The third book in a series, I have been waiting excitedly for Barclay's story and the author delivered! I knew from the previous 2 books that it was going to take a special woman who would finally turn his head and make her way into his heart.

One of the gifts Roseanna M. White has is to bring visceral reaction to how her characters behave. There were a couple characters who really got my ire up. I also felt myself constantly cheering on Barclay. It was so great getting to know him better! I also liked that he didn't act like I expected he would when he met Evelina's father. This time in history comes to life with what kind of activity would be happening during the war.

As with the other 2 books in this series, there's mystery and intrigue. V shows up again, and we have the opportunity to learn more about him in this story as well. The story of the 3 older siblings comes full circle, but leaves me wishing we could hear about the rest of the siblings! I'm always left wanting more and more of the author's stories.

I finished this book a few days ago and have been struggling with writing the review. I obviously liked the book because I gave it a five-star rating. It's just that the book was so deliciously awesome that I know I won't be able to do it justice with the words I write about it. (In fact, I'm not sure I've ever described a book as "deliciously awesome" before. So there's that!)

So, from the moment I began this story, I was hooked. I've gotten to know Barclay from the first two books in the series and it was so good to finally get to read a book where he is the main character. I loved the opening scenes with Barclay and Evelina and just absolutely adored them as a couple. I liked that these strangers met and formed a bond that grew throughout the chapters. Yes, there is a bit of a romance building between them but it wasn't the main focus of the story and I think that's the part I loved the most about it. It was gentle and sweet and nice to see played out in the pages of the story. I'm also glad that I finally got to know more about the mysterious "V" and had the chance to meet new characters that I liked and disliked.

The story is interesting and the pace was perfect. There was just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and humor to keep my interest. The author did a fantastic job with the details. I felt like I was right there with the characters experiencing everything they did. I would love to see this series continue even though it sounds like this may be the last book in the series. I seriously hope not as I have really become attached to these characters and want to know each family member's story.

This is a book I won't soon be forgetting. I read this on my Kindle but will be purchasing a paperback copy to place on my keeper shelf. A well-written story about interesting people in an interesting time. I highly recommend this book and even though you could read it as a standalone I would read the series in order to have a better understanding of the characters and their stories. A must-read!!!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not obligated to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Roseanna White is an artist with her words. There is a beauty in the writing and in the characterization that is rare. I had forgotten how wonderful a storyteller she is. I was thoroughly engrossed in Barclay’s story and didn’t want it to end.
I found four characters particularly intriguing. I could picture Evelina’s mother so clearly, full of societal expectations for her daughter and full of disapproval for Evelina’s choices. When Evelina wanted to escape the room through a door, “Mother stood sentinel in front of it, hands planted on her hips, ready to breathe fire. Perhaps the Admiralty could just unleash her on the unsuspecting Germans. The war would be over in hours” (location 1513).
Evelina herself is a contradiction. When Basil calls her out on her lack of emotion, she turns 180 degrees and tries to prove it’s not true. I laughed in surprise over one of her antics to displease her mother. Some of her mood swings seemed a little harsh and a tad unrealistic but she was open to learning and changing her opinion which was cool.
It was fascinating learning a little bit more about V and his situation. Whereas in the first book I wasn’t really sure if he was on the good side of things or not, now it’s clear where he belongs, but I’m curious to know what his backstory is. I think it’d make a great read.
The real hero, in more ways than one, is Barclay. He is a beautiful man who makes me want to be a better person. He challenges Evelina (and me) about which is better…giving a little money and time to support a cause, or giving everything to change a life. I wanted to weep at his sacrifice and care over a couple of orphan children. He has built and leads a spectacular family. He goes to great lengths to serve his family, friends, and country. Evelina comes to realize that Barclay isn’t poor, but “possibly the richest man she’d ever met.”
If all that weren’t enough, this book is full of action, danger and twists. Characters from past books make their appearances. The whole thing is a delight. I’d highly recommend it.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a complimentary e-copy. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Shadows Over England series:
Book 1: A Name Unknown
Book 2: A Song Unheard
Book 3: An Hour Unspent

This might be my favorite of the series. It was such fun to see the transformation of Barklay. He has come a long way since the beginning of the series. He is still very protective of his family and very selfless. Evelina meets him as she’s being mugged near her home. Barclay comes to her rescue. A friendship of sorts ensues. Such fun to catch up with the rest of the crew as well! The family is very endearing and seeing them turn from a life of crime is great. The journey is met with a few bumps in the roads and that makes the book interesting to read. Definitely a must read series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views expressed here are my own.

Let me just get right to the point and then I’ll delve in a little deeper: Barclay’s story was completely worth the wait!

The self-appointed older brother to a patchwork family of orphans and street thieves, Barclay’s heart for those he has chosen to love and protect shines throughout the pages of An Hour Unspent.

When he is given an assignment by the mysterious V and connects with a clockmaker and family, he is drawn to the man’s daughter. Evelina Manning’s drive and determination hide a more vulnerable side that Barclay sees clearly.

Set against the backdrop of World War I, Barclay’s story has twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. But one of my favorite parts of reading a Roseanna M. White book is gaining the little pieces of history that I’d not ever thought about throughout.

Barclay is new in his faith and struggles with his past choices (especially when a couple of them come back into his world), but the man has a heart of gold and that is what makes you cheer for this guy to get his HEA with someone who understands him and his love for those less fortunate.

The final book in The Shadows Over England series, An Hour Unspent gives readers an additional treat with a little peek into V’s life as well as the chaos and closeness of Barclay’s charges.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.

An Hour Unspent is the third book in The Shadows over England series by Roseanna White. Barclay Pearce sets out to help a clockmaker develop technology that would allow bullets to pass through propellers of airplanes that would change the course of World War I. He falls in love with the clockmaker's daughter, Lina Manning, but will his troubled past hinder their blossoming romance? Everything falls apart when the clockmaker's disappears, and it is a race against time. Previous reader's of this series will be delighted to learn Barclay's story and catch up on the lives of the "siblings".

We are back in WWI England, and lucky for us back with some old friends!
I love the play the author uses on the title of this book, sounds impossible, until you find out how it is done!
We are given some non-stop action, and some new characters to enjoy, or not, but the book becomes a page-turner as we look for answers, and hope that all will survive to the end.
Now this is the third book in this series, but can be reads alone, there is enough information given, but you might want to treat yourself to the others.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Each book in Roseanna M. White's 'Shadows Over England' series has been amazing, thoroughly enjoyable, and thought-provoking. The final book in the trilogy - <i>An Hour Unspent</i> - lives up to its predecessors and is one of the best Christian novels I've ever read.

WHAT I LIKED

-Pretty much everything?
-It was really cool to get stuff from Barclay's point of view! He's awesome. My heart went out to him more than once because he's trying so hard to distance himself from his past and work honestly. Like I said...awesome.
-I took me a bit to warm up to Evelina but I think that's because she reminds me of myself (and not always the best parts of myself). I don't always express my emotions - even when something really sad happens - and that can cause me to wonder if I really feel anything at all. So I definitely understood her struggles and I'm also glad she realized the darker side of the suffragette movement and decided to work for women's safety and equality in a somewhat different way.
-Seeing Rosie and Peter and Willa and Lukas again was splendid! I've grown so attached to both couples.
-The Christian element in this book was beautifully woven into the story. Not preachy, not even mentioned all the time, but there and real and a vital part of Barclay's life.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

-This book didn't quiiiite 'click' with me the way the previous two (especially <i>A Song Unheard</i>) did. Nothing against the book itself - just my personal experience.
-WHY DIDN'T WE GET TO SEE LUKAS AND WILLA'S WEDDING I AM SO DISAPPOINTED.

Overall, <i>An Hour Unspent</i> is a beautiful Christian historical romance that I know fans of the genre will adore.

<i>I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for my honest review.</i>

An Hour Unspent

Roseanna M. White

Shadows Over England Series - book 3

www.roseannamwhite.com







416 pages

Bethany House

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Available: September, 2018















With Danger Creeping Ever Closer,
Do Their Dreams Still Matter?

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, including keeping an eye on a talented engineer working as a clockmaker. But not until he rescues the man's daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly dreamed and worked for independence, but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end their engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clock 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 deeper into war, the race is on for any technological edge, and Evelina's father's ideas have captured the attention of many--perhaps too many. As danger seems to encroach from every side, it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape.



Read An Excerpt



An Hour Unspent was AWESOME! It is the third book in the Shadows Over England series, written by Christy Award winning author, Roseanna M. White. I've read many of her novels, so I was eager to read her newest intriguing tale featuring a family of former thieves. I loved the title and how it tied in to the novel. I missed reading the second book in the series, and was easily able to jump right into the third so I don't think it is necessary to read them all in order to enjoy this one. I imagine that if I ever met Roseanna White in person she would be a fast talker because her novels are non-stop twists and turns and page-turning drama. There is never a dull moment and the unpredictability of the plot kept me glued to the pages. In the story, we are reminded that time is precious and that even though we may be broken, God can still use us, in our brokenness, for something good and worthwhile. I think those are reminders we can all use and appreciate.



If you love books with adventure, intrigue, and some romance then you will love An Hour Unspent!



An Hour Unspent will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer in September, 2018.



Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of An Hour Unspent to read in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Intense!
Tension and danger build. Twelve orphans who adopted each other as brothers and sisters, destitute and making a way on the streets of London any way they could. It's great to be with them all again, discovering their individual talents, seeing what God blessed them with, and the new relationships they find. This time a clockmaker and his daughter for Barclay. He's employed by a man who puts his "gifts" to work for good, but a thief isn't what Evelina expected, especially in proper society. But then his family is a lot closer to one another, and her fiancé has pointed out that she doesn't feel, that she's an automaton. Her father's invention will give their country an advantage but Germany wants it too. She has to go behind enemy lines to rescue her father, and is glad Barclay has connections. He and his family are there to help them out all along the way, bringing her family into better focus along the way. God uses us all, and doesn't expect any social status. Great story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#AnHourUnspent #NetGalley

There are not enough words to describe my enjoyment of this book! Beautiful descriptions of historical events, colorful characters of varying importance, and a unique romance with hidden depths that left me reeling. When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to dive into another book in the same time period, hoping to get more of the same flavor of history and intrigue. If you are a fan of history involving WW1 and England's suffrage movement, you will adore this book.

It is 1915 and World War 1 is still in its infancy. While war rages overseas between the countries, a different war rages in England between the sexes. Evelina Manning is in the thick of it, working hard to create better working conditions for the women left behind in the war. With her father in trade as a clockmaker and a mother determined to see her marry well, she has a foot in both worlds, not quite fitting in with either high society or the working class. When she meets Barclay Pearce, she is not at the highest point in her life. But Barclay's presence allows her more freedom, and as they spend more time together, they develop a strong bond of friendship that is slowly turning into love. However, Evelina doesn't know the true purpose of Barclay's involvement in her life, and when she finds out, her whole world will turn upside down.

Evelina and Barclay were a great representation of the old adage, "opposites attract." Evelina was a strong-willed young woman who felt no qualms about putting herself into dangerous situations to help others. She cared little for what others thought of her, and it showed in her choices of hobby and her interactions with her family. While she got along well with her father, who taught her much about the clockmaking business, she butted heads with her mother constantly on the issue of her marrying well. Barclay grew up on the streets, abandoned by his mother and separated from his younger brother. He eventually found a home with a surrogate father and 11 adopted siblings, but until recently he made his living as a thief on the streets. Once he began working for the government, he was crossing paths a different sort of people entirely. He loved Evelina's passion and kindness, but at the same time, he knew their relationship couldn't last. What frustrated me about their relationship was Evelina's reaction on finding out Barclay's past. Although they did overcome their differences and eventually find love with each other, that was one obstacle that felt exaggerated. Evelina's headstrong attitude affected their love greatly, and I found myself empathizing with Barclay more than her. But as I sad, they showed that opposites do often attract, and their personalities complimented each other well.

This is the first book I have read by Roseanna White, and I am thoroughly pleased with how it turned out! I loved the history, the characters, and the star-crossed romance. Beautifully written.

“Laughing, Ellie silenced the drumming with a dramatic flourish of her hand. “I challenge you to steal an hour, Barclay Pearce. From Big Ben’s Great Clock.””

In her third installment of the Shadows Over England series, Roseanna white tells the story of Barclay Pearce. I’ve gotten to know a bit about him through the previous books as the big brother to a clan of misfits, a family not made of blood but of love. All thieves who’ve learned to steal out of necessity to stave off hunger and homelessness. But he’s changed his tune since reading a Bible and wanting to live the way God intended for him to. His faith is new and determines the course of his actions. Now they agree to steal impossible things, and in this case his sister Ellie challenges him to steal an hour. I learned what that meant at the end of the book, a fascinating piece of history that was new to me, though I’m sure to have read it in school. He meets Evelina & her father Cecil Mannings, a clockmaker by trade. Sent by the mysterious V to find more about a new technology Mannings is working on, thus begins a friendship and possibly more!

With her signature writing style, White will engage all your senses and plunge you into a living history lesson of a world on the verge of war. Characters come to life, both old and new. Getting to know Barclay is the highlight of this novel, and watching him grow in his new faith & convictions. I think Evelina is a perfect match for him. She struggles with her self-worth and with who God is. Barclay teaches her through both word and deeds. His family takes her under their wings and shows her what it means to feel unconditional love. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series. Though they can be read alone, in my opinion, it’s much better to read each one in succession to get to know the characters and storyline.

You really don’t want to miss this! I love how faith is played out, how I bonded with the characters, and how the author showed us that even the vilest of sinners can be redeemed by grace and mercy that He extends to each of us.

*I received a complimentary copy of this and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. *

I love Roseanna M. White’s “Shadows Over England” series. Each book has a captivating storyline and characters that wrap themselves around your heart. This story features Barclay, the “big brother” of the orphaned children who have banded together as a family. Barclay’s devotion to watching over and providing for his family has been his main goal in life. He’s always done his best to do that, even if everything he did was not always legal. When he falls in love with Evelina, he extends that protection to her family. As the shadows of war swirl around them, their way becomes perilous. It’s up to Barclay to protect those he loves, but still answer England’s call to prevent the enemy from obtaining a new technology that could give them an advantage in the war.

This story could be summed up in two words: “Amazing grace”. Barclay is a man redeemed by God’s grace, He is committed to living his new life as a Christian according to what he reads in the Bible. However, his skills as a thief are also the same skills that are enabling him to serve his country during a time of war. As the story progresses, we watch Barclay as he evaluates every situation to make sure he is pleasing God. The former thief has become a man of faith, and his influence has an impact on those he loves most, including Evelina.

This storyline is at different times humorous, intriguing, suspenseful, and romantic. There’s no foul language or embarrassing scenes to mar the story. Roseanna M. White has given us another wonderful story to reread again and again.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.