The Fall of a Sparrow

By Robyn Brightwood

Mid-career Shakespeare professor Carly Drew from Grantham University has crafted a heartfelt, fulfilling life dedicated to her teaching, writing, and caring for her ailing mother. She enjoys visiting the campus chapel and relaxing over coffee with friends, finding comfort amid her busy days. Until. Tim Royce, a Grantham alum and successful software engineer, returns to campus and reconnects with Carly, sharing a love of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. Their witty banter deepens into intimacy but remains respectful due to institutional boundaries, long-distance separation, and Carly's ill mother. Tim's job in San Francisco keeps them connected via email, postcards, and coordinated visits.
Carly's world is upended when her mother's health fails, and she dies suddenly. Tim flies across the country for the funeral, reads Ariel's "sea-change" lines from The Tempest, and stays to help Carly shoulder her grief. In the wake of her loss, she admits that life is too short to keep rationing her desires. Their relationship finally becomes physical, marked by aching tenderness. They begin to find space for each other without abandoning the lives they've built.
Carly and Tim's long-distance love deepens, but it's tested when a handsome ex reenters Carly's life. She must choose between a durable partnership: shared calendars and vacations, or an exciting rekindling of her first true love.
The Bard of Avon draws on his work as he observes the couple and comments on their, as well as our, most human condition: love. He roots for Carly and Tim, yet recognizes quality drama when he sees it.
Fans of Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and Writers and Lovers by Lily King will fall in love with Carly and Tim in The Fall of a Sparrow.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HD83FFCB
• ISBN13: 9798189909672
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"