How I loved this story! I had to force myself to read slowly and savor it. And savor it, I did. Roseanna, m’dear, you never disappoint. A Song Unheard is a delightful mix of mystery, music, and mayhem. And let’s not forget – an unexpected, swoon-worthy romance between famous violinist Lukas de Wilde and thief and violin prodigy Willa Forsythe.

Willa is such an intriguing character, and I didn’t want her story to end. She’s prickly, distrustful of everyone but the fellow orphans she’s embraced as her brothers and sisters. The “family” is everything to Willa, and she will defend them at all costs. The Shadows Over England series reminds me of Dee Henderson’s O’Malleys: a family formed by choice. It was fascinating to see that dynamic in Edwardian-era Europe. I just wish this book hadn’t ended!

First, I must say that I love the 'Shadows Over England' series! Roseanna knows how to tell a story with well developed character that you will fall in love with. Luke and Willa's love story was great! I liked the addition of the benefactress sisters and all the other characters from 'A Name Unknown'. I'm super excited for 'An Hour Unspent' which is brother Barclay's story. I forgot to mention that when the story led back to Luke's family in Belgium I was on pins and needles. This series is not to be missed!

What an awesome story! Once again. Roseanna White has written a captivating story I couldn’t put down. A Song Unheard follows the story of Willa Forsythe . In order to help provide for her family, she agrees to a job that will earn enough money and allow her to be close to a world renouned Violin player. I liked her. She was spunky, smart, and a great thief. It’s really neat that she could listen to a song and play it back perfectly. My brother told me shortly after I had finished this book, that he purchased a violin to play. It gave me a new perspective on playing the violin. This book also follows the story of famous violinist named Lukus. He holds the key to an important code that could change the course of World War One. Willa must steal the cypher from him. Spies and codes have always fascinated me. I thought it was well done. With a blend of music, spies, and romance, this story will keep you guessing until the end.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest

Another excellent novel by Roseanna M. White. She has such a knack for creating captivating, realistic characters that draw the reader in from the start. I cannot wait for the next in the series though I wish it didn't have to end so soon!

When I was offered a complimentary ARC of Roseanna M. White's A Song Unheard, I read the blurb and knew I wanted to read it. I agreed to read it and promptly went and ordered the first book in the series, A Name Unknown. After finishing it, I was fairly certain I had discovered a new favorite author, but I decided to withhold judgment until I had read book 2. Well, let's just say that book 2 confirmed my suspicions. I love Roseanna M. White's writing style!

I love the premise of this series. I love the characters she created for this series. I love that she set it during World War 1, which I know very little about. I love how clean the books are. I have absolutely no qualms about having my 8th grader read these when we study WW1; in fact, I think they will add so much to her study! I love the different journeys of faith Mrs. White has her characters walk; no two are the same but all are inspiring! I truly have nothing but good things to say about these books! I'm already waiting impatiently for book 3, but I'll content myself in the meantime with hunting down and reading everything else this author has written.

I highly recommend this series to anyone. I feel quite certain my husband will enjoy them as will my older kids. They are like an inspirational mash-up of Downton Abbey and Leverage without all the immorality, and I loved every minute of them!

I jumped at the chance to read "A Song Unheard". I have enjoyed the books I've previously read by Roseanna White and knew I'd enjoy this one as well. I was not disappointed. It was obvious that a lot of research went into the book and I enjoyed the authenticity of the phrases and terminology used. I liked to see the changes in the characters and how they transformed their lives. I would love to see this as a movie. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

A Song Unheard is a novel for anyone who loves history or music. Set during the early days of WWI, it portrays a unique era, a slice of history, and the trials ordinary people endured. I liked that it showed multiple intertwining viewpoints– that of a spunky thief-turned-government aid practically working as a spy (Willa), a refugee estranged from his family and struggling to maintain his normal lifestyle (Lukas), and that of an intelligent young lady hiding her true identity in German-occupied Belgium (Margot).

In their own ways, they each learn important lessons of faith. What stands out to me the most is Willa’s realization that the loving FAMILY she has is wonderful, but that the love of a Heavenly Father can be all-encompassing and accepting far beyond any human connection she might seek.

These twisting perspectives all tell a seamless story with action, intrigue, and true acts of heroism. Interspersed with it all is a romance that grows naturally even while the characters themselves are often (comically) unaware of their deep connection.

And OH, the music!!! The music lover in me swooned a time or two while reading Lukas and Willa’s musical scenes. I have never read a story that incorporates the emotions and visceral feelings music can evoke in mere words and paragraphs. It was so vivid, I could almost hear Willa’s song in her heart. The journey of the characters could be likened to a song that has mournful minor strains and moments of pure joy. All of it works together to present a piece of art: in this case, a musical story that incorporates both historical suspense, romance, and faith.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.

A Song Unheard is the second book in the Shadows over England by Roseanna M. White. Recruited by the mysterious Mr. V,, Willa Forsythe poses as a talented violinist in order to get close to the world famous violinist, Lukas De Wilde. Her mission is to discover a cipher key that should be in De Wilde's possession, but her relationship with her mark changes into the romantic. Will Lukas discover the truth about Willa? Or Willa find the key but break her and Lukas' hearts in the process? Roseanna White has crafted a complex tale that plunges the reader into World War I and the consequences of the "rape" of Belgium. The pace is a little slow, but the reader will be eagerly waiting fpr the third installment of the Shadows over England series.

Willa Forsythe is a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I. She must steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales. Lukas De Wilde enjoyed the life of fame he's won until being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, having vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe. Danger presses in from every side. Willa must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has. Can he, will he be able to trust her?

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors including Netgallery. I am not required 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.

In a sequel even better than the first book, A Name Unknown, Roseanna M. White has given us everything you could want in a book. Characters that dance off the page—sometimes marching to the beat of their own inner-drummer and other times waltzing across to the tune that only they can hear. The rest weave in and out with perfectly synchronized movements to the melody of the plot and the harmony of the setting.

I said A Song Unheard was my most anticipated read of 2018. Yeah. It didn’t disappoint.

So often in fiction, particularly historical fiction, description destroys that ideal of each word holding meaning. Instead, they drip from the page with excess floridity. Loquaciousness becomes verboseness until the story is weighed down with details that while interesting alone, do nothing to serve the story. And at that point, they no longer become interesting.

This book has so much to recommend it—great attention to detail without excess verbiage to begin with. Characters who steal your heart and never waver from who they really are. An interesting plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without making it ridiculous or implausible.

Basically, I think I have my first book to make my 2018 awards.

So, What’s Wrong with This Sequel?
Book three—it’s not available. That’s a problem. There’s just something wrong about not having Barclay’s story. As I got to about chapter three, I realized that I’d not be satisfied with this story. I’d need more. Let’s face it; I’d need his.

And I do.

So how do we fix this lack of a sequel? I appeal to Bethany House. Release that sucker. Yesterday would be preferable, but I’ll settle for today. Or tomorrow. I’m okay with that, too.

No really. I have almost no qualms about this book. And considering that I read an ARC that might not have final edits in it, my tiny quibbles might not even be in the final thing. A few mixed pronouns and such… who cares? You have characters like Willa—someone I totally get, by the way. Wales! The book is set in Wales!

And, then Margot… oh, how I loved that little girl who didn’t know how to be a little girl. I understood her so.

Recommended?
Um, yeah! If you like a bit of intrigue, a lot of verbal sparring, a romance that isn’t drippy… Wait. I have to say something else there, too. The romance in this? It got me. Not only that, it held me. I cared about it—as an element by itself. Cheering for a couple, ranting when they are being stupid.

There wasn’t any of it I didn’t love. Even the stupid kisses didn’t get to me, but then Lukas had the decency not to require my freezer to get through them. 😉

You know what? I’m going to redo my recommendation. If you like Christian fiction with a genuine, slow grasp and acceptance of faith, just get the book. Seriously. I can’t imagine how you would regret it. I just loved every minute, and I really didn’t have TIME to read it. Sometimes, who cares what other things are getting neglected in favor of it. Just sayin’.

A Song Unheard is another wonderful historical romance by the incredibly talented Roseanna M. White. This story is rich in characterization, historical detail, and emotionally moving storyline – and it calls out to me in a unique way. White has become one of my favorite authors, and A Song Unheard goes on my “best of the best” list.

Opening in fall of 1914 and set in Aberystwyth, Wales, the theme centers around a symphony orchestra made up of Belgian refugees, touring to raise money for the Belgian Relief Fund. We see Pauly again, father figure to the ragtag bunch of street urchins he’d helped stitch together, as Willa gets her turn at carrying out a commission from the mysterious Mr. V.

Willa, feeling a little betrayed and abandoned by Rosie in the beginning, is a standout character – and Lukas De Wilde adds complexity and depth as a leading man. Music is central to the story, and White conveys such vivid realism that I could literally hear them playing their violins in my mind. As a musician myself, every page resonated with me in an emotionally moving way, and I read slowly so as to savor every detail and nuance.

Spiritual themes are also central to the story, and we see both emotional and spiritual growth in Willa and Lukas. Tension and suspense of World War I blend with romance in this captivating story, making it hard to put down. I love this series and look forward to the next story. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

When I think of a beautiful story from now on I will be thinking of this book. I am honestly captivated by Willa and Lukas’s stories that entwined within each other to bring the reader into the thick of a mystery and budding romance.This tale is woven with grace, faith and suspense, set upon the mid 1900’s it is a must read for 2018.
Characters

I always feel that Mrs. White creates strong and beautifully minded female characters. Willa is beyond my favorite thus far. She has this softened personality with her musical ability. I picture her to have this glorious smile that holds the light of day for many that love her. Willa is also able to love, which she can show is a bit hard in the beginning. I think that Willa play’s her own story out like a sheet of music. Lukas, first of all what a neat background. Truthfully, I was drooling about him. I love that suspense wove around him. He has a strong feeling for his family, which I think drew Willa, even if it wasn’t said. I like to think she sensed his loyalty.
Enjoyable Moments

Music and Willa were the points that just made me melt. I felt as though I was hearing the music, feeling it in my veins. Maybe, I listened to her song a few times.. I also loved the banter that Willa and Lukas had even in the end.
Synoptic

Well, I am now in a book depression. I think I will read this book again, just to get the sensation of the love, music and mystery that went through me while reading it the first time. You may say, “will that even work?” My answer is, of course! This is one of those books that will become a timeless romance story. That those of faith and not will find themselves lovingly reading time after time. It tells a story that is as old as music and time, that of love and that love can move darkness into light.

Words and music come together in a delightful symphony of exhilaration and vivacity. Every page sang with the sweet melody of music and words in perfect blended harmony.

From humble beginnings, our heroine Willa has endured heartache. Willa’s discovery of an old discarded violin, and her natural talent for music has been her solace. Her history has shaped her into the person she is today, but will she be able to break through the walls she has built to let love find a home in her heart?

Lukas is handsome, and charming. An accomplished musician and ladies man. He’s enjoyed fame and fortune. Until his world comes crashing down and he is separated from his family by War.

This story has it all, mystery, intrigue, drama, a touch of romance, growing faith, and characters that you can’t help but cheer for. I enthusiastically give this book 5 stars. To say that I am eagerly anticipating reading the next story in this series almost seems like an understatement; tomorrow wouldn’t be soon enough!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

A Song Unheard is the second book in the Shadows Over England companion series, and I loved this book as much as I loved the first one in the series. We met Willa in the first book and I was happy that she was the main character here. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her and Lukas and seeing their romance develop. Willa's growth as a person was especially wonderful and I love that the author actually had someone write and perform her song that is at the end of the book. Here's a link to the book trailer, which I think was very well done, that features the music: http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer

This is a Christian historical romance with some intrigue added in with spies during WWI. I liked the historical aspect of the story a lot, and found the author's note at the end of the book really interesting. It turns out that the Davies sisters who are featured in the book were actually real people and they really did put together an orchestra composed of Belgian musicians, among other things. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series, and I hope it isn't the last one.

Title: A Song Unheard



Author: Roseanna M. White



Series: Shadows Over England book 2



Chapters: 29



Pages: 403



Genre: Christian Historical fiction/Christian Historical Romance



Rating: 5 stars



Can a young woman be both a violin prodigy and a top-notch thief? With Willa Forsythe in A Song Unheard Roseanna M. White answers yes. That's what Willa is, she belongs to a "family" of thieves but thieves who only y still from those who can afford to lose something. Lukas De Wilde is famous violinist who wants to find his family who was left behind in Belgium while he finds a way to protect the key to break his father's cypher. Both Willa and Lukas realize that there is more to each other than meets the eye. Both will do whatever it takes to protect their families. They may come from different worlds but they both love their families.

As much as liked A Name Unknown I loved A Song Unheard even more. I loved the twist about the key to the cypher. The romance in this one was a bit of hate to love. But the disagreements between to couple was cute. It added to depth to the story and allowed the reader to see different sides to the characters. Love at first sight for both characters wouldn't have worked for this story. One of the characters personality and who they were would have gone completely against who they were. Who would have thought music could be used to help fight a war.





I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard from Netgalley . I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

With White's customary historical efficiency and readable style, A Song Unheard may not hold the intuitive passion of the first in this series, A Name Unknown, but it does whip quite a dollop of suave sophistication as Willa Forsythe (London thief introduced to readers in the fist book) is pitted against the devastatingly charming Lukas De Wilde.

Excavating little known tenets of the Great War while infused with a smile of an adventure you know the author was deliciously happy to pen, A Song Unheard is a complicated symphony at times bitter and sweet and never swerves into cliche due to White's competent pen.

A nice bridge book to the bookends to the tale of Mr. V's elaborately skilled thieves during WWI and brimming with passion, humour and unexpected grace.

I loved the first book in this series, A Name Unknown, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of this one as well. The story is well written and I enjoyed getting to know Willa. My husband is a professional violinist, so it was fun to have so much of this story reflect the world he is a part of.
I love that this book has some deeper discussions, with the characters dealing with the start of WWI and how religion fits in a changing world. I highly recommend this series! I only wish the next book were already out.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

I just loved Willa's story! This book kept me going from the moment I started reading. I couldn't put it down! Roseanna M. White knows how to capture an audience in her books. I'm excited to read more from her.

I wanted to love this book. I’ve heard so much about the first book that I fell for the hype. I couldn’t resist picking up, ‘A Song Unheard.” Of course, it helped that the cover features a violinist. My daughters are violinists so I had to have this book. Although, I will say that I’ve found half-dozen books within the last year about violinists. So, I can’t help but wonder if it’s the new trending thing.

Right away I was having a lot of issues with this book. Character introspection bleeds over heavily throughout. It works well for me in a story written in first-person but not so much in third. When one adds a lot of character introspection, it’s very easy for all the characters to have the same personality and that’s exactly what happened in this book.

I also struggled with fragmented sentences. My good friend, Fizzy speaks in fragments. It’s not unusual for her to call me and utter, “I. Am. So. Done. With. Today.” It’s just her way, and it works for her. But it’s really hard to read in a book. I begin reading in a robot voice in my head. It feels disjointed and disrupts the flow of reading for me.

The fragment problem brings me to my next issue which is a lack of embellishment. I crave beautiful words on paper. I need them. I don’t want to see, “Lifted her bow. Closed her eyes. And she played.” I want to know how the violin felt to her. I need to know how she lifted it to her chin, savoring the feel of the smooth wood and the sound of the rich notes as she pulled her bow over the strings. I want to feel her emotion. I don’t want to be told she had them. I want to see it. I want to feel it.

Repetitive phrases and words also distracted me from the story but I think this once again goes back to character introspection seeping its way into the story.

I was also bothered that several characters were referred to as, “Miss Davies,” and “the other Miss Davies,” or,”the first Miss Davies,” and “the second Miss Davies.” This led to much confusion on my behalf as I struggled to connect who was first/second or other. I had a hard time following the dialogue and had to turn back a page so I could figure out who was who.

I gave this book my very best but eventually laid it down. I think there are a lot of people who will love seeing quirky character introspection. In fact, I think my reading partner will probably like this book. I don’t think that it will bother her at all. I definitely know that the fragmented sentences won’t bother her because…well…

My point is, just because this particular book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean that I think everyone will dislike it. This author and series have a lot of support. So don’t completely write this book off just because it wasn’t for me.

"Willa had never much cared for charm. And didn't trust any man who called her pretty?"

A Song Unheard, the second installment of Shadows Over England by Roseanna M. White is like a perfectly composed piece - a melody that immerse listeners into their own worlds. My reading interests tends to lean towards strong heroines, and Willa Forsythe is as strong as they come. Let me clarify. I like a strong heroine, but there are times it can come off forced or too much. Yet, Willa is just the right balance of strength and sensitivity.

"'True love knows when the object of its desires is near.' At that, she rolled her eyes, as he'd known she would. 'What utter rot. I certainly hope you don't actually believe such nonsense.'"

If I can tell you my favorite parts of A Song Unheard, I would tell you it's the connection between Willa and Lukas. From their meeting to their flirtatious banters to the events that unfold, and can easily change their lives, I was enraptured into their relationship. He was simply a mark to her, or is he? Yet, his charm seems to ooze out of every word printed in this book. It was actually quite surprising, since he seem to be quite the downer (very understandable given his experience, and worry), but the moment these two were mentioned, sparks ignite. Sparks that like a moth to light, one can't help but gravitate towards.

". . . filling him from top to bottom, was a . . . longing. A yearning. Not to take, but to give. . . to give. . . that could make them soar like a sonata."
"It wasn't love at first sight. It was intrigue at first sight. . . Love at first listen.."

Yes, the romance is beautiful, but I also love Margot. She is one of those characters I just can't help but love. Words aren't enough to say how I wish there will be more of her to come. Then there's the message of faith woven throughout that is just as composed, and like the music described, in harmony as well. I love how the image of the devastation of war can also be expressed in the message of restoration.

"War is knocking on our door, and it is bigger than any of us. But the Lord is bigger than war. HE will take care of us, if it is His will. And if it is not, then it will be to His glory. Rest in Him."

I never expected to love A Song Unheard more than the first book, A Name Unknown, but it is quite possible. I'll have to reread it in order to decide. There's something about this book, the romance, the characters, the story, but in the end I relish in the simplicity, yet fervent essence of faith the most. And I pray that A Song Unheard will be heard.

"Our faith is the rock we stand on. . . but we don't demand anyone else stand here with us. Though if ever you wanted to, there is plenty of room. God is real - my friend. And I daresay you have seen Him - you just didn't know it."


Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.