What a fascinating historical fiction book about the Revolutionary War time period. Frannie escapes from her cruel stepfather in the Bahamas and in a shipwreck opportunity, assumes the identity of a high society lady named Emmeline Coates. It takes careful observation to learn how to be a true lady but she's successful, living safely in New York where she decides to use her wealth and position to help spy for the Patriots against the Loyalists. Action, suspense, and history -- this is a wonderfully imagined adventure based on the life of a real rebel spy.

This novel wasn't quite what I expected when I learned it was a reimagining of Agent 355 from the American Revolution. But I was compelled to keep reading to find out what would happen to Frannie and how she would end up being sent to prison for her spying.

While the story takes a while to get to the spy aspects, it is filled with rich historical details and compelling characters. Even characters that side with the British are interesting and given their own voice in the story. Most of the story is about Frannie's socialite life disguised as Miss Coates. So while there's less action, there is some suspense sprinkled between the parties and the dinners and other social outings.

I like how Veronica Rossi tied the identity of Agent 355 not just to Frannie or people like Anna Strong but ALL the women who made choices to help the American rebels during this era of history.

I could have done without the last plot point, even though I knew things from the beginning of the book would circle around at some point. There just wasn't much explanation as to how or why, and I thought that Frannie could have easily explained her innocence in the matter. The ending also left me wanting something more, even if it was just an epilogue of after the American Revolution was won.

Overall, I enjoyed Rebel Spy for various reasons. It starts off slow and often focuses on aspects that are unrelated to the spy network. But for a YA novel about this topic, it does well and might get readers interested in learning more about the American Revolution.

I did my master thesis on the use of women as spies in the revolutionary war and the civil war - I was super excited to read this book. It was well written, had great character development and was easy to read. It is a YA adult book - but it kept my interest. I loved this "reimagining" story.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story

What would you do to survive? For Francesca Tasker, the answer is anything. After her mother passes, Frannie finds herself impersonating a high society lady who died moments before in a storm at sea in order to hitch a ride on a boat and get away from her awful stepfather, Sewel. After arriving at New York in America, Frannie learns the redcoats aren't as fabulous as she's been led to believe. She finds herself wanting to fight for liberty on the side of the rebels. And so unfolds the story of agent 355, a spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War, as she takes up arms in high society to help prevent a British victory.

I was instantly intrigued when I found out this book explored the story of the female agent 355 during the Revolutionary War, and found it a very compelling read. I delighted in the story and feel like it was very well researched, and written with twists and turns I was not expecting. However, I do feel like the end of the book ended rather abruptly and I was left with a feeling of whip lash like wait, it's over already? What about the end of the book? Regardless of the sudden ending, I thoroughly enjoyed Frannie's spirit, love of the water, and delicious relationships in the story including romantic, familial, and friendship. The imagery in the book really brought the story to life in a real and tangible way and I appreciated being able to escape to the seventh fathom with our heroine during times of trial.

I feel like I have been waiting forever for this book! I love Veronica's writing and the way she tells a story. This one got off to a bit of a slow start, and truth be told, I was expecting more of a romance--there were not nearly enough scenes with Asa! I really enjoyed Frannie/Emmeline's journey and the ending, which came as a surprise, definitely left me wanting SO MUCH MORE. I wish there'd been an epilogue at least.

Overall, an interesting and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what Veronica writes next!

Thank you for the chance to read and review REBEL SPY.

A good piece of historical fiction. This was a nice read for me but historical fiction isnt always the best fit. For me, this was a good story, but I felt like it was a bit longer than I think it needed it to be. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book transported me back to the American Revolution era and I'm sad that it's over now! When I read that there was a real female spy who went under 355 to aid Washington, I had to read it. Since learning that the American Civil War had female spies, I was craving a book like this. Rossi gives us Frannie, a girl from Grand Bahama who learns through surprising circumstances what feeling free is really like. She was such an endearing character and I loved her story of finding her true path and being a spy. Things didn't go as I expected so I love being surprised. People who love historical fiction NEED to read this when it comes out. A fantastic book!

This book was a solid read for me - an often critical, Revolutionary War era loving, TURN series watching, romance reading high school librarian.
It had all the things I feel make a successful book for my teen readers (okay - teen girls - this is a girly book)
-completely unexpected beginning location (my Hamilfans will love it)
-deep sea diving girl! What?!? Amazing
-identity theft
-first love
-spying for “the cause”
-romance with a solid guy who is on the opposing team
-reappearance of long lost love you thought was dead
-not too sexy, but enough to believe the characters were their ages (hormones!)
-that teen mindset that you have to do it all on your own/can’t ask for help
-cool clothes
-crazy flash forward scene in the prologue that sets things up nicely
-puppies
-more hidden identities (as a boy!)
-amazing escapes
-the ocean
-hope for love conquering all

Such a clever read, I couldn’t put it down and shirked many of my duties to finish it.
Cannot wait to order this for our library and book talk it!

I am obsessed with historical fiction, alternate history, and history in general. This was such a fun mix of everything I love. What I took from this is that women have ALWAYS been badass. 👏 I enjoyed reading this fictional "maybe" about the real Agent 355. All the research Rossi did for this, shows. It was very well put together and I thoroughly enjoyed reading and recognizing the full cast of true characters. (Anna Strong though, I did in fact GASP. 😂) An adventurous romp all the way through, I did not feel any kind of lull in the story. Loved it!

I have always loved the Revolutionary War and that time period, so I was very excited to read a story set in that time. Add that with espionage, a touch of romance, and high society- that is a definite YES for me! It also has me intrigued enough to want to do more research on 355... Those are the parts that I loved about the story.

The parts that I didn't love are the many moments where I had to suspend belief. I will refrain from going into too much detail because I don't want to spoil the story, and even though I embraced it, it still detracted me from the story. The other thing that I didn't love was the ending... I still don't know how to process it...

In the end, I did enjoy reading it, and it did keep my attention; I just wish it had a different ending.

REBEL SPY offers a fantastic glimpse into the ways women may have assisted in the Revolutionary War efforts. I’ve always had a fascination with the Culper Code, so it was cool to see it included in the story. You instantly fall in love with Frannie and root for her to succeed in becoming Miss Coates. Though, I would have loved a different ending, historical fiction can’t always provide a HEA and the story ended very much how many did during that time. This book was beautifully written and should be included on every school’s recommended reading lists!

I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I loved Frannie's determination and will to prosper when all odds were against her. Her bravery was profound when up against many elements. Though I rated this four stars, there were some things I wasn't fond of. The ending was awful. It felt like there were more paragraphs or pages in the final chapter and the author accidentally deleted a huge chunk. I wish there was more spying instead of drama and romance. To go along with the romance, the instant love between Frannie and Asa was unbelievable on the ship. I would have preferred them to depart knowing there was a chance of something more instead of making out after knowing each other for a few hours. Lastly, there was a three year (I think) time gap from when Frannie departed the ship in New York as a peasant impostor to when she's a proper and educated upper class lady. I find it a tad unbelievable that no one caught on to how she didn't know anything Emmeline would know.

I don't usually gravitate towards historical fiction, and when I do it's usually during the WWII time period, but this book was the perfect entrance into revolutionary historical fiction. This book is about Washington's famous Culper spies. Frannie grows in the Bahamas and she steals a dead girl's identity and runs away to America. She becomes an aristocratic Loyalist in New York City, after realizing the King of England is a tyrant she vows to gather as much information as possible to pass onto the American rebels.

I thoroughly enjoyed Frannie's journey and her strength. Her friends and how she becomes a spy are so interesting. Rebel Spy was full of so much historical information that even as an American I didn't know.

This book is inspired by General George Washington’s ring of spies during the American Revolution. The spies used numbers to sign their letters. Specifically, the story focuses on “355” which stood for “lady.” Her real identity remains unknown, but Veronica Rossi brings to life a wonderful character to represent 355.

Francisca, known as Frannie, grew up in the Bahamas, scouring ship wrecks for items to sell in order to make a living. When she finds herself at the mercy of her awful step-father, Frannie knows she must escape her life with him before something terrible happens.

When a storm causes a shipwreck, Frannie takes the clothes from the body of a girl she finds on the beach. Assuming the identity of the girl, Emmeline Coates, Frannie sails to New York and creates a new life for herself.

I enjoyed this book. It was not quite as exciting as I had hoped for in regards to the spying, but overall, it was still a very enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press and Veronica Rossi for the advanced copy of Rebel Spy in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this ♡♡♡

7 Fathoms Deep!

Rebel Spy is such a cozy and unputdownable YA read. From the beautiful cover to the unique story it is filled with friendship, dares and a bit of romance during the Revolutionary War. Mainly a character-driven novel more so than historical, the events of the war provide ample padding for this unique plot to unfold. One, in which a simple girl from the Bahamas, ends up a Rebel Spy among the high society in New York City.

Frannie Tasker is a water baby and island girl from the Grand Bahamas. After the death of her parents, she is left with her alcoholic stepdad Sewel who makes a living by having her dive old shipwrecks looking for exploits to capitalize on.

One day, in his inebriated state, Sewel attempts to touch Frannie differently and tell her to be his obedient wife, but she has had enough of it. In a moment of opportunity, she takes a dive and hides out to get away from him. In a stroke of luck, she ends up posing as the lady Miss Coates and becomes rescued by a merchant ship heading North to New York.

Though she is able to put up the rouse in front of those that don't know her, it does not go unnoticed that she has unladylike mannerisms. When she meets Asa Lane, he is willing to teach her the ways of a lady, though he clearly loves her ways as they come.

Right as romance is blossoming, Asa is ripped from her side but has left big, lingering impressions on her. Insecure about her future in New York City, she is filled with Asa's convictions politically and in secret holds on to them in her heart.

As her life as Miss Coates takes shape in New York City among the high society, it is those same convictions that turn her a Rebel Spy among all the Loyalists around her. Besides the fear of her stepdad Sewel to ever follow her, she has managed well but never forgot about Asa. Will she ever see him again? Perhaps in her work as Agent 355 when she fights for the American Liberty in secret?

Oh, you will just have to read this sweet story!

I enjoyed this novel. It is one of a good-natured kind of YA, unlike the norm of graphic, violent and fantastical ones out there, though it does offer adventure and anticipation.

This is one of those books I walked around the house with my nose in it while making tea or doing things one-handedly....I did not want to stop reading. The writing flowed beautifully and read effortlessly. Simply exquisite.

Frannie's character was all feist and strength inside. I loved her relationship with Asa that was enduring, yet not unsecretive. Perhaps this is why it was such a page-turner for me. I don't usually read any romance at all...but it had me giddy and hoping for a good outcome.

This novel is beautiful inside and out, a perfect read for a breezy, lazy summer day!

Enjoy!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.

I received an temporary digital advanced copy of Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi from NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and the author in exchange for an honest review.

Frannie Tasker takes on the identify of Emmeline Coates in an attempt to escape her abusive step-father. As Miss. Emmeline Coates, she lives in New York during the American Revolution. Due to living under the abusive power of her step-father, Miss. Coates understands the need for independence and wants to help the colonists win the war. She soon realizes her position in society provides her the opportunity to spy on the British officers she so often spends her time with; however, one misstep can cost her her life.

Rebel Spy was an extremely enjoyable read. I believe that the novel was well written, paced, and researched. Although there are a lot of the books that seem improbable, it was still an extremely interesting story. Frannie's journey from her introduction to the ending, felt full circle and I appreciated that. I think Rossi did a great job giving a story to "355."

I really enjoyed this book. The spying wasn't as integral to the plot as I would have thought based on the title and description, but I think the amount we got was plenty, combined with everything else that was going on. There were a few things throughout the book that gave me pause and felt a little too over the top, Sewel reappearing being one example. But I was so invested in the characters and their lives that I didn't care too much.

The tangled relationships Frannie/Emmeline shared with Asa and Duncan, and Frannie's relationship with herself and her past were the main thing keeping interested throughout the book. The scenes between Asa and Frannie stole the show. Every time they were together the scenes were funny, heartfelt, and breathtaking. There were several twists throughout the story that actually managed to surprise me. And the ending left me literally speechless. I'm still not sure what to say about it. I can't believe that's the actual real ending. I'm not mad at it. Okay, I was a little mad. But mostly I'm just completely shocked. I think this is a stand alone. I'm usually okay with that. But this time I'd like an epilogue. Not sure we need a whole sequel, unless it's from Lucy or Charlotte's POV.

Despite some weak spots, I really had a great time reading this. I would recommend it for someone looking for an interesting, light, historical coming of age/romance. It is a little light on history and more focused on the characters and their relationships.

I'm a fan of Veronica Rossi and enjoyed her new outing.

Rebel Spy is about a female revolutionary war spy known as 355, which stands for Lady. Her actual identity is unknown to history. However, Rossi weaves an intriguing tale about an orphaned girl named Francisca, who takes over the life of a wealthy girl who dies in shipwreck in order to escape her abusive stepfather. Francisca moves up many stations in society as a result and finds herself living a comfortable life in New York. Drawn to the cause of American freedom and well-positioned in society to overhear important information, Francisca takes it upon herself to become a spy for the cause of liberty.

I really enjoyed the push and pull Francisca felt as a spy. Many of those she informed on were her friends, yet the cause of liberty was of greater importance than those relationships. Frannie was a compelling main character, and Rossi richly creates the world in which she lived. I learned many things about the revolutionary war that I didn't know.

I felt the ending was a bit rushed and sometimes a little too easy as far as when past characters reappeared, but overall I enjoyed this novel and I loved the final scene. Not a perfect read, but certainly a compelling one.
I think teens and adults alike, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction, will find this novel a winner.

After a plethora of WW II female spy novels, this trip back with a female Revolutionary War spy was refreshing. Espionage looks so different in every situation, the only common denominator is courage and conviction.

There is so, so much to love here. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, the narrative introduces all the historical elements in an organic way, and, of course, there are the characters, who are all wonderfully written. I did not expect to love Frannie as much as I did - or half a dozen of the other characters Rossi introduces here. There are some very obvious contenders for the reader's affections (coughAsacough), but personally I also thought that characters that didn't get a lot of screentime (like the Judge) left enough of a mark for me to feel like I'm going to miss them now that I'm done reading.

If there are any missteps in this book, it's that a few things towards the end were a bit rushed. The action scenes (not just here, but throughout the book) are masterfully handled, but all the same I think there could have been just a touch more done with one or two in particular. One felt like it needed an explanation for how it even came about to begin with, while another needed about a page more before the book actually ended. That said, I still feel like the book ended on an emotionally satisfying note and I would happily recommend it to anyone...with the caveat that the title and description may be a bit misleading. This is much more a historical coming-of-age novel than it is a novel about spycraft. Personally, that worked for me. The limited amount of spying Frannie ends up doing felt realistic, but readers hoping that this will be a non-stop spyfest may be disappointed.