! *Happy Sigh*

This is book #5 and builds upon the previous books and storyline. You could read it as a standalone if you wanted to as the author explains stuff but I think you'd enjoy knowing a little more about the characters from previous books and the different missions that all connect together.

Get ready for suspense, intrigue, secrets, family, the sea, healing, love and just pure enjoyment!!!

Content: Clean. This has elements of spies and suspense but was written as a clean read. Some kisses but nothing further. Some very mild moments of suspense.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this had an unconventional FMC. Abby has an injured leg that gives her some mobility issues. I loved that she still had her work as a spy and didn't let her leg hold her back. She was a sparkling character. There was so much emotion in the pivotal cave pool scene I started crying. It was just so real and the struggle of it all was wow. Gilles was a fantastic dad. Loved his girls. But most of all this mystery! We have been getting little bits and pieces of the mystery through the whole series. I appreciated seeing some of the lines coming together and then at the end for the next book teaser: total mic drop! I NEED to know more!!!
Rating: PG, clean romance.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Connolly does it again! What a great book!
I did not want to put this book down. The characters are so engaging, they feel like friends. Abby is an agent for the crown who sustained a debilitating injury on her last mission. Now, after five years, she is recruited for a mission. She is to pose as a governess for Gilles Bichard’s two little girls, while determining if Gilles is working for the English or the French. What was not expected was the almost immediate attraction they had for each other. As they interact and Abby’s relationship not only with Gilles but also with his daughters grows, she is faced with the dilemma of what to do if indeed he is working for the French and will her heart be able to handle it? While Gilles wonders what will happen when she learns of the secrets he is keeping. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[The Swoony Awards]

This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept into the world of spies and intrigue and didn't want to put the book down! A delightfully read that keeps you wanting more!

*note-this series is best enjoyed when read in order

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Regency spies, so it was no surprise that I loved this latest addition to the Agents of the Convent series. Abigail Chateris, returns to the field after a five-year hiatus due to an injury sustained in a previous mission. Her assignment–to go undercover in the Bichard household as a governess to the young daughters of Gilles Bichard—who may hold the key to a dangerous conspiracy. Abigail finds herself navigating not only hidden threats but also matters of the heart.

I liked Abigail’s quiet strength and her struggle to balance duty with compassion. Her interactions with Gilles' daughters were tender and natural, and I loved seeing her form meaningful connections while secretly pursuing her mission. Gilles is a widower with secrets of his own, and is a layered and compelling character. The chemistry between Abigail and Gilles grows gradually, adding a romantic tension that complements the suspenseful plot.

The danger from "the Faction" keeps the stakes high, and just when you think you have figured things out, new twists emerge. Gilles' young daughters are adorable and, for me, made the stakes of the plot higher. The balance between the suspense and romance is well done; if you like historical romance and mystery/suspense, this series is for you!

This is part of the Agents of the Convent series and could be read as a standalone, but I feel you'll enjoy it more if you've read the previous books. I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pearl Before Spies by Rebecca Connolly is the 5th book in the Agents of Convent series. Abigail is truly delightful. She’s kind, brilliant, and an undercover operative. Sure, she has some physical limitations, but that does not stop her from winning the hearts of Gilles and his two sweet girls. Gilles is in a tight place, professionally, and personally, he’s just trying to live again in the shadow of his wife’s death while bringing some normalcy to his two daughters. The Faction, never one to sleep, stops for no man’s plans and continues to plan their evil, sinister plots.
I thoroughly enjoy the dual narrator POV, the joy the little girls bring, and the sweet, clean, romance brewing from the start. Rather than focus on the action and the other operatives these interconnected novels are known for, this story centers the focus on this small cast. While storylines are continued, you get the pleasure of really spending time with Abigail, Gille, and the girls. And yes, Gilles, is a quite swoony hero who just may capture your own heart.
I do look forward to where this amazing group of operatives’ head next. You can enjoy this as a standalone, but it is so much better if you have been following the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made a slight nod to Jane Eyre. We had a grieving father, two sweet charges, a bit of a mystery, and a woman who thinks she’s plain, but grows more beautiful as you get to know her.
I loved Abby! I loved her sense of humor and the way she acted with the girls, her determination, and her relationship with Gilles. This book didn’t move the big picture with the Faction along too much, but it added a small puzzle piece and made a few references to the other books. It could be read independently.

[Monica Ahlström · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story about new beginnings amidst life's trials! I I love all of Rebecca Connolly's books about agents and spies, so much fun to read. This new one is a little different among the diversity of them all, a calmer pace but still so engaging. A new favorite for sure. And the surprise at the end! I literally screamed.

[Margaret Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love being able to continue delving into this Regency world of covert operatives seeking to protect England from being overrun by English traitors & French spies! This time, the action moves to Guernsey (the first time away from mainland England). Rebecca Connolly does an amazing job as always and I love the way she has plenty of plot twists keeping the reader on their toes, giving hope that the next instalment will come quickly to tie up all the loose ends. There is a covert operative in the guise of a slightly older version of Jane Eyre as well as double agents, lots of secrets and the perceptive dealing with physical disability and how that impacts on a person’s ability to perform their duties and live their life to the fullest. Gilles and Abigail’s romance is gentle yet strong as they gradually get to know and trust each other.
I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance with a strong infusion of espionage and political intrigue. While it can be read as a standalone book, you will get much more out of it by reading the Agents of the Convent series in order. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author and all the opinions expressed in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book felt a bit shorter in length than some of the others in the Agents of the Convent series, it was definitely NOT shorter in action.

WHEW.

So far in the London League and I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one at first, because I didn’t really know who Abby or Gilles were. (He was sort of alluded to in the previous book, but never really appeared.) Abby really spoke to me as a character, because she’s not super young and “fresh.” She’s got a bit of baggage, including an old injury that has prevented her from being able to work at the forefront of the fight against the Faction. But she is determined to do her part.

Likewise, Gilles has several layers of secrets, but he’s absolutely a treasure of a human being, and the sweetest daddy to his precious girls. Such a good man. And, in true Rebecca Connolly fashion, she leaves us with a fabulous cliffhanger, using the final word in the book to tie it all together perfectly, like the last puzzle piece snapping into place, showing us how Gilles fits into the entire cast of characters.

This book cost me a night of sleep that I will never get back, but I regret nothing. I can’t wait until the next book to see what’s next!!

[Jamie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, Fun Read . . .

After a kidnapping plot to secure a bride that would allow a Faction agent to enter London society is foiled, Abigail is sent to Guernsey as a governess to investigate the "intended bridegroom" after being off the field for 5 years due to an injury.
Wanting go prove that she's as good of an agent as she as before the injuries, yet painfully aware of her physical limitations; Abigail does her best to get info on her handsome new employer. Yet, when what she finds does not match up with what she's been told, she tries to find a solution go a new problem: how to proceed forward with what she's learned and not betray her country??
This story addresses grief: for Gilles, the death of his wife & the mother of his children. For Abigail, the loss of her physical abilities and stamina and the dreams of "what was and what could have been" . . . which are both heavy losses in their own right. Yet, realizing there's Hope for both of them and how that pushes both of them forward is a lovely story to read in this easy page turner.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[SRH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I was so excited to get another Agents of the Convent book in my hands! While familiar favorite characters from previous stories are mentioned, this story is all Abigail and Gilles. When Abigail, code name Pearl, is sent to investigate a man with suspicious ties to The Faction, we get a story with a little of everything. The characters are sweet and believable. While I don’t always like the way kids are used in stories, Gilles daughters are adorable and I loved them immediately! I could feel the connection between Abby and Gilles from the beginning, and loved the chemistry and swoon this story delivered. I felt Abby’s conflict as she struggled with her new love for Gilles being at odds with her assignment. This clean, sweet story didn’t disappoint and leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series now.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of Agents of the Covenant had a slightly different vibe in my opinion. In previous books, I thought there was more interaction, danger and high stakes. This book was more investigative, low key and mild spy work. Now don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story. You feel connection between the characters right away and the two daughters are charming. There were many scenes of sweet connections between Abigail and Gillies and his two daughters. Abigail had suffered an injury to her leg, which left her with a bit of a handicap, but that didn’t stop her from fulfilling her duty to the crown, but falling for her subject might cost her her job. If you have read the other books in the series you might like the little teaser at the end. This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series to connect some of the other characters.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book read!
After Abigail was injured she had taken up teaching at Miss Masters School. She had just been goven a new assignment. She was to act as a governess to the children of Gilles a suspected sympathizer to the French faction group.
While exploring caves, Abigail become injured. Gilles finds her and returns back ti the home and helps warm her up. He essentially saves her. Is the process he realizes how much he cares for her.
After waking up Abigail starts to realize her feelings for Gilles are far deeper than they should be for an employer.
She stays on course and continues to investigate Gilles. He comes home early from a trip and finds her in his office going through hidden objects. They openly share all.
I was given a ARC of this book I left the review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author. Love this series. Love this book. It has a nice blend of intrigue and romance even as one is spying on the other. Her mission is to be a governess and find out if Gilles is spying for the French. And despite her physical disabilities, she is good at her job, both as a spy and a governess. And in a world where a disability would be hugely looked down upon, Gilles falls so fast for Abby. It is lovely to watch.
I enjoyed the book. Read it all in a day. I didn't want to go to bed without seeing how it would end.
This series is fun but should probably be read in order for the best understanding.

Sex: no
Language: a little
Violence: no

[Ballet in AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable addition to the Agents of the Convent series!

In the intro, the author said that this was a tribute to Jane Eyre and she did a lovely job of depicting a woman who was determined, in spite of injuries, to do her duty to her country.

At the same time, she is falling in love with the little girls that she is posing as governess for, as well as their father, who may or may not be a French agent.

The two protagonists are so very suited for one another and the family moments are beautiful. Good thing they end up communicating the truth!

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars: I admit I requested this book before knowing it was the fifth in a series, and though the missing knowledge of characters does make the epilogue's reveal fall flat, this was enjoyable enough on its own, with a fairly contained story. I bet if I read the other books, I would find the looming threat of organizations like "the Faction" less distant. This almost felt like a lighter spy version of Jane Eyre without the fires or age gap. I liked that they both had secrets rather than there being a power imbalance. A clean Regency romance with intrigue to keep the pages turning quickly!

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! The ends and out of operatives in London, and now on the Channel Islands.

Abby is sent to be a governess to the children of a possible French spy. With her injury making movement difficult, this is harder than it sounds.

Gilles, the French spy, is not all he appears. Can he be the spy the Milliner thinks he is?

This has some fun twists and turns and will keep you wanting more!

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun concept of two different types of spies yet they come together.
This book within the series can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading each in order then the other characters mentioned in passing have their own backstory.
The characters are well developed. There is a plot and yet an ongoing subplot through the series.
I recommend this author and each of her books especially the spy series and the spinoffs.

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of A Pearl Before Spies—it pulled me in right away! The layers of mystery throughout kept me hooked, and I always appreciate a well-crafted suspenseful plot. The historical setting added a rich atmosphere, and the characters, especially the heroine, were engaging and determined. However, the romance felt a bit rushed, and their relationship came together more abruptly than I expected. That’s what brought it to a 3.5-star read for me overall.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail and Gilles are fantastic characters with great chemistry. I love how Gilles sees Abigail and how he helps her to see her value not her disability. I adore Gilles daughters, they are so sweet. I was interested to see how everything would play out with both of them being spies, yet the other didn't know that information. Honestly I loved everything about this book. I couldn't put it down.

[Deb Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kim South · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues the story of the English against the Faction. It explains more of what the English are fighting for, and you see the love blossom between two operatives who don’t know that their operatives. The momentum continually moves with every page up till the last page with the last paragraph with the last sentence with the last word. Mouth dropping.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearl and Briton

An intriguing tale of children, love and spies. The story unfolds in a beautiful setting of hidden secrets along the coastline of the island of Guernsey. Pearl may be her code name but she definitely acts like a precious gem that has had her trials of becoming lame in a previous assignment,

[Caleen Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Agents of the Covent series!
Good read. Enjoyed the characters. The end leaves you anticipating the next book! Can’t wait to read more!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So loved this sweet story! I'm a huge fan of the way Rebecca writes two people falling in love. I love her men! This one was just done so nicely. I loved the continuation of taking down this group of bad guys.
This is a proper romance with some swoony kisses.

[Candi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage, trust, love

Great story filled with compassion, love and trusting your instincts. A fun read with a very surprising ending. A must read in this series. I can't wait for the next book!