How to express in words how much I enjoyed this book?
If only I had spontaneous words that are able to cut to the point like Rosemary, or maybe more thoughtful compelling written words like Peter would suffice.

But no. After finishing this book I'm left speechless and fully satisfied. For the characters. For the journey. For the truth neatly woven within these pages. *sigh*

Rosemary Gresham has had to struggle with life in the streets after losing her parents at such a tender age. Circumstances have made her believe she can count only on herself and her small close-knit "family" of orphans to provide for each other. Other than making her weary of rich and snobbish people, the events surrounding her life have closed her mind to believe that she can only be a thief - so the <i> best </i> thief she will be.

Peter Holstein was raised in completely different circumstances filled with material possessions, travels and devoted parents. His family immigrated from Germany a long time ago and have ever since considered England to be their true home. However, the threats of war have blinded people to believe they can judge where ones loyalty lays simply based on their last name.

Rosemary’s path crosses with Peter’s when an anonymous benefactor proposes a huge sum of money that will keep her family from worrying for a considerate time if she poses as a librarian and finds proof of where the Holstein’s allegiance is truly put. Rosemary believes this is a pretty straight forward task, even though she has to steel a name and not exactly a material object as she is used to. However, she is about to find out that the challenges she will face are much more than she bargained for.

The historical events were intriguing. The mystery captivating. The romance swoon worthy. And the friendship shined brighter than all. I thought it was a breath of fresh air how Rosemary and Peter’s courtship was built steadily and in the perfect pace. Peter’s world is about to be turned upside down with a mysterious quirky librarian who brings more noise than he enjoys and is not afraid to face him head on due to his manners, but will also open his eyes and help him find the courage that can be found within him. Rosemary, in turn, will find herself baffled and confused by this generous and compassionate stranger who does not fit the mold she has built for rich gentleman or even that of a spy acting against his own country. Also, she will be challenged to start questioning by what name does she truly want to be known? And is it truly possible to hold on to the hope and goodness that shines through Peter’s character?

With enough twist and turns to catch me by surprise and a perfect set of secondary characters, this book had me up until crazy hours in the night. The ending had me bursting with joy for the tangible and incandescent love overflowing from the pages. It was a perfect beginning to a series that promises to be special.