A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England)

I loved this book as it kept me smiling as I read every page into the wee hours of the morning. Looking forward to book 2 next.

I seem to have a knack for selecting review books that are part of a series - but are not book one! Fortunately, my most recent slip-up was discovered before I started reading the review book, and I had the good fortune of finding book one at the library. So, I started reading that one while waiting for the review book to arrive. And I’m very glad I did!A Name Unknown is the first title in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series. Set in the early stages of World War I, A Name Unknown introduces readers to a rather unique London “family.” A family of thieves. Though none are related by blood, the dozen siblings care for one another with a love that is fierce, protective, and powerful. All are banded together by the oldest, a young man named Barclay, and all are watched over by a pub owner named Pauly. Together they survive by stealing from the rich to put food in their bellies and clothes on their backs.Brilliant though their thievery may be, the family barely brings in enough resources to keep the many mouths fed. But, a mysterious stranger has picked up on the unique talents of the eldest members of the family, especially young Rosemary Gresham. He begins to offer her jobs, but the one he hands her now is the biggest - and highest paying - of them all. All she has to do is find proof that Peter Holstein, friend of the king, is a traitor.The Holsteins, though Germans, had been highly thought of in their corner of Cornwall before their deaths. But, their son Peter is a different story. A recluse who mingles little with the people of the town, Peter struggles both at home and in the London political arena, fighting questions about his loyalty. But, with tensions in Europe on the rise, he is determined to prove once and for all that his heart and his loyalty lie with England. Unfortunately, any proof that may exist lies buried somewhere in the chaotic depths of what may have once been referred to as a library. Every potential employee he has found to help him tame the "cave" has fled in horror upon seeing the nature of the task...until a young woman by the name of Rosemary arrives at his door and agrees to tackle the job. Roseanna M. White weaves a captivating story of character, history, intrigue, mystery, and yes, even romance in A Name Unknown. But, as I read, I had a struggle. Because I'd agreed to review it, I knew what the second book would be about. And I knew that getting to the second book meant that some of the events of the first book would most likely end up being either lame, overly contrived, or boringly predictable. I was delighted to find none of those as the story drew to a close. It was well written, captivating, and powerful in every way. It did not take me long to decide to own my own copy instead of just enjoying the library’s, since I’d soon have the second book anyway.A Name Unknown is unique in its heroes and delightful in its twists. And I definitely recommend it to historical romance loving readers from the teen years on up.

This is by far Roseanna M. White’s best book yet. The mystery portion of the plot is well done if slightly fantastical, but given who the characters are, the plot actually suits them quite well, and I defy you figure out who the villain is.As for the romance, White has turned a classic trope on its head to excellent effect. In this story the introverted character who has to be coaxed out of their shell is the hero, and the heroine is the dashing larger than life figure who takes on the task. It is to White’s credit that this in no way diminishes the attractiveness of the hero. He is perfectly capable of taking care of things when he needs to, it is simply that most of the time he can’t be bothered!Another element that White handles very well is the journey to conversion. Many Christian authors tell instead of show this character arc. Rosemary’s journey to Christ is one of the most heartfelt and authentic conversions I have seen in fiction.The only, and minor, criticism I have is that I felt that Rosemary was a little oblivious while doing her research, especially considering how keen her powers of observation and deduction are.Notable Quotable: “Fiction is a way to express mankind’s deepest heart. His fears. His hopes. His failings. His successes. Fiction is truth… in a pretty wrapping.”This book is a solid good read, not to mention thought provoking. 4 out of 5 stars.

Thoroughly enjoyed ever page.A feisty heroine paired with an unlikely stammering hero.Well written storyline and interesting characters that take you away into another world in Cornwall. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun read with a few twists and a little imaginary adventure.

This is my first time reading one of Roseanna Whites books, and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for writing such an engaging story!

I've read this one a half dozen times. Its to the point that I tear up in anticipation of the part that always makes me cry. I know Rosie is fictional and of course her coming to Christ is too but its just so well written. Peter is a living example to her but isn't a perfect person which makes it all more real.

This story takes place before WW1 breaks out. Rosemary Gresham is hired to find proof that Peter Holstein is loyal to the Germans, not the English. Hired on as a librarian for Mr. Holstein, she’s in for quite a task. His library is stuffed to overflowing and affectionately called the Cave. Stretching herself for this job that is quite different from her normal work she sets about looking for information for Mr. Holstein, about his family and anything that may prove him loyal to Germany, she also starts writing him notes with questions. I love the description of Holstein’s property, main house and cottage. Sounds like a lovely place. The townspeople seem fickle, though loyal if their loyalty can be earned. They are also suspectful of Holstein. Rosemary makes a few friends in town in the midst of this, despite those that don’t like her. Beautiful story of growth for both main characters, faith and trust in good for her, and trust in him as well with the insecurities he has. Looking forward to learning more about Rosemary’s “family” in the next books of the series.

I am very glad I finished this book. I did not like the heroine much and almost gave up a fifth of the way in. It gets better and better as you go. How nice not to find predictability.

Loved the book, it's a continuation of White's high standard of story telling. Thank you for a great read and some surprising twists!

Great read, couldn’t put it down.