This series has been fantastic! I have been anxiously awaiting this book for so long! Well, probably since the last page of the previous book! I loved Barclay’s story! This book held my interest from start to finish. This book is an example of my favorite type of historical fiction. These characters have personality and depth and it adds so much life to the story. Also, the plot was interesting and the book moved at a good pace. There were a few twists that I did not see coming, and I love it when that happens. I appreciated that this story was set during the war, but that the war was not the focal point of the book. I loved the appearances from siblings and previous characters that pop up in this book. This family of thieves has been one of my favorites. I think these books have such a unique point of view and this one has been just as good as the first two. I was happy with the conclusion of this book, and also sad to see this series come to an end. It is truly an great series!

I love Roseanna White’s books. This is the third book in her series “Shadows over England”. I loved the first two but I believe this one “An Hour Unspent” is my favorite. I enjoyed getting to know Barclay better and why he does the things he does. Not for selfish gain but to take care of other orphans who band together and make up their family. I cheered for Evelina as she steps out to be her own person and to do what is right not necessarily what is best. A gripping story of compassion, intrigue, mystery and a family, who aren’t related by blood but by something much deeper – commitment, loyalty, devotion and love.



Blessings,

Karen Hadley Rating: 5*

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White is the third book in Shadows Over England series. Barclay Pearce has given up a life of crime and now uses his talents to help his country win the war. Barclay’s latest assignment is clockmaker, Cecil Manning who has an invention that would give England’s flying men an edge over Germany’s pilots. On the way to the Manning residence, Barclay saves a woman from a mugging. The woman turns out to be Evelina Manning, the clockmaker’s daughter. Barclay is intrigued by the independent woman and perplexed by the identity of her mugger. Evelina is shocked when her fiancé, Basil ends their engagement three weeks before the wedding and learns that he has enlisted in the army. Basil tells Evelina that she lacks warmth and the last thing he wants is a marriage like their parents. Evelina never thought that standing up for a woman’s right to vote and for safe working conditions would drive away Basil. She dreads telling her mother about the broken engagement. Barclay works with Mr. Manning on his invention in the evenings and makes a point of arriving early to spend time the clockmaker’s fiery daughter. It seems that someone else is interested in Mr. Manning’s device, and they will go to great lengths to acquire it. Barclay will need to dig deep into his bag of tricks if he is to complete this assignment and keep the Manning family safe.

An Hour Unspent is an intriguing novel. It begins in May of 1915 when England is at war with Germany. I recommend reading the books in Shadows Over England series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one and it will provide you a better understanding about the family and its members. The characters from A Name Unknown and A Song Unheard appear in this installment along with the rest of Barclay’s family. I enjoyed getting to know more about Barclay who is the head of his family. He has given up a life of crime, has become a Christian and is reading the Bible. When he is asked to acquire an item, he has a moral dilemma. There is only one way to get it and it is not legal. Barclay’s faith continues to grow as does his character. Barclay is issued a new challenge to steal an hour from Big Ben and the solution is unique (and practical). Barclay decides to follow the mysterious Mr. V one evening. Readers get to know a little more about enigmatic man. I thought An Hour Unspent was well-written and researched. The author captured the time-period with the character’s speech, clothing, items available, conveyances, books, music and the environment (descriptions of Poplar, the buildings). Ms. White provides detailed descriptions that brings the scenes to life. I wish, though, that the pace had been a little peppier (it drags along sometimes). Unique historical events are included in the story and it was fascinating to learn the origins of Rolex. Wrist watches were considered a newfangled idea that would not catch on. The mystery is captivating with its many twists and turns. I was happy the author provided an epilogue. An Hour Unspent combines a thought out plot along with great characters, drama, suspense, humor, romance, friendship, family, and faith.

Reviewed for Hope by the Book magazine (online)

Fans will adore the romance, suspense, subtle humor and delightful ragtag family of street orphans in this conclusion of the Shadows Over England series. Be prepared to swoon over the hero, a devoted big brother with a heart of gold, as he navigates the unfamiliar narrow path of a new believer while using his unique skill set as a former thief for the greater good during the height of WWII. Barclay’s fiercely protective nature and carefully honed street smarts make him an invaluable asset to his family, his nation, and his new neighbor. Cool and controlled Evelina fights for women’s rights and female independence yet she wasn’t prepared for a broken engagement (or her mother’s reaction) when her fiancée unexpectedly enlists and ships out to the front lines. Secrets, lurking dangers, and intriguing new technology bring Barclay and Evelina together in this story of home front heroes, family affection, and abiding faith.

enjoyed this book immensely. This book has all the elements you want. Adventure, mystery, romance, family, comedy, hope and love. Roseanna White has a wonderful style of writing that captures your attention and whisks you away to the streets of London. I liked Barclay and his family very much! Evelina’s was fun to get to know as well. I can’t wait to read more books by Roseanna!

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and write my honest review.

I'M FINALLY FINISHED. It took me so long to get into it (not the author's fault- I was just in a slight reading slump) so I'm so happy that I'm finally done reading it! But it's sad since I loved reading about Barclay and his family- I went into this book without any knowledge about it besides that my friends really love this series? So yeah... I read the 3rd book before reading the 1st and 2nd. *cough*

The characters had some brilliant development throughout the book (*pokes a certain aunt and a certain V*) and I really loved reading about them. Barclay is the sweetest guy ever and I love his thieving skillz. He's so amazing to his family and Evelina and I really hope we see lots more of him in future books. <3 I didn't really like Evelina from the beginning, and some of the other characters didn't give me very good impressions.

But overall, I really liked reading An Hour Unspent! It was the first book I've ever read from Roseanna and it certainly didn't disappoint. I'll definitely be checking out more of her books in the future! 4 stars.

Barclay Pearce has undergone a transformation since A Name Unknown and A Song Unheard, the first two books in this series. Then, he was a thief and the leader of a large adopted family of thieves. He's now been persuaded of the truth of the gospel and the associated need to change his ways. His newfound honesty is challenged when V, his mysterious boss, asks him to befriend Mr Manning, a clockmaker who has made what could be a revolutionary discovery.

As Barclay befriends Mr Manning, he also meets and befriends Miss Evelina Manning. This is an interesting relationship to watch develop, as Lina has recently been jilted because her fiance didn't think she loved him. Now she's wondering if she can love anyone ...

And, as with the other books in this series, there is a bet within the members of Barclay's makeshift family—and again, it relates to the title.

White has the ability to take little-known factoids from history and incorporate them into her story without it feeling forced (for example, the origin of Rolex watches, and the presence of internment camps in England in World War I).

World War I is an excellent backdrop to this romance story about two people damaged by their parents and trying to rise above their histories to become better people. It's the third book in the Shadows Over England series, and while it can be read as a standalone novel, you'll enjoy it more if you read the other two first.

Recommended for historical romance fans.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Steal an hour from Big Ben.
That was the challenge presented to Berkley Pearce, a reformed thief, and provider of a troupe of orphans who call each other family. Determined to stay on the straight and narrow, Berkley takes up the war efforts of 1915 England, and works for a branch of the government obtaining the unobtainable during desperate times. When he is assigned to help a local clockmaker finish his design that would put England ahead of the enemy in air combat, Berkley doesn’t plan on rescuing his fiercely independent daughter, nor the trouble that seems to follow her.
This is the third book in the Shadows Over England series. I didn’t realize that there were two books prior to this one before I started reading it. It does well enough on its own, there’s lots of little fill-ins as to the significance of other characters who have their own stories told in the previous two books.
As always, this novel took several chapters to hook my interest. I’m not sure why, but every book I’ve read of Ms. White’s takes me a while to get into the story. Once I hit close to the halfway mark, that’s when I usually get sucked into the story. Perhaps it’s the background being set or backstory that detracts from my focus, I’m unable to pinpoint a reason. I’ve read the complete Ladies of the Manor series, and now the final installment of Shadows Over England.
Characters are likeable and believable; mystery and intrigue are full of twists and turns. Descriptions of the times, and settings are vivid bringing the reader back to an uncertain and unnerving time in London’s history. There are elements of faith that contribute to the fabric of each character.
Overall, once I reached my personal hurdle, I quite enjoyed the story.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

These books just keep getting better. This last book in the Shadows over England series follows Barclay, the big brother of the orphan family. The plot and new characters do not disappoint and it is a delightful wrap-up to the series.

Masterful!

It is masterful the way that the author took the theme of clocks and threaded it throughout the entire story. From Mr. Manning’s profession to the dare given to Barclay by his sister, to the way that Lina looked at her inability to feel, to the realization Barclay had about God, and so very much more. There were even references to Alice in Wonderland where, of course, a major theme was the white rabbit looking at his watch, “I’m late!” I can’t remember another book I’ve read that has done such an incredible job at doing this.

I wasn’t far into the book when I realized there were others that had come before it that told the story of two of Barclay’s sisters. Though it was clear a familiarity of their stories wasn’t essential to understanding this one, I was very tempted to set this aside to read them immediately. If only I had time! But I will be picking them up to read. I’m hooked!

I was touched by Evelina’s heartbreak and struggles with understanding her worth. And I adored Barclay, with his street-wise ways and heart of gold. I loved the way he had taken in an entire house of orphans and didn’t think it unusual. He was simply amazing. His deep love for others became so evident when he told his story to the four-year-old orphan, Clover, to set her at ease so she would be willing to go home with him, despite the fact that Lina was there to hear some of the sordid details she had previously been unaware of.

The intrigue and mystery were very interesting as was the deeper look into clocks and the history of an item we don’t even think twice about today. The spiritual lessons were insightful and powerful. And, of course, the romance was sweet and lovely.

I can’t recommend reading this book strongly enough!


Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net


I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.

As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.



My Thoughts: This is an intriguing and entertaining book. From the first chapter to the last, it has the reader completely enamored. This is the third book in the series and if the reader like myself hasn't read the first two, they will be able to read along easily. The setting takes place during the first world war and grabs the readers attention from the first page. The characters are fun, witty and down to earth.


I believe that this book is to teach us what family really is and to appreciate and to hold on tight and love our famililies. It's a book about serving others and putting family first.


I believe that readers will truly enjoy this novel, especially those who love historical fiction.

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M White is a marvellous Christian historical wartime adventure. it is the third book in the Shadows Over England series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Set in 1915 there is the theme of trust and the threat of German spies everywhere. Even those with foreign surnames were suspected. No one was immune. The royal family changed their name from Saxe-Coburg to Windsor as it sounded more patriotic. "Help me to trust." God can always be trusted even when man cannot.
Sometimes circumstances suggest that God is absent, or even worse, He doesn't care. "He just sits there in His heaven... not caring a whit." This is anger and hurt talking because we know that being a Christian does not make us immune to bad things but "He [God] didn't remove the bad - He just lent him strength to face it."
Having faith can give us peace in spite of our circumstances. Faith and God are available for all. "The Lord of the universe couldn't possibly be concerned with... a nobody from the London streets. " No one is ever excluded from the love of God.
There is the theme of riches. Where is your treasure? "She was the poor one... Raised to believe one must strive always for things." True treasure is not to e found in stuff but in a person and His name is Jesus. I was reminded of what our pastor Leon Evans once said (and it has stuck with me) "Some people are so poor, all they have is money." Treasure and life are found in people and God never in possessions. "Life. This house had it, despite its lack of furniture."
Knowledge and education are important. "Education could change the world for him." Education brings freedom and choice. 1915 is the dawn of a new era.
Family is important. Family are the people who love you and with whom you do life. There is a family in the novel who have evolved over time as they take in those who have no family. The reader is reminded that we are all adopted into God's family.
God is the God of new beginnings. Our past does not define us. We can all leave our past behind and have a fresh start in God.
Roseanna M White marries fact and fiction in this marvellous tale. There are cameo appearances by real life figures as well as real life events such as zeppelin raids included.
Fabulously entertaining, An Hour Unspent had me hooked from the start.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

An Hour Unspent is the third book in Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England series, which follows characters in the early years of World War I. Having read the first book in the series I knew what to expect with Ms. White's stories and I was not disappointed. I will say that even though there is enough background information about the characters in this third book, I feel like I missed another good story since I didn't read the second book. A person could read this and find it an entertaining and satisfying tale but reading the complete series brings a depth to the tale you wouldn't want to miss. Barclay and Evalina's story is wonderfully enchanting and yet fraught with obstacles and difficult situations. Barclay has led a checkered past and his family is a mish-mash of orphans and former street thieves who have learned what family truly is and it's not just blood--it is choice--the choice to love no matter what. He will do anything to give his adopted siblings what they need. Evalina's from the wealthier side of London and her family is nothing like this raucous, teasing, loving bunch. When her former fiancé confronts her with the fact that she truly doesn't love him, Lina begins to doubt herself and wonder if she can change from the automaton-like feelings she shows others and truly love. And what about God--is He like a clockmaker who just winds things up and then watches as things play out however they might. Or is He, as Barclay is coming to realize, a personal God who is involved in our lives, giving grace and wisdom and bringing help and guidance. I liked how the characters (and not just Lina and Barclay) are so realistic in their feelings and actions and how they grow and mature in their emotional and spiritual lives as the story unfolds. And of course, there are those characters that you really just don't like, adding a little extra charm and appeal to the story. Interest is kept high as there are several surprise twists to the plot and a climactic ending that is rather edge-of-the-seat suspenseful. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more of this author's works.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Rosanna White’s latest book in the Shadows Over England series tells Barclays Pearce’s story. We’ve met his two ‘sisters’ Rosemarie and Willa in A Name Unknown and a Song Unheard. Now we learn more about the remarkable young man who brought the ‘family’ together.

Barclay has a new assignment from the mysterious V—do everything he can to help clockmaker and inventor Cecil Manning finish the designs for a synchronization machine that will allow gunners to shoot between airplane propellers.

The country is counting on him. But as his relationship to his Heavenly Father deepens, he finds he has no stomach for dishonesty. He tries to approach this new assignment with an honesty that he believes will honor God—even if it gets him in hot water with the ones he works for.

Evelina Manning arrives home one afternoon to find her fiancé has enlisted in the war and wants to break their engagement. Even worse, a handsome young man who seeks audience with her father witnesses the entire episode.

Evelina can’t decide which is worse, getting jilted or dealing with her mother’s anger over the broken relationship. When the mysterious young man shows up again, Evelina feels instant kinship with him and quickly forms a friendship. Sometimes she’s not sure if she’s drawn to him as a man, or just longs to have a joyful family—the kind of family Barclay has. Although his family does seem a little odd at times.

Barclay and Evelina navigate faith, family, and the dangers of living in a war zone as they grow closer to each other and to the one who longs to be their heavenly Father. History buffs will love the skillful way White weaves history and faith into her stories.

There is something about orphans who have risen above that intrigues me. From Oliver Twist to little orphan Annie, the hand they were dealt in life didn't determine their outcome. This is Barclay Pierce. What I love is that he not only found a way to survive on his own in the world, but he took in others and adopted them as his own as well. Even though money was tight, he couldn't turned an abandoned youngster away.

Throughout the story Barclay wrestles with guilt over the thieving he did in his past, but as a reader you can also see that the Lord has certainly done a work in his heart and that he has worked hard to turn his life around. What's interesting is that he still does some of what he used to, but the difference is that he is now doing it to help the war effort. I appreciate how the author approached Barclay's attitude towards this. Think of it this way: we all know that lying is a sin. But think back to WWII for example, when people would hide Jews in their homes to save them from the Nazis. If a soldier came to their home and asked if they were harboring Jews-- the truth would be yes, but to save the people's lives they would deny it. Is a lie to save another's life truly a sin? Although not as extreme of an example, this is essentially the same type of question the author is posing for this story--if Barclay is stealing for "the good guys" now, is it still sinning? What I like about this is that the author presents the issue in a way that makes the reader think about it.

Another piece I really liked about the story is that no family is painted as perfect--they all have a level of brokenness. Wealth nor poverty determine if a family will be happy or not. Biology or circumstance are both able to create family. Not only do spouses enter a marriage with baggage of their own, but as  a family the traumas in this life can leave permanent scars. I don't want to say too much about this so that I don't spoil anything in the story, but I'll simply admit that my perception of certain characters changed the more I learned about them and the obstacles they faced in their lives.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and would recommend to fans of historical fiction. This is the 3rd book in the series but it was the first I've read. While I was easily able to read it as a stand-alone, I also believe I would have enjoyed the first two books and wish I read them first. I would have liked to read more about Barclay's backstory along with the other orphans who'd adopted each other. It's certainly an intriguing series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Tours and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Roseanna White never fails to grip me with her stories. Her characters are captivating and her stories nuanced. I greatly enjoyed reading An Hour Unspent and look forward to the next book in the series.

It's hard to find words to talk about a story this good. So much detail, such absorbing bits, that it was easy to blast right on through to the end.

I don't normally like suffragists at all but this portrayal had me agreeing with her reasoning and also relieved to see some of the movement's underbelly shown as well. I especially thought Evelina's slow realization of why she wanted to join the movement felt very authentic.

Barclay...my favorite sibling all the way back from book one! Wow...I never saw his drama coming. He's trying to make sense of his new faith journey and balance his resolve to make an honest living even while continuing to fulfill assignments from V that are allowing him to take part in the war effort. That's threatened by sudden family drama and someone who's trying to get to his mark first, threatening Evelina and her family before Barclay can save the day!

So it's another one that's nearly impossible to put down and is a page-turner for sure. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for a free review copy. A favorable review was not required.

Wow--what a book! This is book 3 in the Shadows Over England series, however, it was easily read as a stand-alone book. Although I have not read books 1 and 2 of the series, I may have to! I very quickly became involved in the characters lives and roles. This book involves several different characters (which I'm guessing would be easier to keep straight if previous books in the series have been read) who quickly grab you and pull you into their stories. VERY difficult to put down! Sweet romance in the midst of mystery and family and war. Great book!

I connected with this series on the last book, An Hour Unspent, which is book 3 in Shadows Over England. It doesn’t require reading the previous two books, but, I am intending to read both shortly! The characters are delightful and the context fascinating.

The theme is time and it runs through the narrative and descriptions as well as creating a clever metaphor for each of the characters. I particularly enjoyed Barclay, his honesty, dedication and quick wit. Evalina grew on me, as I came to understand her better. Whilst World War One is the backdrop, the war itself isn’t described in detail. The focus is on covert operations and outthinking the enemy. Whilst interesting, I found the relationship between Barclay and his orphans the part of the novel I enjoyed most. The brutalities of life of the poor in London isn’t overlooked but the tone is hopeful.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and give it five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

Finally, Barlay's story! It was great to see the changes he went through. Wonderful to see how he met Evelina and their interaction was very enjoyable to read.
In my opinion, Shadows Over England is White's best series. I loved all the books in this series, but Barlay's story is the most dear to me. I highly recommend the whole series.