I really liked this book. I’m a big historical fan and I love how the author weaves historical plots into her stories. It makes the story come alive for me. This book was suspenseful and mysterious. I was rooting for the main characters to get together the whole time. I really enjoyed this book.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White is the second book in Shadows Over England series. Willa Forsythe is a thief in London in 1914. Her skills are an asset to the government. Her latest assignment is to obtain a cypher key from Lukas De Wilde, a Belgian immigrant and violinist. Lukas is currently with other Belgian refugees making up the Belgian Symphony Orchestra which is raising money for the Belgium Relief Fund. Lukas is worried about his mother and sister who are still in Belgium. Lukas was shot when he escaped because the German’s want details on his father’s work in the field of cryptography. It is rumored that his father had a device that would revolutionize the field. He needs to get them out of Belgium before they are captured. Lukas is intrigued by Willa and her natural ability with the violin. Willa is attracted to Lukas, but she knows she must betray his trust. Then Willa notices someone following Lukas. She must find that key, but what will it cost her?

A Song Unheard has great characters that are well developed. The book contains good writing, but the pace is slow in the first half. A Song Unheard can be read alone. You do not need to read A Name Unknown (which tells Rosemary’s story). The author captured the time-period and area (Wales, London, Belgium). Cryptography is fascinating, and many new developments were made during World War II. Ms. White described cyphers and how they created/used in terms that a layman can understand (and did not make it boring). I did have trouble getting into the novel. The first half of the book could have used some fine tuning. The pace, flow and action pick up during the second half. It held my attention, and I was curious to discover what would happen next. The POV switched between Willa, Lukas and Margot (Lukas’ sister). We get to see how each character feels and what they are thinking. I liked the spunky and intelligent Margot. The Christian elements are incorporated nicely into the story (finding God, being a good Christian, having faith, trusting God). Readers of historical fiction will be delighted with Willa’s story in A Song Unheard.

This book was gripping from the start.

In terms of historical fiction it did not disappoint. In terms of comedy it did not disappoint… not to mention mystery, drama, and of course a love story.

Alright, you caught me. I loved this book. Amongst my favourites.

Willa’s parents abandoned her by age six, and soon after she became a part of a “family” of sorts. A group that chose to be family, a group of orphaned children, that stole as a means of survival. Except they were really good. “London’s best pickpockets”.

Willa was hired to steal a coding machine from Lukas de Wilde, a famous violinist, but unbeknownst to anybody, this machine was not a thing but a someone.

She was chosen as the one out of their group to find and steal this “machine” since she also was a violinist, however self taught on a beaten up old violin she had found in the garbage. But when she picked up Lukas’ violin, she made music as she had never played before. And as much as she loved her own violin, playing Lukas’ instrument quite ruined her.

Willa had many inner battles through this book; feeling abandoned by her parents, her growing attraction for her “mark” (Lukas), her growing guilt over her life as a thief even though she never stole from someone worse off than she (I guess that was not working out for her anymore), and the inner spiritual battle. As having been abandoned by her own father it was unthinkable that God not only was wanting to be her Heavenly Father, but more so, that He was good. That He cared. That He would never abandon her, even when she was captured by the German army behind enemy lines, in Belgium.

By the end of the book Willa and her group end up with a legitimate job… still stealing but now for the government, and only jobs from Mr. V. I guess they will need a new slogan…

I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5. I believe I have found a new author that I am going to have to read more from. This is the first book that I have reviewed that I truly can say that I’m going to be on the hunt to find more this author’s books. I was quite impressed with her research, as this book was set around the First World War mostly in Wales, London and Belgium, and her ability to produce a book that could be part of a series and yet leave nothing lacking as a stand alone novel.

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, however the thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.

“You can spend your life regretting what you’ve lost. Or you can thank the Lord for what He’s given."

Wise words, that can be applied to almost every life challenge that involves hurt and pain. Loss and grief. Learning to let go of the circumstances you have faced in the past may now define you. However, we have a choice to look forward - at the opportunities God has given you today. This is the very essence of the inner battle that the heroine of 'A Song Unheard', Willa Forsythe seems to be facing everyday. Even more so, since she has had the opportunity to meet and attempt to steal from, famous violinist, Lukas DeWilde.

She has admired him for years. Even has an old tattered poster of him above her bed in the flat she shares with her 'family' of thieves in London. His history of rakish behaviour doesn't impress Willa, and when his attentions turn her way she must stay focused on the job at hand, despite his goods looks and obvious musical talent. Lukas is the mark. She needs to find the key. A cypher key and give it to the mysterious Mr V. She does not bank on Lukas developing feelings for her. Or the opportunity to have lessons from him. To play on his beautiful Stradivarius violin. She will do well to remind herself she is in Wales for one reason only, and that she must never let down the wall of protection around her heart she has so carefully constructed.

Lukas begins this story as a Belgian refugee, rescued by a group into England, trying to save musicians from newly occupied Belgium by the Germans. His family are lost to him, and he is wracked with guilt that he left them there at the mercy of the enemy. He must do all he can to find his mother & sister and bring them to England. From the moment he meets Willa, he is blown away by her natural talent at the violin and her distraction brings a little relief.

At the same time, the author gives us an insight into occupied Belgium, through the eyes of Margot, Lukas sister. This is something Roseanna White excels at in her stories, giving us that 'other' angle. It adds a depth to the plot, that in this case paints a more vivid picture of the helpless scenario the DeWilde Family find themselves in. The addition of Gottlieb adds that element of fear but also intrigue to the reader. What are his intentions and what kind of German soldier will he turn out to be? The relationships and personal interactions are, as always well developed and in this second book it was good to get to know Barclay a little more. Rosie (from book 1) gets plenty of mentions but she doesn't feature as more than a fleeting minor character.

By the end of this lengthy novel you will come to appreciate the whys and how's about this family, in which this series is based and so much more. Reading Roseanna's books are a true feast for the reader. I enjoyed it very much.

There were a few minor irritations for me, as a British native, with this writing. I appreciate the majority of her readership won't even notice or care about those particulars. For me though it brings it to a 4 star review.

Thank you to Netgalley & Bethany House for the eARC. This is my honest review.

Oh my word! This book! While I enjoyed A Name Unknown, this one surpassed it! You are in for a treat with Willa and Lukas.
There’s plenty of intrigue with suspicious characters lurking around, some fun cryptography elements, and of course, thievery. Music ties it all together. Willa’s ability surpasses that of the renowned violinist, Lukas de Wilde, and he’s going to take her on as a student.
Of course, that may simply be an excuse to spend more time with her.
Willa’s past is heartbreaking but she’s managed to find family with Rosemary, Barclay, and the rest of the band of thieves and pickpockets who have found each other in London.
I enjoyed the extra POV from Lukas’s little sister who is a bit nerdy but loveable. And Lukas—oh, Lukas! The man who is set on proving himself to Willa is definitely swoon-worthy. I mean, a guy who wants to rescue his family, love Willa, and can play the violin? What’s not to love?
A beautiful story of overcoming your past and discovering your worth through God’s eyes, and finding the music within, A Song Unheard is a must-read.

Disclosure statement:
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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M White is a most delightful Christian historical adventure romance. It is the second book in the Shadows Over England series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Set in 1914 following the outbreak of war, the world is in turmoil. Everyone suffers during war but "The Lord is bigger than war." However at the time, we do not always believe this to be the case. How could a loving God permit such horrors? We have to trust that God is good even when we cannot see Him. "Did she hear God's voice amid the noise of life?" Sometimes life drowns out God but that doesn't mean that He is not there.
War throws up issues of trust. In a world of espionage and double agents, soldiers and civilians, we have to make up our mind whom to trust. Not all villains wear German uniforms. Not all civilians can be trusted.
Family is important. "You don't need blood to be a family." Family stands by us, loving and supporting us. Family is not only blood related but those who band together through circumstances and love.
There is the theme of fathers. How we view our earthly father is often projected onto our heavenly One. If our earthly father is absent, we expect the same of God.
God always answers prayer but do we always listen? "He didn't expect an answer. God had never answered him - although to be fair, he had... never really listened." In our really desperate times when we cry out to God, we will always see Him answer and act.
Music is a major theme. Music peppers our lives. We all respond to music. It creates memories too.
God gives each one of us different gifts. How we use those gifts is up to us but everyone of us will have our own special and unique God-given gifts.
The characters were all wonderfully drawn. The leading lady was a blend of modern and capable versus insecure. She was very realistic and I empathised with her plight. The wonderful family atmosphere, begun in book one, continued here. I cannot wait for book three.
Roseanna M White has combined fact with fiction to produce a fabulous and gripping romantic adventure. I read it in just one sitting. Give yourself a treat and enter the tense atmosphere of espionage in World War I, from the safety of your sofa.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

The second installment of Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series outshines the first (a hard act to follow). The series centers on the unusual ‘family’ of Robin Hood-like thieves who live in pre-World War I London. The eldest sister, Rosemary, has married, leaving Willa Forsythe to wonder what will happen to the rest of the family. Rosemary promises to help the older ones take care of and educate the younger ones. But Willa, who knows the mean streets of London, has a difficult time believing her sister’s promise.

When the mysterious Mr. V offers her a job in Wales, she snags the chance—especially because it involves meeting her violin virtuoso crush, Lukas De Wilde. She’ll pose as a wealthy schoolmate of the two women who sponsor the beleaguered Belgium’s orchestra on a fund-raising tour of England. Her task? Find a mysterious cypher key before it falls into the hands of the Germans.

Lukas De Wilde might have escaped the Germans, but his heart remains in Belgium with his mother and sister. He has no idea if they escaped to safety after the soldiers ransacked their hometown. He does know that he will never forgive himself if something has happened to them. For now, all he can do is practice and hope that he’ll make enough money to find a way back behind enemy lines to find his family. He has no time for anything else.

Until a mysterious woman shows up in the house of his sponsors—one whose talent on the violin surpasses his own. For the first time in his life, he considers leaving behind his playboy ways. He even offers to tutor the beautiful young woman, another first.

Willa and Lukas struggle with their feelings for each other as they try to accomplish their goals—for Willa, finding the code; for Lukas, finding his family. Ultimately, they must come to know themselves as their own worst enemies.

Fans of historical novels who love a little suspense and mystery will love this book.

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White combines my love of England, history, and mystery all in one novel. What is better, honestly? With White's novel, I expected to be thrilled with the amount of details in the story, which brings her character to life. I knew the setting was a little off in the first book in this series A Name Unknown, but I hoped that was fixed when I dived into this novel.
With the writing, I am impressed at White's ability to create a setting that really dives off the page. From the first page, I had no problem visualizing the setting, enjoying myself as I traveled around with Willa and Lukas. White does a fabulous job at entering Willa's train of thoughts and allowing me to experience it with her especially toward the end when something bad happens. The setting again occurs during World War I, but some of the things that happen to Lukas's family remind me of World War II. Honestly, I don't read a lot of World War I novels, so it could have happen. White is the one who has done the research, not me. But what happened to them occurred a lot during World War II.
The plot was unique. I really enjoyed seeing Willa who originally was sent to retrieve something from Lukas but instead found a deeper love of her violin and music. I enjoyed how honestly White shows that a natural gift like music or writing, in my case, takes over a person. It becomes their every thought and guides their movements. The plot is very dense, and I had a hard time getting started. It dragged for the first twenty percent of the book.
The characters . Willa, the heroine, is a wonderful thief and is admired by many for her talents. I love how White created a relatable background and hurt for her. I felt bad for her when Willa told me her past. It hurt me too. Her transformation story was rich and full of depth. Made me enjoy her as a character. As for Lukas, I found him shallow. He proposes to Willa at their first meeting, and then spends the rest of the story trying to woo her. Then he has the nerve to be mad at her when he learns the truth about her. What a shallow man. Willa is too good for him, in my humble opinion.
Overall, A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White is much better than the first book. I felt more connection with Willa and the story line. I recommend A Song Unheard to fans of historical mysteries with a touch of romance.
I received a complimentary copy of A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White, but the opinions stated are all my own.

When I finished the first book of the series the first word that came to mind was “special”, and here I thought none would be able to top that one... goodness, did I not know what was coming.

I wish I could find words to do this book justice. This book is an entire melody, filled with cracks and breaks that make you feel you've come to the end of yourself, only to be then be swept away by the sweetest harmony that overcomes any obscurity.

Willa Forsythe always expects change to come; not so much that she likes it, but life has proven she's on the forgotten and abandoned side of this side. That's just her lot and so taking risks with people isn't something she does easily. Especially not with a full-of-himself playboy superstar violinist who's sure he can teach Willa a few things. Considering that music is the only constant in her life (alongside her family of urchins) and that she has no inspiration for fame, why should she give him her time of day and let him stain what is so precious in her life?

Lukas de Wilde is, in a few words, out of his mind. People might attribute it to the fact that he's been severely separated from his family, with no way to contact them, and is still recovering from a bullet wound. They say he'll soon be back to his old self. True, he might have been fine with living a life as a rake until now, but war has a funny way of messing around with people's mind - or of actually waking them up to the depth and obscurity of hurt and loss, peculiarly those caused by taking without consideration.

In the midst of tumult and shadows raging within and around them, these two characters think, analyze, struggle and question. They have no fear to scrutinize a God who calls Himself Creator but supposedly stands aside while the world is torn apart. Not the SUPPOSEDLY there, because what the characters might find out is that there's forgiveness even for trust withered, there's steadfastness among chaos, there's faithfulness beyond reason. And this constancy doesn't come naturally from us, yet this lesson about giving other than just taking is for all of us.

And as the suspense builds with each turn of the page, making you hold your breath and gut-turn, be prepared to hope beyond reason and have your world turned upside down by a hero who is seeing his filth being turned into purity, a wary heroine finding confidence beyond circumstances, and a 14-year-old protege surely to capture your heart.

As these characters find a new normal, they will also find an unstoppable and unwavering melody that has been there all along ready to be put out.