Great historical fiction, light romance read! Highly recommend it to fans of the genre and those looking to expand their reading circle. Purchasing for library.

I love any books set during the American Revolution and more so when they speak to the young adult experience.

Fans of Ann Rinaldi will want to find themselves in the fast-flying pages of this well-researched tale. There is a dash of romance, dollops of gumption and a perfectly created historical world.

I liked the spunky heroine, but the lack of much development in both characters and plot made this a lackluster read.

A quick and entertaining historical read. Highly recommended for history lovers.

As conflict escalates between Patriots and Tories, a young woman must chose how she can help her country. When she takes on a risky mission, she must rely on her wits to get her safely through.

Abigail is an interesting character. Educated above what most girls of the time were, thanks to her father recognizing her intelligence, she keeps herself up to date on the changes that occur around her. She is a bit vain, recognizing 'admiring expressions' in the gazes of most men she encounter. She uses her wits to help however she can, even when it might not have been advisable.

The plot moves along at a nice pace, although I would have liked to see more spying from this 'Petticoat Spy'. I also would have liked more descriptions about the places she visited or the houses she lived in. There is also a character who proclaims she knew things by 'dreams' and I could have done without her.

All in all, I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a YA historical fiction story.

The book was interesting and had good characters. I can't say I loved it though because something was missing throughout. It was an easy read which made it easier but it never found what was missing. The ending was probably the most difficult. It felt that it couldn't ended twice before it did and it you still were wondering over a few questions.
Again the storyline was good and full of real events. It is always great to get a better idea of how life may have been.
I was also disappointed in the way characters were introduced and then discarded.

Abigail's family are staunch Patriots, so her first meeting with Gideon, a Tory, doesn't go so well. However, she soon comes to find out that there is more to Gideon than she thought--he is actually spying for the Patriots. As tensions heighten between the two sides, Abigail's realizes that as a woman, underestimated by men, can do some spying of her own. As most Patriots are leaving Boston, she goes to stay with family friends in the city, where she finds herself father's former friend is not what he seemed. She and Gideon must find a way to get safely out of the city and warn the Patriots of what they have learned.

I was intrigued by this book right from the start. I loved outspoken Abigail and seeing how she was committed to her cause. The unfolding drama as she headed to Boston was well-written, and of course, I loved the romance angle. Really enjoyed it. 4.5 stars.

Set near post-tea-party Boston, this book is a small slice of historical fiction. The main character, Abigail Stowell is a sharp 19-year-old young woman who alternates between chastising herself for being too prideful and still being a spinster to boldly standing up for perceived wrongs and bravely taking on dangerous missions for her patriot father. There is some romance, but it plays a secondary role in the story to the political intrigue and spying missions.

I found the characters somewhat predictably drawn. Abigail Stowell is, on one hand, a sweet, obedient young woman who truly grieves when she has done wrong. On the other hand, her father has allowed her to be educated and to think and speak for herself. This gets her in trouble at one point, as she's not learned the proper time and place for a young woman to speak her mind. Maybe I'm past the age when written romance stirs my heart, but I found the few passages where Abigail ponders the glances and sayings of a young man to be somewhat tedious. I realize that almost every story has to have some romance in it to draw readers, but I truly was more interested in the history than the romance.

Overall, it was a pleasurable distraction from housework and homework for a while. I enjoyed reading it.

I gratefully received an eARC from the author, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Petticoat Spy had all the enticing ingredients to become a book I would utterly love — strong female character, historical tale, some spying, much family drama and a promising love interest… Even the sleek cover instantly caught my eye! I was suppose to adore it! So understand my frustration when I started to realise that I couldn’t relate to the story. Why on earth couldn’t I fully enjoy it and “get into” the book?

To be fair, I did find some scenes captivating, especially those where Abigail finds herself in danger. She has to be extra cautious, witty and inconspicuous. Given the context and the social climate, it was quite fascinating to watch her navigate her mission — an extraordinary destiny of hers. But I never really connected with the characters. I thought the intrigue began to gain intensity in the last half of the book with the whole drama surrounding her aunt Caroline and uncle Joseph. I thought it was quite well narrated.

I think it might have been a better idea to have Abigail begin her full-on infiltration mission in Boston much earlier in the plot. Maybe it lacked intensity in the first half. That could explain why I never really delved into the intrigue. Maybe it’s just the style that didn’t speak to me!?

Overall, I thought the book had great potential and I actually quite liked the ending which was satisfying and well-paced. I just wished I had connected with the overall intrigue on a much deeper, emotional level. I remain slightly disappointed but I believe it deserves 2 hearts which means “I liked the book” (which I did) according to my scoring sheet. If only I liked it more…

Finally, the author added some historical facts at the end of the book. A very good idea!

I was super excited to start reading this because I've always loved history about early America, and I'd been looking for a novel about spies in this era, too. Unfortunately, I came away feeling entirely "meh" about this book. It was written well, mind you, but the story itself was pretty lacking and the characters were all cut from the same cloth.

Abby was 100% a total Mary-Sue. If you dislike any novel with Mary-Sues are the main character, do not read this book. Every time a man looked at Abby, she noted his "appreciative gaze." Every time she went to complete a task, she did it without any issue. She thought she knew better than a doctor and refused to do as he instructed just because she had a hunch. (An entirely 21st century minded hunch, but that's another issue.) Abby as a character really frustrated me because she had little depth. She was practically perfect in every way, zero flaws, zero interests that set her apart from others.

The story was pretty good, though. I was truly interested to see how Abby would navigate Boston, and I had no idea how she thought she would find information beneficial to the rebellion. But then the side-story with her taking care of Aunt Caroline totally took over and I didn't find that very interesting. Her motivation to help the rebels was pushed to the back-burner and didn't appear again until she was nearly ready to leave Boston.

I would totally suggest this story for someone who likes romance novels that isn't heavy on the romance. The male-interest Gideon doesn't actually appear too often in the story. The romance is more of an extra than a main part of the novel. I didn't mind that; it was actually refreshing.

In the end, while Petticoat Spy was good, I don't think it was for me. I saw a lot more potential in the book than was given.

*My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.*

Whenever I read a good book set in Colonial times it makes me feel patriotic and humbled by the men and women who lived during such a turbulent and important era, participating in the formation of our country and fighting for liberty. Petticoat Spy has a strong heroine who is passionate for the cause, and learning to balance speaking out for her convictions with maintaining a ladylike demeanor and schooling her mind to bring honor to her family name. Although Abby has an impetuous nature, she is intelligent and grows throughout the story from her experiences. I liked Gideon from the start and how he admires Abby even when she is at odds with him. There is a suspenseful tension as the danger increases, yet the author weaves in a sweet romance between the two patriots, however inopportune the circumstances. I really loved the historical details that enhanced the setting and gave me a feeling of being there with the characters. Highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed the books of Amber Lynn Perry and Ann Rinaldi!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Oh my heavens!!! I was seriously turning the pages as fast as possible. I picked up the book and not too many pages in I could tell this was going to be one of those books for me where I wouldn't want to set it down. I loved the historical setting, pre-revolutionary war. I loved the characters. I loved the sweet romance. I loved the suspense and intensity during several parts, especially the last half(or more) of the book. I loved the villain.....I know, I did just say that. Ok maybe love is the wrong word as in good feels towards the villain but honestly I loved the way the author wrote that character. Seriously caught me off guard. You didn't quite think that this person would be the ultimate villain of the story. I could tell that there was a little shadiness to that character but when push came to shove, seriously didn't think it was going to go that way. Let's just say I was on the Edge of My Seat!!!! Well not quite literally per se but you get the picture.

I was reading a good portion of the end while reclined back and the anticipation and suspense were killing me, my heart was racing, I started tapping my foot in anticipation, I was reading as fast as I could because I just had to find out what was going to happen. AHHHH!!! It was awesome! I seriously haven't stayed up late reading a book into the night for a long time. This one, oh yeah it beat out my pure exhaustion. I honestly couldn't put it down. I put my kids to bed and snuggled up to read and read and read and read.....until almost 2 am. Yes I was tired the next day but it was worth it!

I really liked Abigail Stowell. She was a great heroine. She was a young woman with brains and intuition and spunk. She wasn't afraid to speak up...although she regretted it many times, because let's face it that was not what was acceptable or ok for women at that time. And yet her father was so good and saw those wonderful qualities and helped to encourage her to follow through with what she had been taught without losing the ability to think and learn and help.

Abigail's family knows war is coming. Her father has been on the forefront of preparing for it for quite a while. While they have suffered much heartache recently, they are not about to be forced to do something or live a certain way that goes against basic humanity. Nor would they allow that to be forced on their fellowmen. Before Abigail knows it she is embroiled in passing messages, picking up tracts, and all sorts of other crazy, heart stopping schemes. All in the name of freedom.

Although this is a historical fiction I really felt that it did a good job of portraying the lives of those who lived, risked and died during those years around the American Revolution. The writing was wonderful. I was drawn in from the beginning. It wasn't always a fast paced, action packed read. Rather there were moments of quiet and reflection as well as learning for both the characters and readers. And yes as you can tell from my previous musings, plenty of action. Sometimes the action was intense due to the characters physically hurrying, but other times just as intense from little moments. That could be very vague for you but I can't spoil it.

Let's see if I can give you some key words that will clue you in to what awaits you in this heart pounding read(heart pounding for multiple reasons of action- swoony and scary).

Horses, guns, Concord and Lexington, farmers, minutemen, petticoats(of course), hidden books, poison, false impressions, taverns, kisses, cannons, bread pudding, stolen moments, secret glances, redcoats, stables, maids, facades, kisses(yes I'm saying it again), crows, herbs and healing, battle wounds, musket balls, cat, Boston, friends, generals, wigs, gold, secret notes, courage, private dinners, church, amusement and espionage.

Those might just sound like random words to you but when/if you read the book you will understand.

I loved it! I'm sure you have gathered that but it was everything a historical fiction novel should be. Intensity, historical insight, connection to what real living people went through, connection to the characters due to their plight, a feeling of gratitude for sacrifices made, and some good sweet clean romance. *dreamy sigh*

Content: some war wounds, some brief descriptions of battle, nothing too graphic. The romance was clean with a few kisses. All in all, I'd say it's a clean read.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions within the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Petticoat Spy is a fabulous read. It is a mixture of what makes a great book to me: Revolutionary War era historical, strong woman, action, suspense, and romance.
I have already ordered other books by Carol Warburton since I enjoyed this one so much.
5 plus stars