This is my second Roseanna White book, but definitely won’t be my last. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre and this did not disappoint. I appreciated learning more of the World War II era, and particularly the Nazi activity as they occupied different countries, including the resistance of the citizens and even the Germans forced into military service.

I came to really like the main characters and the outcome of their story. As I am not a Catholic, I also learned more about Catholicism, as that is a prominent theme in the book as well.

I received an ARC through the publisher for an unbiased review.

When do you take a stand for what you believe in. Corinne is in Paris the day the Nazi take over. She has been trying to make life as normal as possible and to continue her teaching job at the local college, teaching about of all things, Germany literature. She is also trying to get information to the resistance by using and passing books to fellow readers. The problem is, the Nazi sent to take care of the banned books knows what he is looking for.
Will Corinne be able to stay one step ahead of them?
Roseanna White's books are such an interesting read, because she puts in the time doing the research. You know that the facts are correct and that the stories she explores and shares are ones worth knowing. Whether a WWII story or any other part of history, you are going to learn something about that time period. Even if you only started the book because of the beautiful cover.

I truly enjoyed reading this and will, without a doubt, be following this author. The Collector of Burned Books is a well-written, well-researched, and well-representation of the struggles faced by those in occupied WW2 era Paris. We follow two professors, on opposing sides but with matching ideals - one charged with burning books, the other with saving them.

What really struck me about this book was the humanity depicted in it, despite the horrors of the time. Christian, despite being part of the Nazi Party, is a deep and nuanced character which unravels throughout the story. As a reader, you get a greater sense of who he is and why he's chosen his direction in life the further you delve into the book. Corinne works as a perfect foil, a headstrong and brave character who you understand instantly but who has to hide who she is for fear of persecution. Together, you see the two understand each other at a greater level and realise that a uniform, a persona, a gender does not always signify a person's identity.

If it weren't for the cameos and connections, I probably would have rated this three stars. In all honesty, I probably shouldn't have read this one but... it's Roseanna M. White! And I usually really enjoy books set in WWII so at first it seemed like a win-win. However, I ended up really struggling with this story.

I need to start out by saying that Roseanna is a Christian and her publisher holds to Christian worldviews as well. So both parties would ostensibly agree that there is a standard for good and evil in this world. My biggest issue with this book was that all the burned books/banned books were painted with the same broad brush and that seems terribly naive. Roseanna is an author who does a lot of research into her books, so I have to assume that she discovered that many of the books were indeed profoundly evil and against God's Word, the source of goodness and truth. I'm not saying that's why the students or N*zis burned or banned them, but I am saying that there is greater nuance to this issue than I feel like this book allowed for. I also struggled with the repeated mourning of "knowledge" that was lost. Once again, it seemed to paint all ideas as worth saving and preserving. That all "knowledge" is good and right. But there is a difference between "knowledge" and "wisdom". Sometimes the wise thing to do is to remove knowledge of something. (Although we can never actually do that completely). Knowledge on its own is not always good.

Finally, I struggled with the thought that in this discussion of ideas and the rights to express them, no one really talks about the rights of the students. Regardless of the why behind it, shouldn't the students have had the right to burn the books they disagreed with and thought were problematic? Isn't that their expression of ideals? It seems to me that the issue is more with losing sight of people's humanity while disagreeing with ideals. It's when the disagreement turns to deciding that the people themselves must be removed. And I'll freely concede that this is a fine line to walk but I think it's a line nonetheless.

There were positives to this book. I've already alluded to the cameos. I figured one out/strongly suspected it very early on and was SO HAPPY that I was right. The other was a bigger surprise and MADE MY DAY! I absolutely love how Roseanna ties her worlds together. Other positives were the perspective that not every "enemy" is actually and enemy and the clear message about the sanctity of life.

At the end of the day I think that this a book that needs more thought and discussion than there was room for in a short novel. I think that it challenges, and that's good, but I am concerned that the messages that might be received are not what the author may have hoped for or intended. And I must say, this book was still quintessentially Roseanna. It was full of hope and good in the darkest places; full of encouragement and faith.

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔}

𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗. 𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚒𝚐𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚕𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚙𝚊𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑. 𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚜.

📚 Release Date: July 15, 2025 📚
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If you’re anything like me and enjoy a well-written historical fiction novel based in Paris during WWII, then I’ve got the perfect book for you! Roseanna M. White always writes such incredible stories, and this one is no different. The Collector of Burned Books is the type of story that will deeply resonate with all book aficionados and will leave them thoroughly distraught over the horrible injustices that took place during WWII—particularly the destruction of banned books.

I was a big fan of the unlikely friendship that formed between the two professors—Corinne and Christian—who were on opposite sides of the war but working toward the same goal. Their many discussions about books were deeply satisfying and brought much joy to my book-loving heart. I loved the deep connection that slowly developed between these two, and I was definitely close to tears a time or two.

I loved the array of friendships found in this novel! Whether it was an older gentleman who had saved her or a young and ambitious college student, Corinne formed meaningful bonds with all of those near and dear to her. And then, when a certain German professor showed up, he too fell prey to her lovely disposition—once he got through her initial aggression, that is.

This is definitely not one of those books that you can simply fly through and then move on from. Instead, you must reflect on the powerful message this story conveys. While I agree that banning or destroying books isn’t always the right response to literature we disagree with, I also believe—based on Scripture, specifically Acts 19:19—that there is a time and place for the destruction of ungodly literature in the lives of Christians.

Read it for:
📚 Awareness around book banning
📚 An unlikely friendship
📚 The unjust tragedies of WWII
📚 A wealth of literary content
📚 Deep connections between characters
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions listed are purely my own.

Beautiful storytelling from Roseanna M. White!
Corinne is fighting to save Jewish history, one book at a time. She works hard to secretly preserve and protect precious literature from the hands of anti-Jew nazis. Christian is a professor given the task to oversee the destruction of any books written by Jewish authors and is overseen by nazi officers. Is Christian really the nazi officer Corinne believes him to be? Or is it possible the two might have more in common than she thinks?

I absolutely adored this book. Corinne is a strong woman who is determined to do what she can to help her people. I loved that this book touched on the topic of burned books. It is not well known about the other things that were banned during the nazi reign, such as Jewish literature. I love that Roseanna sheds light on this topic that not many people are aware of and in such a spectacular way!

I will absolutely be recommending this book to anyone and everyone!

I've enjoyed many of Roseanna M. White's books in the past and as a book lover, always appreciate books about books, so when I saw that her latest not only fit that, but also was set during WWII, which happens to be my favorite time in history to read about? Well, I was most certainly intrigued. While this story may have taken place many years ago in a time that feels so far removed from where we are--- there is a lot to be learned within this story and the events it is based on. There is such power in words and having access to books and education--- even those that have ideas that we don't always agree with, and I thought this story expressed that beautifully in a way that is still very relevant today. There were so many fantastic quotes throughout that I absolutely adored. The romance between Christian and Corinne was fantastic too. This one is an absolute must read for fans of Christian historical romance, and really anyone who believes in the power of books.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Martin Luther once said, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” The written word has the power to alter lives and change the future. Hitler understood this and made sure that any books written that taught ideologies against what he himself believed to be true, were destroyed. “The Collector of Burned Books” shows how the lives of those that refused to burn books, risked everything for what they believed in. They had the courage to take the right and hard path instead of the easy one. The courage to face the darkest forms of evil and win. The Courage to help others even if it meant denying themselves. In Paris, 1940, a little library of banned books exists. Its patrons are authors that have been expelled from Hitler’s Germany. Corinne Bastien has made this library her second home. She knows the secrets it carries and is devastated when the library becomes the property of the Nazis after they invade Paris. Christian Bauer, a German officer in an army he never wanted to be part of, is now responsible for this library and getting rid of all the books. He has a job to do, and Corrine needs access to the library for its secrets. When tragedy strikes, they must work together to save the library and those that they love. Once again, Ms. White has written an excellent, well researched novel of strength, courage, and loyalty. This novel will captivate readers to the very last page. I thank NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC of this book. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions within this review are my own.

I loved this historical fiction book by Roseanna M. White. The description drew me because of my love for reading. These events actually happened during WWII. It centers around Corinne Bastien and Christian Bauer. According to the Nazis, there are 'forbidden' books that are taken out of distribution and burned so that no one is allowed to read them. Christian, a college professor, is commissioned by the Nazi party and sent to Paris to screen books at libraries in order to ban any books with specific topics as unallowable to read. This is tyranny and he does not agree to this but cannot be vocal about his opposition. While in Paris, he meets Corrine who is a university professor and he shares her passion for literature. The library is a second home to Corrine and she is not afraid to stand up and protect the books she loves. Corrine is involved in the resistance to ship books out of the country. Christian needs to be careful and not expose his thoughts about the book burnings or he will risk his life. The theme of the book is all about saving the books!! Find out what happens... will Christian be exposed? Will Corrine open up to Christian? It was a fun and enjoyable read.

"Words become thoughts, thoughts become beliefs, beliefs become actions. Ideas control culture. Control them and you can control everything.”

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“There was no such thing, in a good world, as too many libraries.”
A book about books, set in Nazi occupied Paris – this is historical Christian fiction at its best! Roseanna White’s unmatched writing style and thorough research shine through in what just might be her best novel yet. I could not help but cheer on Chris and Corinne as they fought against evil for themselves, their future, and the ideas they have devoted their lives to, relying on their faith through it all. The parallel between freedom of expression and a free society is an important one which will challenge your thinking about book burning and leave your heart and mind changed. This one goes on my best of 2025 list and is not to be missed!
“Words become thoughts, thoughts become beliefs, beliefs become actions. Ideas control culture. Control them and you can control everything.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White was a riveting tale of secret codes and evading Nazi rule in Paris in WWII. The author’s faith in God was evident in her characters as they leaned on the Lord’s grace and protection through their trials of survival and saving books the Germans deemed a threat.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

What a moving book! My heart ached for the characters but especially for the real people that endured such a horrific time in history.

Thank you Roseanna for such a great story.

Full of poignancy, truth, history, redemption, and love. Come for the story, stay for the message, leave not the same. Corinne is a woman ahead of her time. Highly intelligent, employed as a professor, and committed to seeing freedom for her beloved city. She is skeptical of Christian but drawn to his brilliant mind and passion for books. As their shared interests grow, so does their romance. Secrets are shared and pursuit of the right for learning and freedom in thoughts and opinions are kindled. The ugliness of the Nazi’s attempt to snuff the light of all things different, the hope of the resistance, and the beauty of redemption are woven together to create a memorable tale of the banned books and the people who fought for the truth’s they contained. I loved Christian’s authenticity, his deeply rooted faith, and his fierce protectiveness of those he loved. There are so many lines of memorable truth you will want your highlighter and a notebook ready. Be prepared to be inspired, challenged, and swept off your feet in this story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

While this wasn't necessarily a cosy weekend read, I do love a solid historical romance. This author always does a fantastic job of weaving together historical details in all their difficult nature (if being set in and around WWII wasn't enough of an indicator) with a hope-filled story and well-written characters. It was beautifully written and one I will definitely re-read in future. Highly recommend to lovers of historical fiction, suspense and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the complimentary copy I received in return for my honest review.

This powerful World War II novel weaves together history, espionage, and an unexpected friendship set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris. At its heart is the fight not just for survival, but for truth—hidden within the pages of banned books that defy oppression.

Corinne Bastien has spent years finding solace and purpose in a Parisian library that collects and safeguards the very books the Nazis seek to destroy. But when the German army seizes the city, her sanctuary is torn from her, along with the secrets she has hidden within its walls—secrets that could aid the Allies in their battle against tyranny.

Christian Bauer, a reluctant participant in the Nazi machine, is a professor forced into service under Goebbels to oversee the “relocation” of France’s libraries. But beneath his uniform beats the heart of a man who believes in knowledge, freedom, and the power of ideas—ideas that his own country is trying to erase. As he walks the tightrope between duty and defiance, he crosses paths with Corinne, and an uneasy alliance forms between them.

The novel is a testament to the power of words, exploring how books shape history, preserve truth, and unite people—even those on opposite sides of war. The tension is palpable, not just from the ever-present danger of discovery, but from the moral struggles both Corinne and Christian face as they navigate loyalty, survival, and trust in a time of darkness.

For fans of historical fiction that delves into the resilience of the human spirit, this book is both gripping and deeply moving.

What a remarkable story. I was aware that books were burned, but I had no idea how many steps were involved in the actual burning process. Like you, I hadn't given much consideration to the novels they selected. This author's masterful work on the topic demonstrates the power and innocence of the written word.

The author's skill in capturing the essence of the situation pleasantly surprised me and touched me deeply. The novel provokes reflection on the conflict and shows many of the people involved in getting this task done. It hadn't dawned on me that there were people trying to save as many books as possible on the to-be-burned list. That was another side of this story that stirred me.

This would be perfect for a book club pick because the novel covers a lot of ground. The book includes questions for group discussion. If you enjoy historical novels, this story is a-must-read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. 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.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This is a very detain oriented book set in Paris in WW2. The interactions of the characters are good. The amount of fine, minute details, makes for a long and heavy read.

Absolutely loved this story. The characters and the plot were so interesting I couldn't put it down. The Collector of Burned Books is a heartfelt story that I will think about for years. Thank you NetGalley for the arc. 5 stars

No this wasn’t on my list of February hopefuls but I felt like jumping into a Historical Fiction and I’m glad I picked this one.
We follow Christian and Corrine as they navigate Paris in WWII, Christian as a Nazi sent to dismantle Parisian libraries and Corinne as a female Professor at a university using banned books to smuggle information to the Allies. When their worlds collide we see glimmers of hope, humanity, and love through one of the most testing times of the modern world.
This book was uplifting and heart wrenching at the same time.

I would have loved the book to dive further into the information sharing with the Allies aspect of the story to add to the tension as I felt it sort of slipped away at the end but if you like WWII historical fiction with a sprinkle of romance you will enjoy this one.

Roseanna M. White does it again! The Collector of Burned Books is a provocative, fresh take on how people survived World War II in Paris - even when they came into constant contact with the Nazi administration.

The Collector of Burned Books isn't your typical story from this time period - it's not about the Holocaust, Hitler, or even any of the resistance movements, particularly. Instead it's about the force behind it all: the overwhelming importance of ideas, the power of the printed word, and what happens when people begin to fear that which is different from their own.

This book will challenge what you know and ask you to go deeper, and you'll want to go. Full of quotable truths that need to make their way onto t-shirts and posters, White pulls it all in: hate vs. love, genocide and eugenics, prison camps and blind loyalty and greed and idealism.

Main character Christian Bauer's idea of sacrificial love is one that you want to read. Tested to the extreme, he gives everything he has. Corinne Bastien has met her match in Bauer, because he challenges not only her skills but her ideas, hopes, and dreams.

This book fits so many niches: World War II/history, romance, historical suspense, and literary. Because of that, I'm sure it's one you'll enjoy. Give it a try - I bet you'll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.