An Hour Spent is the third book in the series, but it could also be read as a stand alone novel. I loved this book, it was well worth reading. Lina has a strong personality, in a time when women were trying to find their place. Lina is close to her father, who is a clockmaker. When Lina meets Barclay, she doesn't like him, because he tries to save her from a thug on the street, but as Lina gets to know him and his family, she finds her view of him changing.
I loved Barclay and his siblings. What a great book!

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction.

My Rating: 5 Stars. Recommendation: 15 up.

My favorite character/s: Barclay is the big brother, I loved finding out more about him and I really enjoyed getting to see who made all of the "family" into who they were. Barclay was an awesome character. I now think he is my favorite of all of the characters in the series. I liked how he treated his siblings and was always kind!!

My Verse for Barclay is James 1:27
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (English Standard Version.)

I also loved every other character, but I don't want to give any spoilers, so that's all for my favorite characters!

My thoughts: I loved the other books in the series, but this one topped them all so far! I loved this book even more because it had more about the rest of the "family" and I really liked the new and old characters! This book seemed even more realistic than the first two, and I am eagerly waiting for Roseanna M. White's next book!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. (And I am thrilled to provide it! :-) )

An Hour Unspent is book 3 in Roseanna White's Shadows over England series. While I have loved all 3 books I believe this one to be my favorite. Barclay Pearce is a delightful character who truly loves his family and as a reformed thief works for the government. Evalina Manning is a clockmakers daughter and suffragette. I really enjoyed the light suspense along with the romance. I really hope this is not the final book on the family as there are still several siblings with stories to tell. So grab a mug of good black tea and a few biscuits and settle in for a good read.

I was given a preview copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Any way this was such an adventure!! I loved it!! You will not be disappointed reading this one, you will be swept away to a time of war and spies, suffragettes and suffrages!! You’ll experience the whole story right along Evelina and Barclay.

I received this book from Author for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

https://booksnbaubles.com/an-hour-unspent-by-roseanna-m-white/

Barclay's much-anticipated story is finally here! I greatly enjoyed his story, although maybe not quite as much as Rosemary's and Willa's. But it's a close call.

Barclay is the most fabulous character ever. I love his big-brotherness, his protectiveness towards his family and his desire to provide for them, his honesty, his integrity, his selflessness. He's just such a great guy, but he's real, too. He has his struggles just like everyone else, which is what I think makes him such a great character. The storyline with his mother and brother was incredibly well done, and so realistic.
Evalina, also, is an amazing character. Just . . . wow. I don't even know what to say. Since it's hard to say much about her without spoilers, I'll just say she's a fabulous character, and we'll leave it at that. Go read the book and find out for yourself.

Following hot on the heels of A Song Unheard, An Hour Unspent is also full of mystery, intrigue, and danger. While a little slow-paced at times, it still kept me reading and wanting to finish it as soon as possible. The ending felt a little abrupt to me, which I was rather disappointed about, but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book too much. Another thing I loved was seeing more of Mr. V, and hearing some of his story. He's such an intriguing character!

All in all, White pens another stellar novel of romance, family, intrigue, and history. This series is a must-read!

CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ romance and mild violence. [There are some somewhat-heated kisses, etc, and thematic material, mostly war-related, such as bombings, shootings, etc.]

Roseanna White's writing gets better and better. Excellent historical details, an ensemble of interesting characters, and a plot with plenty of twists. Recommended!

AN HOUR UNSPENT is the third book in the SHADOWS OVER ENGLAND series by ROSEANNA M WHITE, but it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone.
The story takes place in London in 1915 during the First World War. We come across Barclay Pierce, a reformed thief, whose skills are being used by the war office, and his assortment of adopted brothers and sisters who he has saved from being put into orphanages. Whilst Barclay did what he had to do to take care of his family, he has given up stealing since making a commitment to follow Jesus. He now has a job with the war office who have moved him and the children into a house near where the Mannings live, in order for him to find the gear that Cecil Manning, the brilliant clockmaker, is making, which will help enormously in the war effort.
Evelina Manning is an ardent feminist and it takes her fiancé's breaking of their engagement, and her meeting Barclay and his family, to soften her heart and to make her realize that there is more to life than marching and fighting for women's rights. She longs for a happy family, especially as she doesn't get on with her mother.
The novel is full of interesting characters and the plot is really good. There is a strong Christian message, and I particularly like the symbolism of clocks and watches and time running through the story, where God is spoken of as the great Watchmaker who directs our lives and holds time in His hands.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The third and final book in the Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent, was an absolute pleasure to read. I had been looking forward to Barclay Pearce’s story and was not disappointed. White is a master at developing unique, vividly drawn, and emotionally layered characters, and Barclay and his patchwork “family” of orphans are so endearing and lovable that I couldn’t help falling in love with them. Barclay is so tender and protective of his family and always willing to take on additional members and duties as needed. Evelina is an independent and spunky heroine who is taken aback by Barclay’s “family” but seems to quickly fit right in.

I’m always so impressed with White’s ability to pack a lot of history and background into her stories. That she has done her research is readily apparent. I enjoyed learning more about London during WWI and what conditions were like for the residents there. For a riveting and fascinating read brimming with intrigue, suspense, and romance with elements of faith woven in, grab this book. Better yet, read the whole series. Although this is a stand-alone book and can be read by itself, you’ll want to read all three books to get the whole background build-up.

The covers of the books in this series are absolutely gorgeous. They complement the stories so perfectly. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy historical fiction at its finest. I’m looking forward to more of this author’s stories.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have to admit. The first chapters of this book didn't have me spellbound. The idea of having a story focused on a male character had me less than interested. But, because of the author I plodded on. I'm glad I did. Loved the story.

Barclay Pearce is on a mission and that is to get a clockmaker who dabbles on the side with gadgets, to perfect an idea he has developed. This idea is just what the military needs, therefore Barclay is here to help. Evelina Manning is the clockmaker's daughter who meets Barclay while being accosted by a mugger. On the same day that her fiancé breaks bad news to her. Also, we learn a bit more about V in this story, which is fascinating in itself.

All in all, I really enjoyed the story. I admit, I read it fast. But, I enjoyed it so much that knowing I missed details here and there, I will return and go for a reread at a later time. This entire series of Barclay and his family fortunately can stand alone, but it's an asset to read in order. Even so, none of the other characters take priority over the main characters in this story.

I was able to download this story via NetGalley and was happy that the publisher, Bethany House, gave me the opportunity to read it.

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna White is the third book in her Shadows Over England series. This is Barclay’s story. No longer a thief on the streets of London, he uses his expertise to help a nation at war. His job is to keep an eye on clockmaker, Cecil Manning, who may have stumbled on a revolutionary idea for the Admiralty. Rescuing his daughter from a mugging is a bonus he hadn’t counted on. I think this was my favorite in the series. I love how compassionate Barclay was and the way he took care of his family without being made to do it, it just came from his heart. “Family isn’t blood. It should be, but it isn’t, not always. Family is choice. Love.” The spiritual lessons woven through-out was an inspiration. The reference to God being the Master Clockmaker were inspired. The way Ms. White dropped in the little history tidbits really made it come alive without being a boring history lesson. I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I would highly recommend the whole series.



I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

What an interesting book that White has written continuing the Shadows Over England series………This one centers on Barclay Pierce who is the eldest of the orphans. Barclay is now 28, who helped to create a family out of mismatched street urchins. He is kind and generous with a heart bigger than he is. He is a wonderful big brother to his “family”. He has now turned to the Lord and has given up his thieving ways except to benefit the Admiralty and assist the war effort for England. Roseanne has certainly done her research for this series, I loved reading of this era during the war, the scenery and events and people, but this book has so much more than the war. We read of Evelina Manning and her clock maker father who has a much desired secret. a secret wotyj killing for. Her brokenness and rebellion and her reaction to meeting Barclay. Also of Barclay’s sisters’ wedding and pregnancy. How he takes in more orphans because he cannot leave them on the streets to suffer abuse and starvation. We have mugging, kidnapping, danger and nail biting suspense. Also healing faith and romance, all that it takes to make a most interesting read with a wonderful ending…….I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany publishers and netgalley. I am happy to leave my review.

Barclay Pearce is known as one of the best thieves in London and it is his skills that make him invaluable to the Royal Navy. He gets his assignments from a man only known as V. He has taken in a plethora of street urchins (read "orphans") and began to teach them things that are more important than pick-pocketing, general stealing, and living by their wits.

Evelina Manning has been fighting for women's rights and been involved with the suffrage movement. It is through her efforts that she met Barclay. She had little idea how important this meeting was to Barclay. He needed to meet up with a clock maker and Evelina's father was a clock maker--one of the best in London.

When I first began this novel, it seemed so familiar to me, like I was reading it a second time. The characters were like meeting old friends again. There was a logical reason for that--this is book three of a series of World War I spy novels by Roseanna M White. She has the knack for working romance into her spy novels, or maybe it's working the spying into her romance novels. It's hard to say.

An Hour Unspent also includes the lives of Barclay's "adopted" brothers and sisters, one of which dares him to steal an hour off Big Ben. It also relates the story of Evelina's mother and her aunt Beatrice, especially Beatrice's overbearing, insulting of Evelina's family.

This is a five star book with significant historical references -- like when wristwatches came into common use, two thumbs up, and a clock maker to help you steal an hour from Big Ben.

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book. The galley I read was provided through NetGalley.com.

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White was just so amazing that I feel that any words I use to describe it will come short of how great it really is! First, if you haven’t read the first two books in the Shadows over England series, you really should read them. I think you might be a little lost if you haven’t read the others beforehand, and they are really good too! But I think this one is my favorite. Why?

Because I love the main character, Barclay. I think I started loving him in the first book even though his sister was the main character in that one. He seems like the perfect older brother and really takes care of his family. I was so happy to see him get his own love story like his sisters did.
Because I love the historical details that Roseanna M. White always includes. Details about such things as zeppelins, wristwatches, and Britain’s methods for decoding enemy’s mail during World War I create a book that you feel is educational as well as a suspenseful story to read.
Because I love the intense drama. With a book that takes place during World War I, you could probably expect some suspenseful moments, but An Hour Unspent also has drama with Barclay and Evelina’s families. The book is so full of suspense that I couldn’t stop reading. I kept telling my husband things such as, “I can’t go to bed yet, I’m in the middle of World War I!
So, if I haven’t convinced you yet that this book should be at the top of your to read list, then please, just know that I will never be able to adequately recommend a book that is this great! You should read it yourself to see what I mean.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and if you enjoy anything related to the World Wars, then you need to read this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

We first fell in love with London's premier family of thieves in A Name Unknown, and continued following their adventures in A Song Unheard. Now oldest brother Barclay finally gets his turn to star on the pages, and he cuts quite a dashing figure as he tries to help Mr. V and the Admiralty with anything they need while the Great War rages.

More here: https://reviewsbyerin.dreamwidth.org/101946.html

Soooooo my favorite in the series. I've loved everything I've read by Roseanna M. White and I'd be incredibly hard pressed to pick a favorite of her various series. But I can say without a doubt that this one is my favorite in the Shadows Over England series. Barclay is such a lovable hero, a perfect mix of strength and doubt. I love the family angle of this story...how different Evelina and Barclay's families look in the beginning, the things Evelina learns about what makes a family. I love the clock/watch/time theme woven through the story. The romance is pitch perfect and the mystery kept me turning pages. A wonderful conclusion to a series I'm not ready to say goodbye to!

Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or computer to get this installment in the Shadows Over England series! I was so excited for the opportunity to read this book, which features big "brother" Barclay Pearce, now on the straight and narrow. (Please note: you can enjoy this book as a standalone, but I promise you will love it much more if you read the other two -A Name Unknown, A Song Unheard- first.)

Barclay has long been driven by the need to protect his loved ones. With a deceased father and a selfish thieving mother, he and his younger brother are essentially orphaned when their mother is put in jail. Initially unaware that his brother was taken away to an orphanage, Barclay has spent years searching for him with no results. Now, he is the head of the unusual family of (reformed) thieves and is working for the English government in their covert war efforts. With his special skill set he has been commissioned by their contact, V, to work with a local clock maker with a specific design that will potentially help the troops. In the course of this assignment Barclay meets the clock maker's daughter, Evelina. Although she is a strong woman with a sharp mind, she has recently encountered not only a broken engagement, but some difficult family circumstances. When a mystery surrounding Evelina's father begins, she and Barclay must work together to potentially save his life - and the lives of many others. Evelina has trouble trusting, though - and it will affect multiple areas of their relationship.

I have truly enjoyed all of the books by this author, but this series is by far my favorite. Again, I would recommend reading all three books in order - all of the characters in all of the books ring true and are moving and fun, with life and spark! You will also enjoy the snappy dialogue and the author's take on the times and location.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed spending time with Roseanna M. White's family of thieves. An Hour Unspent is a wonderful addition to the series. I have read all three books in this series and have enjoyed them all. London is one of my favorite settings, so I couldn't wait to dive into another book in that setting. Plus, I really couldn't wait to see Barclay's story and why he became a thief. White does a marvelous job at inviting me into the historical world and allowing me to be swept up into the story.
I love how White brought the world of the early twentieth century to life for me. I didn't have a hard time imagining the setting from the clock tower to the watch shop. I love Barclay's family. All of the orphans struck a chord in me. I remember reading books by Charles Dickens and learning about all the horrible conditions of the work houses and the orphanages during earlier times. I'm glad the children did not have to endure such horrible surroundings.
The plot moved quickly and captured my interest. Of course, the romantic ending was predictable, but I still enjoyed watching Barclay and Evelina as they fell in love and learned how to move through their worlds together. I enjoyed learning more about the Rolex's and the world of watch making. It was interesting and taught me something new.
With An Hour Unspent, I finally got to see Barclay's story and see the humble and adoring heart he carries for the troubled orphans in London. He definitely has the heart of a true hero. I really enjoyed him and the transformation he endured from the first book.
Overall, An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White is a fascinating tale of a family of thieves. I loved the concept of a family, which doesn't have to be by blood. I loved the ability to be swept up into London and watch these old thieves change for the better. I really enjoyed White's writing style, and I eagerly await what else she plans to write. Fans of Rachel McMillan, Julie Lessman, and Lorna Seilstad would, I believe, enjoy this series.
I received a complimentary copy of An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Barclay's story.

Roseanna White has written three novels about the Shadow Over England series. A series that wove together the lives of Barclay Pearce and his many adopted siblings. Thieves, that is how they survived the streets of England during war time. Yet, along the way, they find faith. And their cleverness and swiftness has become an asset to the war effort. Barclay, the eldest and head of the clan, has been commissioned by the mysterious V to learn from a clock maker about his invention that will help fighter pilots. Barclay becomes enchanted with Cecil Mannings daughter, Evelina. And then their adventure begins.

A wonderful story, as only Roseanna White can tell it. After reading A Name Unknown, I was instantly drawn to Ms. White's writing. She has masterly written these stories with historical content. And although this is the final book in the series, it's a stand alone book, that one can read and not get lost in previous stories. I would definitely give this a 5 star rating.

All opinions are my own.

An Hour Unspent will wrap up Roseanna M. White's Shadows Over England series. You will again see this group of orphans, who have joined together to form an atypical family. This latest tale will focus on the leader of the group, Barclay Pierce!

Barclay experienced a life-change, when he came face-to-face with the God in an earlier book in this series. Now, rather than haunting the streets of London, stealing whatever he can to support his family, Barclay has found work with the British government to help in the war effort!

Barclay's latest job is to make contact with Mr. Manning, a watchmaker in England, who is working on a device that could assist the English pilots in their battle against Germany, in the early days of WWI. Barclay soon meets the watchmaker's daughter, Evelina, and he knows his life will never be the same!

When the watchmaker suddenly winds up missing, his family can only fear that his has left, due to family quarrels. You will not believe what happens next. Barclay discovers that the clockmaker did not run away, but rather he has been kidnapped by the enemies of England, to get their hands on his design!

Watch and see what happens to the relationship between Barclay and Evelina, as they search high and low for the location of where the watchmaker has been hidden!

This is Roseanna White's third book in her Shadows Over England series. While I have not read the first two, although I am very anxious to now, I had no difficulty following the story line of An Hour Unspent. Barclay Pearce is the head of an unusual family, a family made up of street youth and children who became brothers and sisters. While once they survived by doing whatever they deemed necessary, including conning, pick pocketing, and other forms of thievery, led by Barclay the family has turned itself around, now relying on Christ and honest work to meet their needs. Barclay is especially inspired by Ephesians 4:28. Evelina Manning is the only child of Cecil Manning, a clockmaker who dabbles in applying his skills to other endeavors, most recently to creating a synchronized gear that could be of great importance to the Royal Naval Air Force. Barclay is assigned to work with and encourage the clockmaker, but it is Evelina who endears him.

The themes of this book are becoming a new creature in Christ, loving and caring for the “least of these,” and equality among all people. Heady stuff, but well presented within a captivating story. This book will challenge the reader to engage in some soul searching and self-evaluation. Things that are good when, as White's characters suggest, they are done while looking through the eyes of Christ.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of An Hour Unspent in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.