A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White marks the first book in her new series, Shadows Over England. Set in pre-WWI England, this novel was enjoyable, thought provoking, and extremely well written. The plot line was well developed and included moments of humor, romance, betrayal, mystery, and suspense. The themes of the novel were incorporated flawlessly and delved into matters of forgiveness, what it means to be a child of God, the value of a person, trust, and honesty. I loved how Peter and Roseanna communicated through letters, and how Peter helped point Roseanna so carefully to her value as a child of God, someone who could be saved regardless of their past sins. I enjoyed seeing the relationship that had been built between Roseanna and her adopted 'siblings', and their amusing bets. I also particularly loved watching Peter and Roseanna discover more about one another and how each helped strengthen one another's failings. Overall, I found this novel to be charming and inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how the next novel in this new series plays out!
I received this novel from Litfuse Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Read more of my reviews at http://hearttoheartbooks.blogspot.com.

A Name Unknown is an exciting tale of intrigue, suspense and hope.

We first have Rosemary, a young woman growing up on the streets of London. She has learned so many hard lessons at such a young age. Life was not easy for the majority during these times in London and we get a good picture into the lives of these children who have been orphaned or left alone in the world. Rosemary builds a new family out of children who are in the same predicament as her and they become almost like her children. She learns a trade that so many of the youth on the streets know all too well – stealing. She has a rare and special talent for this and becomes the best of the best. This is what lands her the job of a lifetime – finding out the loyalties of a certain young man of German origins.

This young man, Peter, is a shy and awkward man. He has trouble socializing and your heart goes out to him so many times throughout the novel. He can be so painfully awkward but so kind-hearted and sweet at the same time. When Rosemary arrives, we see a whole new side of Peter as well as in Rosemary. They bring out the best in each other, even though each of them is holding a little bit back from the other. As one tries to uncover his past while writing a novel and the other is trying hard to earn the name and money she so desperately needs, we uncover a series of events and hate. As these mysterious events become more dangerous, we are kept on our toes as to who could harbour such hate towards Peter.

The ending of the novel was incredible and definitely not what I was expecting at all but well worth it. We uncover the secrets of the past, find out who has been behind the hateful and dangerous events as well as have a realization that love is stronger than any other emotion.

A Name Unknown is a beautiful story of hope, faith, love and trust. We watch as our characters struggle through each of the stages throughout the novel in the backdrop of misunderstanding and hatred fueled by race. It is a well written novel that I just could not put down.

The beginning of a new series is always exciting, especially if it is from a favorite author. A Name Unknown is the first book in the Shadows Over England series from Rosanna M. White. It's an historical fiction series that is set during the World War I era.

The overriding theme is that of redemption. The heroine is a thief and feels as if there is no other recourse for herself and those she cares for. The hero also leads a secret life but much more upright than that of the heroine. They both need freedom from the trappings that have ensnared them. But freedom can only come if they are willing to risk telling the truth.

I enjoyed this fictional journey with these new characters. The setting is fascinating and the details kept me quickly turning the pages just to see how it was all going to turn out. I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment even though I know that war is brewing. This is a complete story but I look forward to seeing where it goes from here. Will the rest of the family be redeemed? I certainly hope so!

If you like a book that builds as it goes then this book is for you. As the story unfolds you find out more and more about the characters and the background that lead up to the characters being where they are and what shaped them. The backdrop of impending war leads to the need to quickly solve the mystery. It was a quick read that left me wanting more . . . in a good way!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

This first book in a new series by White was excellent if you ask me. I'm not a big war story buff, probably because so many people I know had to deal with wars. However, this book is a good read. It has enough Christian content, and a sweet story with Peter and Rosemary. Peter was going to be Rosemary's mark, and then things changed. Rosemary is a valiant young woman, even with her spy like mission and the fact that she's doing things she shouldn't. She has a really good reason. That doesn't make it right, but it did explain it. I felt connect and comfortable with Peter. I liked him a lot. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, which is off to a super start.

My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and my opinions are my own, and I have left this review of my own free choosing.

A Name Unknown, by Roseanna M. White, is the first novel in the Shadows over England series. In perfect proportions, Ms. White combines elements of history, mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance that effortlessly meld together to create a uniquely satisfying story that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

With skill and insight reminiscent of Charles Dickens, Ms. White draws characters that are incredibly sympathetic in their frailties and failures. As WWI looms on the horizon, the characters grapple with who they are and who they are meant to be in a society that is on the verge of epic transformation. What they discover about themselves and each other is unexpected and poignant.

In addition to relatable and complex characters, Ms. White skillfully includes themes that further elevate the novel and enhance the reading experience. The plight of the poor and the decisions and actions that arise from poverty are central themes in this novel, enriching the story and giving the reader plenty of ideas to ponder. Prejudice and judgments made from ignorance and inexperience are also themes that add depth and motivation to events and characters throughout the book.

A Name Unknown is a well-paced, well-researched novel that quickly draws the reader into the story and easily holds the reader’s attention page after page. It is a book well-suited to readers of historical fiction who also enjoy a well-crafted mystery and appreciate a dash of romance as well. Ms. White has certainly created a compelling novel that is well worth the reader’s time and attention.

https://lislovesreading.blogspot.com/2017/08/historical-fiction-book-review-name.html

Oh, my! I absolutely loved this book! The author has done an incredible job of keeping the identity of Mr V such a surprise that one wonders what will happen next with Rosemary.

I loved that the characters of Rosemary and Peter grow and change as the story progresses. One does wonder if a romance will develop and the way it does is very sweet. I particularly enjoyed the story within a story - Peter's story that is. It adeptly showed how the mind of an author works when they are creating. While Rosemary thought Peter odd or rude staring off into space whilst talking to her, he was actually plotting the next scene for his novel. I believe authors of all kinds will relate to this.

I also enjoyed how the characters grew and that the author did not shy away from talking about God and faith. Rosemary's growth was particularly touching.

If you like adventure, intrigue and romance you will love A Name Unknown!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Rosemary is quite a character as you will find in this enchanting story. She is not the typical young woman that men swoon over. She is pretty enough but she has this little secret that could make her not so appealing. Rosemary is well how should I put it? I will just blurt it out and say she is a thief. She does it to help support her family so surely that must be alright. I did like the tightknit "family" Rosemary was a part which consisted of orphans that have decided that they will stick together and run the streets of London.

I loved the description of the era and loved London with all its royalty and parties they gave. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Peter at first. He seemed so unsure of himself and a bit standoffish almost to the point of being arrogant. I did like the fact that Peter was a stutterer. I have read of different afflictions that characters have , but this one was a nice surprise. The author delt with it in a very graceful way and helped me see Peter in a more everyday person and not so much as a stuck up royal snob. Someone is spreading rumors that Peter is not loyal to London and could be helping the Germans.

Rosemary has somehow found her way into the manor where Peter resides. He is in need of a librarian to help him get the library in order. He is also hoping to find documents that will prove his loyalty. Will Rosemary be able to help him? Why is she really there at the manor? I loved how the author slowly developed their characters by writing notes to each other everyday. I found it to be enduring and almost a bit romantic.

There are definite secrets that Peter is keeping that could have consequences. Will he confide in Rosemary? What will happen if Peter finds out that Rosemary is a thief and is out to steal something very valuable from him?
I loved the way the author blends prayers into the story in a way that shows the characters need for help from God. I was captivated by the intrigue and twists that the author placed subtlety in the story. It kept me wanting to read without stopping. You don't want to miss this story that deals with forgiveness and trust.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion.

I've read a lot of stellar books recently. A Name Unknown, while enjoyable, was not quite up to par, as I found myself bogged down with too many characters and several side plots.

Stuttering Peter - a longtime friend of Prince Edward - bears a passing (and likely all-in-my-head) resemblance to future King George VI, who himself painfully stuttered and, ironically, took the throne upon Edward's abdication. (My temporary mental casting of Colin Firth may have been somewhat inevitable ...)

Make no mistakes, I enjoyed A Name Unknown. WWI England fascinates me, and White brought it to life wonderfully. Rosemary is a charming heroine, and I appreciate her wit and personality. She gives as good as she gets, and I want to see more heroines like her in fiction. I simply struggled with the aforementioned issues.

Looking forward to reading the other books in the series as they release.

I loved this book! I can't wait for the 2nd one in the series!

I loved this book. The main characters took turns sharing their point of view in the book and I loved being able to see the story unfold from each viewpoint. The story is sweet and suspenseful with just the right amount of romance and mystery. I would highly recommend!

I was not sure what to expect from this book and I found it started off a bit slow for me. But it did not stay that way for long. I found myself absorbed in the story of a thief attempting to basically infiltrate a life and lifestyle she did not know anything about.

Each twist and turn of the story, especially with a hero that stutters made this absolutely unique for me. I loved all the tidbits of history throughout, but the hero and heroine who had no focus on romance whatsoever, but you almost felt like it was a natural part of the story, but not the focus.

I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are stocking up on fall reads at the moment. Check this one out and put it on the "Must read" pile.

This was quite a captivating novel, so much so that I found myself dreaming about this book with closed captions. I believe this is the first book of Ms. White's that I have read, and I know it won't be my last.

I loved how Peter felt the need to care for Rosemary and how the friendship between them developed into more. While romance is present in this story, there is a lot of intrigue and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I really enjoyed this book. So, brew up a cup of tea and enjoy this wonderful book.

Every book I’ve read by Roseanna White has been wonderful. You’ll see how much research she does for one book. I’m amazed. This is a heart-gripping story of how some of the unloved people of the world band together to form a family. They aren’t exactly honest so can they reform. Rosemary finds herself in a dangerous position when she poses as something that she isn’t to gain access to a secret paper. Her boss, Peter is from German heritage but he is an American citizen, he needs to prove it. A delightful story of a somewhat recluse and a street urchin thief pushed together daily. Will they come together as a team or try to beat the other to the document.

Blessings,
Karen Hadley
Rating: 5
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.
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by Andrea Renee Cox

A stuttering author and a beautiful thief. What could possibly go wrong?

Before I get into why I enjoyed this book, let me first share with you the two things that bothered me. Firstly, there were lots of minor expletives, words that many people wouldn’t consider bad but, in the context, quite likely are. Examples include blighted, blasted, blazes, etc. In and of themselves, not terrible words. But like I said, within the context of how they were used and intended, they were replacements for the really bad ones, which equals the same thing to me.

Secondly, there was a moment when the leading man, a Christian, “could hardly begrudge” the leading lady “mumbling and grumbling and growling words no lady should know.” This was disturbing to me. Curse words should never be okay from a Christian perspective—whether saying them or being okay with other people saying them—because they do not honor God, and a Christian’s goals should include honoring God with every word we speak or think. Since Peter was thinking that he couldn’t fault Rosemary for cussing up a storm, it seemed to me that he was okay with it, that he was condoning it. That, to me, was inappropriate and out of character of him.

Because of that bit of a faith flub, I couldn’t give more than three stars, even though I really wanted to. You see, A Name Unknown was a rich, deep, thoughtful story. Its characters were sublime—minus those couple of things I mentioned—and intriguing and complicated. The plot was delicious and kept me riveted to the pages. The pacing was spot-on, bringing fast action scenes and ebbing pauses to let one catch one’s breath. Sweet, salty, sumptuous, suspenseful, secrets… this novel had a little bit of almost everything, and it kept me guessing on most points. I particularly appreciated Ms. White’s attention to detail and historical accuracy. Those are a couple of things I have come to expect with her books, and I was delighted to see they had continued to be strong and richly written in this novel, one I’d looked forward to for months prior to its release.

Though this story had a couple of disappointing features, as I mentioned earlier, it is still a keeper for me. It’s one I’ll read again, I’m sure, and one I can recommend to lovers of history, heist stories, unconventional leading ladies, and quirky leading men. It was a fun romp with some meat to it. Many will adore this adventure!

I’m looking forward to the next book in the Shadows Over England series.


I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is the first in White’s new historical series. It has a different twist in that the main male character Peter Holstien stammers. He is a wealthy gentleman who is quiet and rather nerdy and out of touch with society. This causes the town people to suspect and distrust him, thinking he may be a spy.
Rosemary Gresham grew up on the streets of London and has done what it takes to survive. Orphaned and living on the streets,she learned to steal as a way to survive. Now an accomplished thief, Rosemary delights in the challenge of each new and difficult job she’s hired to do. When the mysterious and well-paying Mr. V secures her services as a librarian to put order to Peter’s library.She is thankful for the income that is so needed for her family of street urchins. She is to find documents to prove Peter Holstein is devoted to Germany instead of being loyal to England. She is thrilled to accept this job although she has no idea what it will entail…..this is such an interesting read, enjoyed the history of 1914…..the characters are well developed and the writing is superb. There is suspense, danger, romance and godly principles and the ending makes it a winner for the beginning of a great series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review, but am glad to do so. All opinions expressed are my own.

With a war on the horizon lives are about to change and Peter Holstein needs to prove his citizenship to England before the imminent war with Germany. Peter loves books as did his father and grandfather, they also never threw anything away, so in order to prove his citizenship he must find the documentation among his library, so he hires Rosemary Gresham to help put his library in order.

Rosemary takes the job after ever previous applicant turned down the job after they see the task at hand, but what Peter doesn't know is that Rosemary was hired to steal the information proving that Peter has allegiance to Germany.

But as Rosemary works alongside Peter she sees his kind and generous nature, can she help him prove that he is more than his name?

Rosemary is initially overwhelmed by her job, but is smart and comes up with a logical way to catalog Peter's belongings. She grew up with a band of orphans stealing to get by, and she's gotten good at it. But as she get's to know Peter and sees his kindness, she questions whether she will be able to continue working against him.

Peter does have a secret, but it's not the one that everyone thinks. He is clever, and has a kind heart, he even get's around his stuttering by writing letters to Rosemary. He admires Rosemary's quick mind and insight. Though he stutters and repeats himself, he is often able to convey so much with just a single word. His dry wit and Rosemary's habit of saying exactly what she's thinking makes for some great dialogue, and made me love Peter and Rosemary.

I like how Peter challenges Rosemary to rethink her plan, and how she get's to know him for who he is a man loyal to his country. Rosemary and Peter are people who come from very different backgrounds and I love how it brings them together, and how they complement and make challenge each other. This was a fantastic read, I loved the characters, though it was slow to start for me. I love how Rosemary and Peter find logical ways to organize generations worth of clutter, while they also get to know each other. A great start to a new series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White tells the story of Rosemary Gresham, an orphan and skilled con artist living in London just before World War I. She is part of a family of orphans/con artists and her sibling challenges her to top his latest scheme. Rosemary steps up to the challenge and says that she will steal an entire estate. She takes on a job organizing a library and looking for evidence that the estate’s owner is loyal to Germany. Peter Holstein, the estate’s owner, is trying to cut his family’s ties with Germany and is considering changing his name to prove his loyalty to England. I was really excited with the storyline in this book, but I found it hard to get wrapped up in the story. Overall, it is a good read, but not one of my favorites. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The author gives a glimpse into the life of those that are unseen in London, those that have fallen through the cracks, the street urchins, and the year is 1914, and war is looming.
One of those urchins has grown up to be a professional lock picker, pick pocket, and now a librarian, huh? Yes, she is being paid megabucks, at least for her, to be a librarian for a wealthy recluse, and of German ancestry, and that is why Rosemary is there.
The recluse is Peter Holstein, and he has many secrets, but he sure does seem to be a loyal Englishman, but why is he constantly in a room typing?
Then we have some people, these exist everywhere and at any time, that feed on hate and evil, they are here and causing all kinds of problems.
With her family, and you will be surprised at the use of the name family, depending on her Rosemary takes her job to heart and tries to find out if Peter is loyal to Germany. What she finds is going to surprise everyone, and then there is more to come, things are not as we perceive, and surprises abound.
Loved how we are brought into the time and period of just prior to WWI and watch as known events unfold in their everyday life.
Keep reading there is a lovely epilogue at the end, and enjoy!
I received this book through Lit Fuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Name Unknown was a great introduction the White's new series. I really liked the characters and the whole premise. I loved the writing style, it was easy to read and very engaging.

I liked the romance and seeing the characters grow closer together. I didn't know how things would end up, mainly because there was a lot standing in their way, but I couldn't wait to read more and find out.

The setting was great and I am eager to read the next book to see what happens next. I really grew to love Rosemary's family, even with their thieving ways, because I could empathize with them.

All in all, I recommend A Name Unknown.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

A Name Unknown is a Christian historical romance set in the Edwardian period on the cusp of WWI. The main character is a thief who accepts a job from a mysterious man who calls himself Mr. V. The job involves getting hired on by a man with German ancestry and finding information that will prove he is a traitor to England. I enjoyed reading about the time period a lot and I liked the characters of Rosemary and Peter. The slow build up of the friendship and then romance that developed between them was one of the best things about the book. The Christian aspect of the book was well done as well and was nicely woven into the story. The only thing I felt was missing was actually being able to read the letters that Rosemary and Peter wrote to each other every day. I really would have liked if they had been included in the book. I think it would have given us as readers more insite into their developing friendship.

This is the first of a series and I am interested in continuing on. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bethany House for giving me a copy of this book for review.