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Shadows Over England #2
A Song Unheard
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
(Read an excerpt by clicking the publisher's link below.)
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
(Read an excerpt by clicking the publisher's link below.)
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
About the author
Roseanna M. White
44 books3,257 followersRoseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White
see also Roseanna White
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
August 27, 2018
Oh. My. Word. I cannot express in words my love for the Shadows Over England series . . .
I didn't think it was possible for this to be better than the first book. But I think it might have been.
The characters are truly what makes White's Shadows over England series. Both Willa and Lukas were both exceptional characters, with so much depth and beauty. Their individual character arcs were both so well done. Their transformation was so beautiful and real. Margot was also a fascinating character. At first, I wasn't happy that we had a third POV character, but I ended up loving her in less than a chapter.
The story. My goodness! WW1, spies, thieves, lies, treason, music, plenty of action and just the right amount of romance . . . Does it get any better? While quite long, this definitely kept my interest and I finished it in about 24 hours time. I love the amount of history that White throws in there; just enough to be educational, without boring the average reader. I loved it!
And then there's that utterly gorgeous cover . . . *swoons*
And also can we please talk about the music? As a music lover and musician myself, I absolutely adored that aspect of the story. White clearly did a lot of research on that subject, and it shows.
All in all, this is another fantastic novel by Roseanna M. White. I can't wait for book 3! Highly recommended!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes and mild violence.
I didn't think it was possible for this to be better than the first book. But I think it might have been.
The characters are truly what makes White's Shadows over England series. Both Willa and Lukas were both exceptional characters, with so much depth and beauty. Their individual character arcs were both so well done. Their transformation was so beautiful and real. Margot was also a fascinating character. At first, I wasn't happy that we had a third POV character, but I ended up loving her in less than a chapter.
The story. My goodness! WW1, spies, thieves, lies, treason, music, plenty of action and just the right amount of romance . . . Does it get any better? While quite long, this definitely kept my interest and I finished it in about 24 hours time. I love the amount of history that White throws in there; just enough to be educational, without boring the average reader. I loved it!
And then there's that utterly gorgeous cover . . . *swoons*
And also can we please talk about the music? As a music lover and musician myself, I absolutely adored that aspect of the story. White clearly did a lot of research on that subject, and it shows.
All in all, this is another fantastic novel by Roseanna M. White. I can't wait for book 3! Highly recommended!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes and mild violence.
February 6, 2018
ayee fren... follow my blog :)) https://atragicwonderland.blogspot.co...
WHY ARE THESE BOOKS SO IMPOSSIBLY GOOD? I never ever want them to end!!
RTC (after I write a review for the first one lawl)
REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review... thanks, Publishers!
Well well well, look what we have here: ANOTHER BOOK REVIEW! I'm super duper excited to talk/fangirl about this book because lemme tell ya something... it was just as amazing and precious as the first book in this serious and I was literally on a book-hangover for the longest time because of it. I'm gonna try to condense a little bit more in this review than in the last one, so this should be interesting :)
BLURB:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cipher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cipher or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
- r e v i e w -
5 stars
This was very much like the previous book, A Name Unknown, in that it was absolutely thrilling, sweet, and invigorating all at once. This series has captured my heart, the plots, characters, themes and all. Just perfection.
I am not going to rant in this post. I promise. This book deserves that much :)
- b e a u t i f u l - t h i n g s -
the characters - Probably one of the biggest reasons I love these books so blasted much is because the characters are just irresistible. I can literally relate so much with Willa (and Rosemary from the first book) and it is just an AMAZING thing when the reader can relate to the characters. Just like magic.
Willa is basically me, not even lying
SHE WAS A VIOLINIST PRODIGY WITH A LOT OF SASS. And that just endeared her to me even more than before. Her passion for music was something that was so just HER nature, it wasn't professional, wasn't an obligation, it was just a part of who she was, and I loved seeing that kind of musician enthusiasm. It's just so invigorating.
I cannot tell you how much of me I saw in Willa, it was freaky but awesome. She was... she was great. Snobby, salty, stubborn, musical, independent. She was a lot like Rosemary, but with her own streak and it was just so satisfying. Probably one thing that was really different from her sister was the fact that she really wasn't that awkward. Like, with people, Rosemary always had to think a certain amount to see how she needed to be around them; but Willa was less like that and a little bit riskier. IT WAS EXCITING. Nothing about her was dull and I just had so much fun reading about her!
Now Lukas... he was a special kind of charming
HE WAS MISCHIEF AND LAUGHTER AND CHARM AND IT WAS GREAT. If I can just marry Lukas, that'd be even better. This dude made me laugh (literally) out loud so many times, I had to train myself to not burst out laughing when I was in a room with other people... or by myself for that matter, because either way, I look odd. OH WELL. Deal with it, non-readers xP
Lukas was a classical violinist, so his was a bit more career-ish. BUT DUDE. He was still awesome and knowledgeable and passionate, maybe not the same as Willa, but not all musicians are the same. The thing about Lukas that really made me love him was his cheesy sense of humor but also how intentional he was... about everything. He's the kind of guy that I'd totally enjoy in my inner circle LOL. He was also very extroverted, which was different from Peter in the first book. Where Willa was snobby, he was this almost invasive person and it was just entertaining to watch.
OH DUDE. I loved Margot so much, I need a book about her
I adored her spiciness. She was so proud and sassy and intelligent. Normally with side characters, I get a little bored during their chapters; like can we just skip to the main peoples, please?! BUT MARGOT WAS LEGITIMATELY SO COOL. I never tired of reading about her, especially towards the end. I just really really really need a book dedicated to her. Like yesterday xD
It's safe to say that Roseanna M. White is just amazing at creating characters and that all of them are SPOT-ON and bloody awesome. There's almost never a dull moment with her people; they are the ultimate #squadgoals
the plot - This was actually really really fun, although it did feel a bit close to the first book. But I guess since they are in the same series, the storylines will be similar. Probably the biggest thing that interested me was the music aspect and the codes. Which were kind of some of the most important stuff? So.
same things as the first book - There were a lot of the same vibes from the first book, and I wasn't at all made about that. Germany and England, World War 1.... yeah those vibes.
the sarcasm - Let's just appreciate fitting wit for this time era. It's so satisfying. I was grinning like a fool in so many parts, just loving every bit of this beautiful beautiful cinnamon roll. xD
can we talk about how amazing the messages of salvation are in these books? - Y'all. I started crying in this book because Christ is so awesome and he can use any situation to draw his children to him. Willa was broken, she didn't trust people, she didn't trust love, she didn't trust herself, but God's will can blow our minds sometimes. ;)
the romance was fabulous - seriously. I ship this ship. I approve and set this baby to sail. They are.... the PERFECT combo: Lukas is mischievous and charming, and Willa is snobby but daring and it's great. And so pure. But fun. Yep.
There were so many great things in this book. I actually finished it after I got my wisdom teeth removed, so although I was in pain, THE BOOK WAS MAGIC AND I APPRECIATED IT SO MUCH MORE FOR BEING HAPPINESS WHEN I WAS DEATH.
Anywho.
- c o n c l u s i o n -
I enjoyed this book so so so much. This Christian historical fiction has the perfect blend of action and excitement, messages of faith and God's love, amazing characters with AMAZING PERSONALITIES, beautiful music, WW1 vibes, mystery, and an awesome romance. I'm just dying for the 3rd book!!!
And that's it! Go read this book, please, for all our sakes and for my own sanity. Or it will cost you... Don't make me send my unicorn minions after you!! They will not be merciful!
WHY ARE THESE BOOKS SO IMPOSSIBLY GOOD? I never ever want them to end!!
RTC (after I write a review for the first one lawl)
REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review... thanks, Publishers!
Well well well, look what we have here: ANOTHER BOOK REVIEW! I'm super duper excited to talk/fangirl about this book because lemme tell ya something... it was just as amazing and precious as the first book in this serious and I was literally on a book-hangover for the longest time because of it. I'm gonna try to condense a little bit more in this review than in the last one, so this should be interesting :)
BLURB:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cipher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cipher or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
- r e v i e w -
5 stars
This was very much like the previous book, A Name Unknown, in that it was absolutely thrilling, sweet, and invigorating all at once. This series has captured my heart, the plots, characters, themes and all. Just perfection.
I am not going to rant in this post. I promise. This book deserves that much :)
- b e a u t i f u l - t h i n g s -
the characters - Probably one of the biggest reasons I love these books so blasted much is because the characters are just irresistible. I can literally relate so much with Willa (and Rosemary from the first book) and it is just an AMAZING thing when the reader can relate to the characters. Just like magic.
Willa is basically me, not even lying
SHE WAS A VIOLINIST PRODIGY WITH A LOT OF SASS. And that just endeared her to me even more than before. Her passion for music was something that was so just HER nature, it wasn't professional, wasn't an obligation, it was just a part of who she was, and I loved seeing that kind of musician enthusiasm. It's just so invigorating.
I cannot tell you how much of me I saw in Willa, it was freaky but awesome. She was... she was great. Snobby, salty, stubborn, musical, independent. She was a lot like Rosemary, but with her own streak and it was just so satisfying. Probably one thing that was really different from her sister was the fact that she really wasn't that awkward. Like, with people, Rosemary always had to think a certain amount to see how she needed to be around them; but Willa was less like that and a little bit riskier. IT WAS EXCITING. Nothing about her was dull and I just had so much fun reading about her!
Now Lukas... he was a special kind of charming
HE WAS MISCHIEF AND LAUGHTER AND CHARM AND IT WAS GREAT. If I can just marry Lukas, that'd be even better. This dude made me laugh (literally) out loud so many times, I had to train myself to not burst out laughing when I was in a room with other people... or by myself for that matter, because either way, I look odd. OH WELL. Deal with it, non-readers xP
Lukas was a classical violinist, so his was a bit more career-ish. BUT DUDE. He was still awesome and knowledgeable and passionate, maybe not the same as Willa, but not all musicians are the same. The thing about Lukas that really made me love him was his cheesy sense of humor but also how intentional he was... about everything. He's the kind of guy that I'd totally enjoy in my inner circle LOL. He was also very extroverted, which was different from Peter in the first book. Where Willa was snobby, he was this almost invasive person and it was just entertaining to watch.
OH DUDE. I loved Margot so much, I need a book about her
I adored her spiciness. She was so proud and sassy and intelligent. Normally with side characters, I get a little bored during their chapters; like can we just skip to the main peoples, please?! BUT MARGOT WAS LEGITIMATELY SO COOL. I never tired of reading about her, especially towards the end. I just really really really need a book dedicated to her. Like yesterday xD
It's safe to say that Roseanna M. White is just amazing at creating characters and that all of them are SPOT-ON and bloody awesome. There's almost never a dull moment with her people; they are the ultimate #squadgoals
the plot - This was actually really really fun, although it did feel a bit close to the first book. But I guess since they are in the same series, the storylines will be similar. Probably the biggest thing that interested me was the music aspect and the codes. Which were kind of some of the most important stuff? So.
same things as the first book - There were a lot of the same vibes from the first book, and I wasn't at all made about that. Germany and England, World War 1.... yeah those vibes.
the sarcasm - Let's just appreciate fitting wit for this time era. It's so satisfying. I was grinning like a fool in so many parts, just loving every bit of this beautiful beautiful cinnamon roll. xD
can we talk about how amazing the messages of salvation are in these books? - Y'all. I started crying in this book because Christ is so awesome and he can use any situation to draw his children to him. Willa was broken, she didn't trust people, she didn't trust love, she didn't trust herself, but God's will can blow our minds sometimes. ;)
the romance was fabulous - seriously. I ship this ship. I approve and set this baby to sail. They are.... the PERFECT combo: Lukas is mischievous and charming, and Willa is snobby but daring and it's great. And so pure. But fun. Yep.
There were so many great things in this book. I actually finished it after I got my wisdom teeth removed, so although I was in pain, THE BOOK WAS MAGIC AND I APPRECIATED IT SO MUCH MORE FOR BEING HAPPINESS WHEN I WAS DEATH.
Anywho.
- c o n c l u s i o n -
I enjoyed this book so so so much. This Christian historical fiction has the perfect blend of action and excitement, messages of faith and God's love, amazing characters with AMAZING PERSONALITIES, beautiful music, WW1 vibes, mystery, and an awesome romance. I'm just dying for the 3rd book!!!
And that's it! Go read this book, please, for all our sakes and for my own sanity. Or it will cost you... Don't make me send my unicorn minions after you!! They will not be merciful!
December 29, 2018
It’s a real problem when one of your top favorite authors can’t write fast enough. I put off reading this book for months because it was the last of hers I hadn’t read, but when book three came out I of course had to binge read both back to back. I love novels that focus on musical parts, and the handling of the violin parts are so well done.
This has turned out to be one of my favorites. I can’t figure out how I managed to hold off on reading it right away, but that probably won’t happen on the next book of White’s than came out! Seems she gets better with ever book.
This has turned out to be one of my favorites. I can’t figure out how I managed to hold off on reading it right away, but that probably won’t happen on the next book of White’s than came out! Seems she gets better with ever book.
October 3, 2022
About this book:
“Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Shadows Over England” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Many Prayers; Church going & sermons; Lots of being witnessed to; Many Talks & Discussions about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Willa isn’t sure about God & His existence, she is very bitter towards the topics, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Lukas says he doesn’t remember how to pray & that he never listened to God really, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of God-given gifts & callings; Mentions of churches, church going, Masses, sermons, & ministers/priests; Mentions of thanking & praising God; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of Christian families, faiths, & religious people; A few mentions of a Bible; A few mentions of denominations; A few mentions of godly & ungodly people; A few mentions of something sounding miraculous; A couple mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of a miracle; A mention of a monk;
*Note: A couple mentions of imaging Hell; A mention of the most evolved men.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sure as blazes’, a ‘what the devil’, two ‘shut up’s, two ‘what/why in blazes’s, three forms ‘drat’s, three forms of ‘dumb’s, twenty forms of ‘idiot’, thirty-five forms of ‘blast’, and thirty-six forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses, almost curses, & choice words (said, not written); Sarcasm & lots of Eye rolling; Being hit, Being shot, Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Injuries/Wounds (mostly semi-detailed); Having a gun aimed at you (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing someone shot & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Willa is a thief & steals/robs people on the street; All about many mentions of a war, fighting, fires, gunfire/shots, destroyed places, & missing people (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of spies, being a thief, thieves, picking pockets, stealing, & stolen items; Many mentions of being shot, pain, injuries/wounds, bullets, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of people taken away by the German army & never heard from again; Mentions of shooting & killing; Mentions of threats, blackmail, being held at gunpoint, & violence; Mentions of arrests & jails/prisons; Mentions of wine/spirits & drinking; Mentions of pubs & taverns; Mentions of smoking, cigars, & cigarettes; Mentions of Willa’s father walking out her mother after he got her pregnant; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of dead bodies; A few mentions of thugs; A few mentions of traitors; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of drunks.
Sexual Content- four hand/knuckle kisses, a cheek kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, four semi-detailed kisses (one was from Willa being accosted, but has no ‘feeling’), and a border-line detailed // very detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (semi-detailed); Touches & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Flirting; Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing muscles (barely-above-not-detailed); Lukas is known as a ladies’ man/playboy; Many mentions of flirting, flirts, & a ladies’ man/playboy; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of touches & wanting to touch; Mentions of scandalous reputations; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of dates; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of young women slipping their room keys into Lukas’ hands (it’s not said what happened, but it’s implied); A few mentions of a man having a few children with different young women & leaving all of them; A few mentions of finding the opposite gender in a bedroom & waiting on the bed (implied in a sexual sense prior, but nothing happens); A few mentions of a man who would charm a girl into a compromising position; A couple mentions of compromising one’s self; A couple mentions of proposing something indecent; A couple mentions of a rake & being less of a gentleman; A couple mentions of chaperones; A mention of going to the opposite gender’s room for “predictable reasons”; A mention of not taking off gloves in a sensual way; A mention of thinking a child is illegitimate; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a rape of a country & that women aren’t safe without being attacked there; A few mentions of infants dying young & stillborns; A few mentions of hitting a knee to a man’s groin; A mention of a sexual transmitted disease; A mention of a woman’s lack of curves.
-Willa Forsythe, age 23
-Lukas De Wilde, age 28
P.O.V. switches between them & Margot
Set in 1914
405 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
After reading quite a few books by this author and being disappointed with the content, I thought that picking up yet another one would mean that I’m a glutton for punishment [of putting myself through giving another low rating].
While still not as clean as I personally would have preferred, I honestly do feel like someone could knock me over with a feather over my shock of the lack of questionable content. There were things I didn’t like however. The implications of Lukas being a playboy in the true sexual sense being one. I quite disliked that. A flirt I can deal with, but I wasn’t a fan of the hints of more. Being set during a war and being affected by the actions of that could be triggering for some. It also could be quite romance-y in the main two’s thoughts and kisses.
For the things I liked about this novel, there were a few. Willa and her makeshift family are thieves, the family aspects were very sweet. I also really liked Margot and found myself laughing at her reactions to people and things. There was quite a bit of Spiritual Content, so even though our main two don’t claim to be “religious” at the beginning or most of the book, there’s a lot of witnessing to them by other characters. The flirting/banter between the both of them also had humorous parts. The music/violin plot was also interesting.
Since I haven’t read the first book in this series, I did spend the first hundred or so pages not knowing how Willa and her family were connected. I did have to wonder at many parts where all the chaperones were when Willa would be alone with the opposite gender, but I guess that’s partially in part of the war, but also that going out of style with that of the 1920s coming to the scene.
Overall though? I’m still personally cautious on this author because of comments in past books. I might pick up the first book due to friends’ reviews, but I’ll have to see later about reading the third book.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.
“Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which make her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is in meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.”
Series: Book #2 in the “Shadows Over England” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned & remembered; Many Prayers; Church going & sermons; Lots of being witnessed to; Many Talks & Discussions about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Willa isn’t sure about God & His existence, she is very bitter towards the topics, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Lukas says he doesn’t remember how to pray & that he never listened to God really, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of God; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of God-given gifts & callings; Mentions of churches, church going, Masses, sermons, & ministers/priests; Mentions of thanking & praising God; Mentions of blessings & being blessed; Mentions of Christian families, faiths, & religious people; A few mentions of a Bible; A few mentions of denominations; A few mentions of godly & ungodly people; A few mentions of something sounding miraculous; A couple mentions of Heaven; A couple mentions of a miracle; A mention of a monk;
*Note: A couple mentions of imaging Hell; A mention of the most evolved men.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sure as blazes’, a ‘what the devil’, two ‘shut up’s, two ‘what/why in blazes’s, three forms ‘drat’s, three forms of ‘dumb’s, twenty forms of ‘idiot’, thirty-five forms of ‘blast’, and thirty-six forms of ‘stupid’; Mentions of curses, almost curses, & choice words (said, not written); Sarcasm & lots of Eye rolling; Being hit, Being shot, Pain, Blood/Bleeding, & Injuries/Wounds (mostly semi-detailed); Having a gun aimed at you (barely-above-not-detailed); Seeing someone shot & killed (barely-above-not-detailed); Willa is a thief & steals/robs people on the street; All about many mentions of a war, fighting, fires, gunfire/shots, destroyed places, & missing people (up to semi-detailed); All about many mentions of spies, being a thief, thieves, picking pockets, stealing, & stolen items; Many mentions of being shot, pain, injuries/wounds, bullets, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Many mentions of lies, lying, & liars; Mentions of people taken away by the German army & never heard from again; Mentions of shooting & killing; Mentions of threats, blackmail, being held at gunpoint, & violence; Mentions of arrests & jails/prisons; Mentions of wine/spirits & drinking; Mentions of pubs & taverns; Mentions of smoking, cigars, & cigarettes; Mentions of Willa’s father walking out her mother after he got her pregnant; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A few mentions of dead bodies; A few mentions of thugs; A few mentions of traitors; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of drunks.
Sexual Content- four hand/knuckle kisses, a cheek kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, four semi-detailed kisses (one was from Willa being accosted, but has no ‘feeling’), and a border-line detailed // very detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (semi-detailed); Touches & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Blushes & Flirting; Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing muscles (barely-above-not-detailed); Lukas is known as a ladies’ man/playboy; Many mentions of flirting, flirts, & a ladies’ man/playboy; Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of touches & wanting to touch; Mentions of scandalous reputations; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of dates; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of young women slipping their room keys into Lukas’ hands (it’s not said what happened, but it’s implied); A few mentions of a man having a few children with different young women & leaving all of them; A few mentions of finding the opposite gender in a bedroom & waiting on the bed (implied in a sexual sense prior, but nothing happens); A few mentions of a man who would charm a girl into a compromising position; A couple mentions of compromising one’s self; A couple mentions of proposing something indecent; A couple mentions of a rake & being less of a gentleman; A couple mentions of chaperones; A mention of going to the opposite gender’s room for “predictable reasons”; A mention of not taking off gloves in a sensual way; A mention of thinking a child is illegitimate; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of a rape of a country & that women aren’t safe without being attacked there; A few mentions of infants dying young & stillborns; A few mentions of hitting a knee to a man’s groin; A mention of a sexual transmitted disease; A mention of a woman’s lack of curves.
-Willa Forsythe, age 23
-Lukas De Wilde, age 28
P.O.V. switches between them & Margot
Set in 1914
405 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
After reading quite a few books by this author and being disappointed with the content, I thought that picking up yet another one would mean that I’m a glutton for punishment [of putting myself through giving another low rating].
While still not as clean as I personally would have preferred, I honestly do feel like someone could knock me over with a feather over my shock of the lack of questionable content. There were things I didn’t like however. The implications of Lukas being a playboy in the true sexual sense being one. I quite disliked that. A flirt I can deal with, but I wasn’t a fan of the hints of more. Being set during a war and being affected by the actions of that could be triggering for some. It also could be quite romance-y in the main two’s thoughts and kisses.
For the things I liked about this novel, there were a few. Willa and her makeshift family are thieves, the family aspects were very sweet. I also really liked Margot and found myself laughing at her reactions to people and things. There was quite a bit of Spiritual Content, so even though our main two don’t claim to be “religious” at the beginning or most of the book, there’s a lot of witnessing to them by other characters. The flirting/banter between the both of them also had humorous parts. The music/violin plot was also interesting.
Since I haven’t read the first book in this series, I did spend the first hundred or so pages not knowing how Willa and her family were connected. I did have to wonder at many parts where all the chaperones were when Willa would be alone with the opposite gender, but I guess that’s partially in part of the war, but also that going out of style with that of the 1920s coming to the scene.
Overall though? I’m still personally cautious on this author because of comments in past books. I might pick up the first book due to friends’ reviews, but I’ll have to see later about reading the third book.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this honest review.
August 25, 2020
What a lovely tale of faith, family, music, trust, and hope! I loved that this book featured musical and mathematical prodigies, both young ladies. They, and other characters, were intriguing, as were the plots and surprising twists. As with Roseanna White’s other books I’ve read, this one was saturated with rich historical detail that made the settings and events really pop off the page. I felt pulled in from the very beginning.
Content: pub, replacement expletives, and gambling/betting
A couple of French-speaking Belgians used British replacement expletives, which seemed out of character, as they were new to Wales and/or London and most likely wouldn’t have spoken like common street rats even if they knew the lingo, as they were of a higher class than the words they chose to use in those moments.
This book drew me in even more than the first in the Shadows Over England series, and I can hardly wait to read the next installment. Barclay’s story is next, and I’m terribly excited to see what adventures he stumbles into.
Content: pub, replacement expletives, and gambling/betting
A couple of French-speaking Belgians used British replacement expletives, which seemed out of character, as they were new to Wales and/or London and most likely wouldn’t have spoken like common street rats even if they knew the lingo, as they were of a higher class than the words they chose to use in those moments.
This book drew me in even more than the first in the Shadows Over England series, and I can hardly wait to read the next installment. Barclay’s story is next, and I’m terribly excited to see what adventures he stumbles into.
January 29, 2018
*sigh* Review to come. Let's just leave it at the fact that I am in love with these books. <3
October 12, 2023
❝Love is just a word. Three deceptive sounds linked together in a lie.❞
No more sweet, stuttering gentlemen and atmospheric England settings for the second installment in Roseanna's series, Shadows over England. We are whisked away to first-class world of riches and music, featuring a handsome, devil-may-care gentleman with a questionable past and a looming secret. Willa, our protagonist, is caught up in a whirlwind of deception and love and million-dollar violins.
I loved Lukas and his adorable, albeit a bit rushed, redemption arc from ladies' man to a singular lady's man. (Willa, to be exact.) Willa was also an amazing and complex character and their romance had me squealing and giggling insanely. Roseanna isn't afraid to write slightly morally-gray characters, something most Christian authors tend to shy away from, and she does so with incredible tact. God welcomes the thieves and liars and sinners and the ones with messy, messy, pasts, and this book showcases that beautifully.
I also enjoyed Margot's pov, although sometimes the way she was.... *cough* like, omg, so smart, like, a million times smarter than a grown man, the smartest person ever, she literally thinks and prays in numbers omg haha she's a prodigy hehe and sooo quirky 😜 *end of concerningly long cough* could be annoying. And unbelievable. But regardless! She was very cute and the book about her romance looks amazing and is very high on my tbr. I loved how her story and her brother's intertwined near the end.
Speaking of the ending,
Overall, though, this was a wonderful read and I'm dying to read more from this author! A special shoutout to my bestie Jordy for getting this for me 🥰🥰
𝄞₊ ⊹ pre-review ⊹ ₊𝄞
frtc but srsly this book made me happy<33
No more sweet, stuttering gentlemen and atmospheric England settings for the second installment in Roseanna's series, Shadows over England. We are whisked away to first-class world of riches and music, featuring a handsome, devil-may-care gentleman with a questionable past and a looming secret. Willa, our protagonist, is caught up in a whirlwind of deception and love and million-dollar violins.
I loved Lukas and his adorable, albeit a bit rushed, redemption arc from ladies' man to a singular lady's man. (Willa, to be exact.) Willa was also an amazing and complex character and their romance had me squealing and giggling insanely. Roseanna isn't afraid to write slightly morally-gray characters, something most Christian authors tend to shy away from, and she does so with incredible tact. God welcomes the thieves and liars and sinners and the ones with messy, messy, pasts, and this book showcases that beautifully.
I also enjoyed Margot's pov, although sometimes the way she was.... *cough* like, omg, so smart, like, a million times smarter than a grown man, the smartest person ever, she literally thinks and prays in numbers omg haha she's a prodigy hehe and sooo quirky 😜 *end of concerningly long cough* could be annoying. And unbelievable. But regardless! She was very cute and the book about her romance looks amazing and is very high on my tbr. I loved how her story and her brother's intertwined near the end.
Speaking of the ending,
Overall, though, this was a wonderful read and I'm dying to read more from this author! A special shoutout to my bestie Jordy for getting this for me 🥰🥰
𝄞₊ ⊹ pre-review ⊹ ₊𝄞
frtc but srsly this book made me happy<33
May 1, 2018
This book was BRILLIANT. BRILLIANT, I TELL YOU.
So why am I not giving it five stars?
Well, there's a couple of reasons. The first being that it took me a little while to get into this book--it just didn't capture me from page 1. The second is that his-fic never has been and never will be my favorite. BUT! This one is World War I, the forgotten war, which makes it excellent. (And, it's Christian. Which I absolutely love.)
I think I liked this book better than the first, which surprised me, because most of my friends said they liked the first one better. But...that's the way of it, I suppose. I loved the music, the characters, the emotional highs and lows. This was such a beautiful book, you guys.
Willa is my favorite his-fic female protagonist for a while now. Lukas was AMAZING. Both of them had such beautiful conversion stories, and THERE WAS SO MUCH HOPE IN THIS BOOK. Let me just FANGIRL SUPER DUPER HARD.
I don't really know what else to say about this one, except that it's beautiful and musical and hopeful and I adore it. <3 READ IT. 4.5 stars.
So why am I not giving it five stars?
Well, there's a couple of reasons. The first being that it took me a little while to get into this book--it just didn't capture me from page 1. The second is that his-fic never has been and never will be my favorite. BUT! This one is World War I, the forgotten war, which makes it excellent. (And, it's Christian. Which I absolutely love.)
I think I liked this book better than the first, which surprised me, because most of my friends said they liked the first one better. But...that's the way of it, I suppose. I loved the music, the characters, the emotional highs and lows. This was such a beautiful book, you guys.
Willa is my favorite his-fic female protagonist for a while now. Lukas was AMAZING. Both of them had such beautiful conversion stories, and THERE WAS SO MUCH HOPE IN THIS BOOK. Let me just FANGIRL SUPER DUPER HARD.
I don't really know what else to say about this one, except that it's beautiful and musical and hopeful and I adore it. <3 READ IT. 4.5 stars.
July 20, 2020
This one took me a while to finish...but it was worth it! A touching story of romance and music, made all the more charming because of its historical setting. Fans of Christian fiction should definitely check this one out.
April 16, 2019
My respect for Roseanna M. White goes up with each book of hers I read.
December 27, 2022
I believe I have a new favourite RMW novel.
I'm intimidated writing a review for this story, as I don't think I'd have the words to properly express how much I felt and loved this story while reading. Somehow I feel like my words would cheapen that experience.
Roseanna has this incredible way with her words, crafting a masterpiece not only in story and characters, but also in the way she dives deeply into human nature and the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
This book has a touch of something... I wouldn't say magical - God-given talent has nothing to do with magic - but perhaps... otherworldly. I experienced the same breathlessness, wonder, and joy in reading such a masterpiece of a story that I do when picking up an Amanda Dykes novel, or some of White's other novels in the Codebreaker series - which I hold are the incomparable peak of her writing career.
I have missed this touch in some of her latest releases, although maybe I am holding them to too-high of a standard. Anyway, very few authors have me as spellbound as Roseanna does, and spellbound I was in this riveting adventure through what some may deem the forgotten war.
If you love classical music, hidden prodigies, closely-knit found family, the setting of the Great War, espionage, banter, a captivating romance, and a beautifully deep message of the steadfastness of God's presence, then I have nothing more to say except: this is the story for you. Go, read it.
I'm intimidated writing a review for this story, as I don't think I'd have the words to properly express how much I felt and loved this story while reading. Somehow I feel like my words would cheapen that experience.
Roseanna has this incredible way with her words, crafting a masterpiece not only in story and characters, but also in the way she dives deeply into human nature and the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
This book has a touch of something... I wouldn't say magical - God-given talent has nothing to do with magic - but perhaps... otherworldly. I experienced the same breathlessness, wonder, and joy in reading such a masterpiece of a story that I do when picking up an Amanda Dykes novel, or some of White's other novels in the Codebreaker series - which I hold are the incomparable peak of her writing career.
I have missed this touch in some of her latest releases, although maybe I am holding them to too-high of a standard. Anyway, very few authors have me as spellbound as Roseanna does, and spellbound I was in this riveting adventure through what some may deem the forgotten war.
If you love classical music, hidden prodigies, closely-knit found family, the setting of the Great War, espionage, banter, a captivating romance, and a beautifully deep message of the steadfastness of God's presence, then I have nothing more to say except: this is the story for you. Go, read it.
May 28, 2019
Re-Read May 2019:
I had forgotten just how much I adored this slice of heaven.
I'm falling in love with these characters all over again and wouldn't have it any other way. :')
/ / / / / / / / / /
This book destroyed me.
And I love it for it.
Lovely Things:
- Willa. Let's just get this out right now: I'm obsessed with all these characters. Willa reminds me a lot of Rosemary, but she's still uniquely Willa. Afraid to love because that opens her up to hurt. Prickly as a cactus on the outside yet soft as a marshmallow on the inside. She's strong and sassy and spirited. Never afraid to speak her mind. Smart and attentive to allll the details. Full of passion, with music flowing through her veins.
In short, she's pretty darn amazing.
I absolutely love her character arc. LIKE I WAS CRYING, PEOPLE. Goodness. <3
- Lukas. Ah yes . . . Lukas. ;) He was SO DIFFERENT from Peter. All flirt and sweet charm and tease. He about drove Willa crazy, and I loved that. xD Plus, he loves his family so much and has so much loyalty and dedication. He makes me smile and roll my eyes and asgfkfld he's TOO ADORABLE.
Must say . . . nobody compares to Peter. (I want to marry him. *grins*) But Lukas was his own kind of darling, and he was p e r f e c t for Willa.
- Margot. OH MY. I loooooooved Margot. She was so sharp and intelligent and over-analytical. She loves equations and puzzles and games of skill. She's basically a genius. Her stubborn will and cunning wit make her someone you don't want to mess with. Quite the firecracker, this one. ;)
- The setting. World War I, Wales countryside, spies, ciphers, streets of London - THIS SETTING IS EVERYTHING. I absolutely loved everything about it!
- The plot. Kind of tied into my last point . . . but c'mon. How can you not love this plot?? It's faster-paced than the first book, for sure, with lots of spies/double-agents/thievery going on. Plus just all the WWI tension. Throw in fantastic characters and two violinists and BAM you have perfection.
- The writinggggg. Oh my gingersnaps . . . THE WRITING. I could flail forever and a day about the writing style, but I kind of already did in my review of A Name Unknown. Needless to say, Roseanna M. White's writing is flawless.
- The music. My music-loving heart is so full right now. I basically am 1000% more likely to enjoy a book that has music as part of the plot, being a violinist myself. Just . . . all the descriptions and feelings and passions got me right in the feels. <333
- The romance. *screams into the night like a caffeinated squirrel* (Squirrels totally scream DON'T DOUBT ME.) I don't know where to begin with these two little adorable charries. They are the perfect match, through and through. Willa's aloof yet passionate demeanor, paired with Lukas's teasing and lively personality = EVERYTHING I EVER NEEDED. I love these two together.
- THE WHOLE FREAKING THING. This book is just everything I love and more! The faith elements, Willa's family (BARCLAY THOUGH <3), the wonderfully human side characters, the rich writing style, the setting, the romanceeeee *swoon*. . . I loved it all.
Not-So-Lovely Things:
- Honestly? Not much at all to mention here. I did get a little annoyed with Willa at times when she Overall, I loved the book - it completely earns all five stars - but it just CAN'T match up with the first one, no matter what other people say. ;) A Name Unknown is one of my favorite books of all time, if not my very favorite. It was on a completely different level of five-star love, if that makes any sense.
BUT YES. If you couldn't tell, I adored this story and am dying as I await book three to come out. It features Barclay (!!!) and I couldn't be more thrilled.
CONTENT:
Can't remember everything, but it was more romance-heavy than the first book. Some kissing occurs, mentions of Lukas being a scandalous playboy in the past and making decisions he regretted (not too detailed but still not something I would want a younger reader to encounter). Forms of British "cursing" (blazes, blasted, etc.) Some wine is consumed. Not much else that I remember? Nothing I would ever feel uncomfortable with, but I would probably recommend this to people about 15+ for interest levels and details about Lukas's past. :)
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars!
I had forgotten just how much I adored this slice of heaven.
I'm falling in love with these characters all over again and wouldn't have it any other way. :')
/ / / / / / / / / /
This book destroyed me.
And I love it for it.
Lovely Things:
- Willa. Let's just get this out right now: I'm obsessed with all these characters. Willa reminds me a lot of Rosemary, but she's still uniquely Willa. Afraid to love because that opens her up to hurt. Prickly as a cactus on the outside yet soft as a marshmallow on the inside. She's strong and sassy and spirited. Never afraid to speak her mind. Smart and attentive to allll the details. Full of passion, with music flowing through her veins.
In short, she's pretty darn amazing.
I absolutely love her character arc. LIKE I WAS CRYING, PEOPLE. Goodness. <3
- Lukas. Ah yes . . . Lukas. ;) He was SO DIFFERENT from Peter. All flirt and sweet charm and tease. He about drove Willa crazy, and I loved that. xD Plus, he loves his family so much and has so much loyalty and dedication. He makes me smile and roll my eyes and asgfkfld he's TOO ADORABLE.
Must say . . . nobody compares to Peter. (I want to marry him. *grins*) But Lukas was his own kind of darling, and he was p e r f e c t for Willa.
- Margot. OH MY. I loooooooved Margot. She was so sharp and intelligent and over-analytical. She loves equations and puzzles and games of skill. She's basically a genius. Her stubborn will and cunning wit make her someone you don't want to mess with. Quite the firecracker, this one. ;)
- The setting. World War I, Wales countryside, spies, ciphers, streets of London - THIS SETTING IS EVERYTHING. I absolutely loved everything about it!
- The plot. Kind of tied into my last point . . . but c'mon. How can you not love this plot?? It's faster-paced than the first book, for sure, with lots of spies/double-agents/thievery going on. Plus just all the WWI tension. Throw in fantastic characters and two violinists and BAM you have perfection.
- The writinggggg. Oh my gingersnaps . . . THE WRITING. I could flail forever and a day about the writing style, but I kind of already did in my review of A Name Unknown. Needless to say, Roseanna M. White's writing is flawless.
- The music. My music-loving heart is so full right now. I basically am 1000% more likely to enjoy a book that has music as part of the plot, being a violinist myself. Just . . . all the descriptions and feelings and passions got me right in the feels. <333
- The romance. *screams into the night like a caffeinated squirrel* (Squirrels totally scream DON'T DOUBT ME.) I don't know where to begin with these two little adorable charries. They are the perfect match, through and through. Willa's aloof yet passionate demeanor, paired with Lukas's teasing and lively personality = EVERYTHING I EVER NEEDED. I love these two together.
- THE WHOLE FREAKING THING. This book is just everything I love and more! The faith elements, Willa's family (BARCLAY THOUGH <3), the wonderfully human side characters, the rich writing style, the setting, the romanceeeee *swoon*. . . I loved it all.
Not-So-Lovely Things:
- Honestly? Not much at all to mention here. I did get a little annoyed with Willa at times when she Overall, I loved the book - it completely earns all five stars - but it just CAN'T match up with the first one, no matter what other people say. ;) A Name Unknown is one of my favorite books of all time, if not my very favorite. It was on a completely different level of five-star love, if that makes any sense.
BUT YES. If you couldn't tell, I adored this story and am dying as I await book three to come out. It features Barclay (!!!) and I couldn't be more thrilled.
CONTENT:
Can't remember everything, but it was more romance-heavy than the first book. Some kissing occurs, mentions of Lukas being a scandalous playboy in the past and making decisions he regretted (not too detailed but still not something I would want a younger reader to encounter). Forms of British "cursing" (blazes, blasted, etc.) Some wine is consumed. Not much else that I remember? Nothing I would ever feel uncomfortable with, but I would probably recommend this to people about 15+ for interest levels and details about Lukas's past. :)
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars!
February 14, 2018
This novel included so many things I love:
- Kind-hearted heroine that has not had the easy life handed to her
- Humorous dialogue between the two main characters
- Mathematics (score for the number minded!)
- Fact based characters woven in
I anticipated enjoying this novel, but it surpassed my expectations. I especially loved Margot. Her dry sense of humor and mind filled with numbers made me smile. This novel was simply delightful.
Now for Barclay's story...
- Kind-hearted heroine that has not had the easy life handed to her
- Humorous dialogue between the two main characters
- Mathematics (score for the number minded!)
- Fact based characters woven in
I anticipated enjoying this novel, but it surpassed my expectations. I especially loved Margot. Her dry sense of humor and mind filled with numbers made me smile. This novel was simply delightful.
Now for Barclay's story...
July 27, 2019
SO good. Oh my. This beats the first by a thousand miles. These CHARACTERS. The SETTINGS. The SUSPENSE.
September 15, 2021
After the first book being so amazing, I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this one. It kind of blew me away.
Willa was incredible. I found myself so many times just sitting, staring off as I listened, so caught up in her story. I empathized with her so much, and even though I don't play any kind of music. Willia's trying so hard and finding she could never try hard enough on her own.
I loved Lukus working so hard to protect his family. <3
I loved the setting and the descriptions. It was perfect. And all the characters were so vivid and amazing!
The thing that made this a four-star instead of a five was Lukas. While his story had great redemption, I didn't really like it. He was incredibly flirtatious, and his playboy background was referenced a lot and it made me uncomfortable.
Overall, this book was amazing. I can't wait for the next
My two favorite quotes:
God, if you're out there, will you tell him I'm sorry?
How did one go about handing filth to a God of purity?
>>2020. I loved this, even more, the second time.
2021>> Such a sweet book. <3
Willa was incredible. I found myself so many times just sitting, staring off as I listened, so caught up in her story. I empathized with her so much, and even though I don't play any kind of music. Willia's trying so hard and finding she could never try hard enough on her own.
I loved Lukus working so hard to protect his family. <3
I loved the setting and the descriptions. It was perfect. And all the characters were so vivid and amazing!
The thing that made this a four-star instead of a five was Lukas. While his story had great redemption, I didn't really like it. He was incredibly flirtatious, and his playboy background was referenced a lot and it made me uncomfortable.
Overall, this book was amazing. I can't wait for the next
My two favorite quotes:
God, if you're out there, will you tell him I'm sorry?
How did one go about handing filth to a God of purity?
>>2020. I loved this, even more, the second time.
2021>> Such a sweet book. <3
April 2, 2020
Roseanna M. White had her work cut out for her with these two leading characters! A thief and a rake--or a former rake--both of them miraculously talented with the violin. I grew to really like both Lukas and Willa, which is a testament to the author's skill in characterization and development. White is one of the best I've ever read when it comes to deep, deep third-person POV, too. I honestly can't think of how she could have gone any deeper into these characters even if she'd written them in first-person. It's worth studying, for those of us who strive to such a level. Music was a beautiful theme.
The page-turning plot was made even more so by the addition of Margot, Lukas's fourteen-year-old math whiz sister, who let us see what it was like living in occupied Beligum during World War 1. There were so many twists and turns, I had no idea how everythinng was going to resolve, but it all concluded in a natural, believable way. Highly recommend this book and series!
The page-turning plot was made even more so by the addition of Margot, Lukas's fourteen-year-old math whiz sister, who let us see what it was like living in occupied Beligum during World War 1. There were so many twists and turns, I had no idea how everythinng was going to resolve, but it all concluded in a natural, believable way. Highly recommend this book and series!
November 23, 2018
I don't think I'd be able to gush about this book enough, so I won't even try. But really? A "family" of thieves who live in London during WW1, then throw in music and espionage? Well, I think you have the perfect story right there. Seriously though. This book was such a winner.
Yes, there were things that I didn't agree with. (Thieving for one.) One of the biggest issues I had was the male main character had the reputation of being a playboy, and although he had changed I thought that it was an unnecessary part of the plot (although I see why it was there), and that took the book down a bit for me, although thankfully it didn't go into any details.
But really. This series. OH lands. I want to fangirl about it, and I don't often want to fangirl over books quite this much. Way to go, Miss Roseanna!
Yes, there were things that I didn't agree with. (Thieving for one.) One of the biggest issues I had was the male main character had the reputation of being a playboy, and although he had changed I thought that it was an unnecessary part of the plot (although I see why it was there), and that took the book down a bit for me, although thankfully it didn't go into any details.
But really. This series. OH lands. I want to fangirl about it, and I don't often want to fangirl over books quite this much. Way to go, Miss Roseanna!
April 13, 2018
A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White blew me away! I knew to expect excellent writing after reading the preceding book in her Shadows over England series, but I wasn’t expecting to be so immediately engaged or invested in the characters and storyline of this book. I enjoyed the first, but this sequel? It kept me up till three in the morning reading and gave me chills.
It’s all about family, however unconventional. Music. Heartache and memories from the past. Friendship. Love. Reliance on God.
A Song Unheard far exceeded my anticipations, and I look forward eagerly to the release of the next and final book in the Shadows over England series.
It’s all about family, however unconventional. Music. Heartache and memories from the past. Friendship. Love. Reliance on God.
A Song Unheard far exceeded my anticipations, and I look forward eagerly to the release of the next and final book in the Shadows over England series.
January 25, 2018
There were so many aspects of this book that I loved. The thief family (yeah, I do like them even though they’re unlawful…the family aspect is wonderfully sweet!). The music (oh my, the music! Yeah, the music really sold me on this book.) The WWI era. The characters. The math. I think this just may be my favorite of Roseanna’s books (maybe it’s the music… it just may be the music…).
Okay, now for cohesiveness.
Willa was me written all over the pages. She’s a violinist, very confident, not so much into the romance, doesn’t appreciate change, etc. She wasn’t all me, though, because she starts out in the book pretty much doubting God’s existence—which was a fun journey to read. I am always interested to know how Christian authors will lead their main characters into salvation. Willa’s story was a powerful one, with a clear gospel message.
Lukas was a very good character, as far as character development goes. At the start of the book, he wasn’t especially a moral character (references to him thinking nothing of lovely ladies slipping him their room key—though I will note that that was pretty much the extent given, no details added). But he had a very clear turning point.
And Margot! I loved pretty much every portion of Margot’s POV. Her mathematical mind was crazy but super interesting. And the German officer in her story…I’ll not give spoilers, but there are times when I like my assumptions to be correct, and his story was one instance of that.
The music. I just have to make a mention of the music. Because, obviously, this book was very much into the musical side (have I mentioned that already?). I really liked how Roseanna wove music into many of the pages of this story. Being a musician, I’m always a little wary about music in books—I don’t see it often, and sometimes when I do, it doesn’t feel real. But I applaud Roseanna on her inclusion of musical phraseology and expression. It added such a deep richness to this story! At the same time, it made the various characters really stand out, because I noticed their various personalities reflected in how they viewed life (Margot with mathematics, Lukas and Willa with music). The writer in me loved this story.
Romance was in this book, for sure. Usually, Roseanna has a lot more romance than I particularly care for. This book was not over-the-top for me. Like I already mentioned, Lukas’ former loose morals are mentioned and there are a few allusions to immoral activity, but it was very minimal compared to Roseanna’s other books.
As always, there was a strong spiritual thread through this book and a clear Gospel message. Some people may fault that not all of the Christians were not evangelical (there were priests and mass as well as Methodist), but Roseanna seemed to make it a point to bring out the salvation message according to the Bible, which I definitely cannot fault her for.
Sometimes, Roseanna’s books are a little dark with the lack of good morality of her characters (which gives it a very real-world sense, it’s just a little dark for me). I finished this book and realized that I didn’t notice that same timbre running through the story—which, for me, is a definite plus.
I’m going to give this a 5 star review and am holding my breath until Barclay’s story. After this book, he so needs his own story!
*I received this book from Bethany House and happily provided my honest review*
Okay, now for cohesiveness.
Willa was me written all over the pages. She’s a violinist, very confident, not so much into the romance, doesn’t appreciate change, etc. She wasn’t all me, though, because she starts out in the book pretty much doubting God’s existence—which was a fun journey to read. I am always interested to know how Christian authors will lead their main characters into salvation. Willa’s story was a powerful one, with a clear gospel message.
Lukas was a very good character, as far as character development goes. At the start of the book, he wasn’t especially a moral character (references to him thinking nothing of lovely ladies slipping him their room key—though I will note that that was pretty much the extent given, no details added). But he had a very clear turning point.
And Margot! I loved pretty much every portion of Margot’s POV. Her mathematical mind was crazy but super interesting. And the German officer in her story…I’ll not give spoilers, but there are times when I like my assumptions to be correct, and his story was one instance of that.
The music. I just have to make a mention of the music. Because, obviously, this book was very much into the musical side (have I mentioned that already?). I really liked how Roseanna wove music into many of the pages of this story. Being a musician, I’m always a little wary about music in books—I don’t see it often, and sometimes when I do, it doesn’t feel real. But I applaud Roseanna on her inclusion of musical phraseology and expression. It added such a deep richness to this story! At the same time, it made the various characters really stand out, because I noticed their various personalities reflected in how they viewed life (Margot with mathematics, Lukas and Willa with music). The writer in me loved this story.
Romance was in this book, for sure. Usually, Roseanna has a lot more romance than I particularly care for. This book was not over-the-top for me. Like I already mentioned, Lukas’ former loose morals are mentioned and there are a few allusions to immoral activity, but it was very minimal compared to Roseanna’s other books.
As always, there was a strong spiritual thread through this book and a clear Gospel message. Some people may fault that not all of the Christians were not evangelical (there were priests and mass as well as Methodist), but Roseanna seemed to make it a point to bring out the salvation message according to the Bible, which I definitely cannot fault her for.
Sometimes, Roseanna’s books are a little dark with the lack of good morality of her characters (which gives it a very real-world sense, it’s just a little dark for me). I finished this book and realized that I didn’t notice that same timbre running through the story—which, for me, is a definite plus.
I’m going to give this a 5 star review and am holding my breath until Barclay’s story. After this book, he so needs his own story!
*I received this book from Bethany House and happily provided my honest review*
November 20, 2020
This is me attempting a review. This is me sitting staring in space wondering where to begin.
*takes a deep breath and begins*
I expected a theme of music, but this book held even more than that. I enjoy music, but the depth presented in this book made me realize how much more I should appreciate it. Lukas and Willa both dwell on different aspects of music, but together it truly becomes alive. By the end, the song is heard in a beautiful way.
To begin with, Lukas is nothing like Peter, and especially at the beginning I rolled my eyes at him so many times. But he is a dear man, and one that was hard NOT to like. Willa was fun to explore, and I loved all the intricate storylines to her character. But Margot probably was my favorite of the three. She was amazing! I was astounded at her knowledge at fourteen, and she made me appreciate mathematics so much more. I love how much she thinks and acts like an adult, and how the end came to play into the story for her ;) Then, there are the bad guys and fascinating characters along the way...like icky Corr and strangely interesting Mr. V.
The setting is amazing, and I loved that this was during the early years of World War I. The facts about Belgium immigrants really fascinated me, and everything with finding the key astounded me even more. This whole book is rather shocking, to say the least!
The romance irked me at times, because Lukas' attitude is not too unlike other playboy characters, who somehow find a girl that outdoes all the rest of the woman they've been around with (okay, okay, I concede that it's better than the fellow keeping on his rocketed path downward). Thankfully, we are never seen much of his past...just a couple hints here and there. Plus, the girl he picked was good for him after all. There are few kisses, a couple semi-detailed.
Spiritual content came forth even more in this book than the first. I loved the progress of it, and how it played a factor into all three MCs. I would have liked to see a little more with Lukas in the end, like Willa, but he obviously had changed for the better ;) There was a good thread of Salvation which I very much appreciated.
Now to the writing style...some moments it positively irritated me. There were lots of fragment sentences and run-ons. Grammar teachers would be horrified! But somehow, this author writes it in such a way that pulls you in and in general I couldn't find much fault with it, except that I do love sentences that hold long, beautiful descriptions.
I simply can't wait to read Barclay's story. I absolutely loved him in this book, and would have been happy to see more of him!! This story has a lot of depth and feeling, and will hardly leave you without some expression of amazement by the end ;)
*takes a deep breath and begins*
I expected a theme of music, but this book held even more than that. I enjoy music, but the depth presented in this book made me realize how much more I should appreciate it. Lukas and Willa both dwell on different aspects of music, but together it truly becomes alive. By the end, the song is heard in a beautiful way.
To begin with, Lukas is nothing like Peter, and especially at the beginning I rolled my eyes at him so many times. But he is a dear man, and one that was hard NOT to like. Willa was fun to explore, and I loved all the intricate storylines to her character. But Margot probably was my favorite of the three. She was amazing! I was astounded at her knowledge at fourteen, and she made me appreciate mathematics so much more. I love how much she thinks and acts like an adult, and how the end came to play into the story for her ;) Then, there are the bad guys and fascinating characters along the way...like icky Corr and strangely interesting Mr. V.
The setting is amazing, and I loved that this was during the early years of World War I. The facts about Belgium immigrants really fascinated me, and everything with finding the key astounded me even more. This whole book is rather shocking, to say the least!
The romance irked me at times, because Lukas' attitude is not too unlike other playboy characters, who somehow find a girl that outdoes all the rest of the woman they've been around with (okay, okay, I concede that it's better than the fellow keeping on his rocketed path downward). Thankfully, we are never seen much of his past...just a couple hints here and there. Plus, the girl he picked was good for him after all. There are few kisses, a couple semi-detailed.
Spiritual content came forth even more in this book than the first. I loved the progress of it, and how it played a factor into all three MCs. I would have liked to see a little more with Lukas in the end, like Willa, but he obviously had changed for the better ;) There was a good thread of Salvation which I very much appreciated.
Now to the writing style...some moments it positively irritated me. There were lots of fragment sentences and run-ons. Grammar teachers would be horrified! But somehow, this author writes it in such a way that pulls you in and in general I couldn't find much fault with it, except that I do love sentences that hold long, beautiful descriptions.
I simply can't wait to read Barclay's story. I absolutely loved him in this book, and would have been happy to see more of him!! This story has a lot of depth and feeling, and will hardly leave you without some expression of amazement by the end ;)
May 3, 2018
A Song Unheard was a great continuation of the Shadows Over England series. I really enjoyed the first book, A Name Unknown, so I was eager to pick up this book and see what was going to happen next. Even though the main characters from the first book were barely in this one, I didn't mind that because I loved these main characters so much! Lukas was hilarious and I loved the way he pursued Willa.
The danger in the story was good. I especially was "on the edge" of my seat towards the end and just wanted everything to work out okay. The story is filled with spies and intrigue...and you just don't know who to trust!
All in all, I loved A Song Unheard. The violin/music parts were great and unique. I recommend this book if you like historical romance. It is very well written!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
The danger in the story was good. I especially was "on the edge" of my seat towards the end and just wanted everything to work out okay. The story is filled with spies and intrigue...and you just don't know who to trust!
All in all, I loved A Song Unheard. The violin/music parts were great and unique. I recommend this book if you like historical romance. It is very well written!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*
February 17, 2018
I was looking forward to returning to Roseanna M. White's new series set in early 1900s England by reading A Song Unheard! Though I didn't like it as much as the first book, it still made an intriguing and lovely read.
It was wonderful to get Willa Forsythe's story. Delving into her past was heart-wrenching ... especially seeing how it affected her present and future. Seeing her love for the violin and how God reached her through music was poignant. Her life as a thief and spying job were rather interesting to read about. And her family. ^_^ Are they ever dear. I must admit, I wouldn't mind getting a story about Barcley! I really loved him in this book, though he didn't get much "screen time". And Margot! She was rather delightful to read about! Very much a unique character. There were a lot of characters who caught my interest.
So though the story moved slowly, and wasn't exactly to my taste, the characters kept me reading. The ending was good! And I'm looking forward to reading the last book in this series.
The facts and things having to do with World War I were intriguing to me. Spies. Secret Codes. Music. Redemption.
The faith theme was touching. I felt a couple quotes that especially touched my heart.
The romance wasn't my favorite ... I didn't like Lukas like I liked Peter (from the first book) perhaps? But it was still sweet.
In any case, I'm looking forward to finishing this series!
I received a copy of A Song Unheard from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
It was wonderful to get Willa Forsythe's story. Delving into her past was heart-wrenching ... especially seeing how it affected her present and future. Seeing her love for the violin and how God reached her through music was poignant. Her life as a thief and spying job were rather interesting to read about. And her family. ^_^ Are they ever dear. I must admit, I wouldn't mind getting a story about Barcley! I really loved him in this book, though he didn't get much "screen time". And Margot! She was rather delightful to read about! Very much a unique character. There were a lot of characters who caught my interest.
So though the story moved slowly, and wasn't exactly to my taste, the characters kept me reading. The ending was good! And I'm looking forward to reading the last book in this series.
The facts and things having to do with World War I were intriguing to me. Spies. Secret Codes. Music. Redemption.
The faith theme was touching. I felt a couple quotes that especially touched my heart.
The romance wasn't my favorite ... I didn't like Lukas like I liked Peter (from the first book) perhaps? But it was still sweet.
In any case, I'm looking forward to finishing this series!
I received a copy of A Song Unheard from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2018
In a sequel even better than the first book, A Name Unknown, Roseanna M. White has given us everything you could want in a book. Characters that dance off the page—sometimes marching to the beat of their own inner-drummer and other times waltzing across to the tune that only they can hear. The rest weave in and out with perfectly synchronized movements to the melody of the plot and the harmony of the setting.
I said A Song Unheard was my most anticipated read of 2018. Yeah. It didn’t disappoint.
So often in fiction, particularly historical fiction, description destroys that ideal of each word holding meaning. Instead, they drip from the page with excess floridity. Loquaciousness becomes verboseness until the story is weighed down with details that while interesting alone, do nothing to serve the story. And at that point, they no longer become interesting.
This book has so much to recommend it—great attention to detail without excess verbiage to begin with. Characters who steal your heart and never waver from who they really are. An interesting plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without making it ridiculous or implausible.
Basically, I think I have my first book to make my 2018 awards.
So, What’s Wrong with This Sequel? Why would I say that about a book I practically begged for a review copy for?
Book three—it’s not available. That’s a problem. There’s just something wrong about not having Barclay’s story. As I got to about chapter three, I realized that I’d not be satisfied with this story. I’d need more. Let’s face it; I’d need his.
And I do.
So how do we fix this lack of a sequel? I appeal to Bethany House. Release that sucker. Yesterday would be preferable, but I’ll settle for today. Or tomorrow. I’m okay with that, too. But today would be best.
No really. I have almost no qualms about this book. And considering that I read an ARC that might not have final edits in it, my tiny quibbles might not even be in the final thing. A few mixed pronouns and such… who cares? You have characters like Willa—someone I totally get, by the way. Wales! The book is set in Wales!
And, then Margot… oh, how I loved that little girl who didn’t know how to be a little girl. I understood her so.
Recommended?
Um, yeah! If you like a bit of intrigue, a lot of verbal sparring, a romance that isn’t drippy… Wait. I have to say something else there, too. The romance in this? It got me. Not only that, it held me. I cared about it—as an element by itself. Cheering for a couple, ranting when they are being stupid.
There wasn’t any of it I didn’t love. Even the stupid kisses didn’t get to me, but then Lukas had the decency not to require my freezer to get through them. 😉
You know what? I’m going to redo my recommendation. If you like Christian fiction with a genuine, slow grasp and acceptance of faith, just get the book. Seriously. I can’t imagine how you would regret it. I just loved every minute, and I really didn’t have TIME to read it. Sometimes, who cares what other things are getting neglected in favor of it. Just sayin’.
I said A Song Unheard was my most anticipated read of 2018. Yeah. It didn’t disappoint.
So often in fiction, particularly historical fiction, description destroys that ideal of each word holding meaning. Instead, they drip from the page with excess floridity. Loquaciousness becomes verboseness until the story is weighed down with details that while interesting alone, do nothing to serve the story. And at that point, they no longer become interesting.
This book has so much to recommend it—great attention to detail without excess verbiage to begin with. Characters who steal your heart and never waver from who they really are. An interesting plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without making it ridiculous or implausible.
Basically, I think I have my first book to make my 2018 awards.
So, What’s Wrong with This Sequel? Why would I say that about a book I practically begged for a review copy for?
Book three—it’s not available. That’s a problem. There’s just something wrong about not having Barclay’s story. As I got to about chapter three, I realized that I’d not be satisfied with this story. I’d need more. Let’s face it; I’d need his.
And I do.
So how do we fix this lack of a sequel? I appeal to Bethany House. Release that sucker. Yesterday would be preferable, but I’ll settle for today. Or tomorrow. I’m okay with that, too. But today would be best.
No really. I have almost no qualms about this book. And considering that I read an ARC that might not have final edits in it, my tiny quibbles might not even be in the final thing. A few mixed pronouns and such… who cares? You have characters like Willa—someone I totally get, by the way. Wales! The book is set in Wales!
And, then Margot… oh, how I loved that little girl who didn’t know how to be a little girl. I understood her so.
Recommended?
Um, yeah! If you like a bit of intrigue, a lot of verbal sparring, a romance that isn’t drippy… Wait. I have to say something else there, too. The romance in this? It got me. Not only that, it held me. I cared about it—as an element by itself. Cheering for a couple, ranting when they are being stupid.
There wasn’t any of it I didn’t love. Even the stupid kisses didn’t get to me, but then Lukas had the decency not to require my freezer to get through them. 😉
You know what? I’m going to redo my recommendation. If you like Christian fiction with a genuine, slow grasp and acceptance of faith, just get the book. Seriously. I can’t imagine how you would regret it. I just loved every minute, and I really didn’t have TIME to read it. Sometimes, who cares what other things are getting neglected in favor of it. Just sayin’.
February 19, 2018
A Song Unheard is a novel for anyone who loves history or music. Set during the early days of WWI, it portrays a unique era, a slice of history, and the trials ordinary people endured. I liked that it showed multiple intertwining viewpoints-- that of a spunky thief-turned-government aid practically working as a spy (Willa), a refugee estranged from his family and struggling to maintain his normal lifestyle (Lukas), and that of an intelligent young lady hiding her true identity in German-occupied Belgium (Margot).
In their own ways, they each learn important lessons of faith. What stands out to me the most is Willa's realization that the loving FAMILY she has is wonderful, but that the love of a Heavenly Father can be all-encompassing and accepting far beyond any human connection she might seek.
These twisting perspectives all tell a seamless story with action, intrigue, and true acts of heroism. Interspersed with it all is a romance that grows naturally even while the characters themselves are often (comically) unaware of their deep connection.
And OH, the music!!! The music lover in me swooned a time or two while reading Lukas and Willa's musical scenes. I have never read a story that incorporates the emotions and visceral feelings music can evoke in mere words and paragraphs. It was so vivid, I could almost hear Willa's song in her heart. The journey of the characters could be likened to a song that has mournful minor strains and moments of pure joy. All of it works together to present a piece of art: in this case, a musical story that incorporates both historical suspense, romance, and faith.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
In their own ways, they each learn important lessons of faith. What stands out to me the most is Willa's realization that the loving FAMILY she has is wonderful, but that the love of a Heavenly Father can be all-encompassing and accepting far beyond any human connection she might seek.
These twisting perspectives all tell a seamless story with action, intrigue, and true acts of heroism. Interspersed with it all is a romance that grows naturally even while the characters themselves are often (comically) unaware of their deep connection.
And OH, the music!!! The music lover in me swooned a time or two while reading Lukas and Willa's musical scenes. I have never read a story that incorporates the emotions and visceral feelings music can evoke in mere words and paragraphs. It was so vivid, I could almost hear Willa's song in her heart. The journey of the characters could be likened to a song that has mournful minor strains and moments of pure joy. All of it works together to present a piece of art: in this case, a musical story that incorporates both historical suspense, romance, and faith.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to review a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.
June 15, 2019
Book 2 of Shadows over England continues the story of the family of orphans turned pickpockets and thieves in order to support themselves. This book focuses on Willa Forsythe who is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief. She is the perfect choice for the mysterious Mr V. who is associated with the British government and leading a spy program to assist with World War 1. Mr. V. needs Willa to secure a crucial cypher key from a famous Belgian violinist, Lukas DeWilde, who is currently living in Wales.
Filled with humor, suspense, romance, and intrigue, A Song Unheard continues the drama that highlighted the first book in the series featuring, Rosemary Gresham, another of the orphan family. I felt that this book was a bit slow in the beginning, but once it picked up the pace it was high-packed adventure until the HEA ending. I loved the way that God finally made Willa aware that he did hear her and how it transposed her into a much deeper and more understanding person. Lukas was the entire package of a swoon-worthy hero. The ending was just perfect, and I could definitely see this series being made into a great motion picture.
Filled with humor, suspense, romance, and intrigue, A Song Unheard continues the drama that highlighted the first book in the series featuring, Rosemary Gresham, another of the orphan family. I felt that this book was a bit slow in the beginning, but once it picked up the pace it was high-packed adventure until the HEA ending. I loved the way that God finally made Willa aware that he did hear her and how it transposed her into a much deeper and more understanding person. Lukas was the entire package of a swoon-worthy hero. The ending was just perfect, and I could definitely see this series being made into a great motion picture.
September 8, 2022
I am utterly enchanted and only regret waiting so long to start this book!
What did I love? Everything, just everything. The setting split between Wales, London, and Brussels in an intriguing manner, and the music angle was gorgeous.
Willa and Lukas were perfect together and had fantastic character arcs—Lukas, from charming playboy to a godly gentle, and Willa, from a prickly, nonromantic woman of steel to a being willing to open her heart again. (Willa just may be one of my new favourite fictional heroines because I related to her so much.)
As always, the ragtag thief family is both comical and precious. Jules and Lukas’s friendship was lovely. And then Margot. Goodness, I love this girl and am thrilled she gets her own book!
Now I desperately need to get my hands on Rosemary’s story!
•
•
•
“She was broken. Had been since she was six, staring at that note that said she couldn't trust anyone. That no matter how many times someone said I love you, it didn't matter. Love was just a word. Three deceptive sounds linked together into a lie.”
“‘You can spend your life regretting what you've lost. Or you can thank the Lord for what He's given.’”
What did I love? Everything, just everything. The setting split between Wales, London, and Brussels in an intriguing manner, and the music angle was gorgeous.
Willa and Lukas were perfect together and had fantastic character arcs—Lukas, from charming playboy to a godly gentle, and Willa, from a prickly, nonromantic woman of steel to a being willing to open her heart again. (Willa just may be one of my new favourite fictional heroines because I related to her so much.)
As always, the ragtag thief family is both comical and precious. Jules and Lukas’s friendship was lovely. And then Margot. Goodness, I love this girl and am thrilled she gets her own book!
Now I desperately need to get my hands on Rosemary’s story!
•
•
•
“She was broken. Had been since she was six, staring at that note that said she couldn't trust anyone. That no matter how many times someone said I love you, it didn't matter. Love was just a word. Three deceptive sounds linked together into a lie.”
“‘You can spend your life regretting what you've lost. Or you can thank the Lord for what He's given.’”
April 22, 2021
4.5
See This was an Amazing book .. huu.. I enjoyed it so much.. like so much.. it's written wonderfully
Like literally the writing, the plot, the romance, the characters, the build up, the life, the Faith, family... Oh my !! What's not in this to love
I was hooked from right on first page.. to literally last page
Mrs. White is Incroyable!!
What an amazing series is this
This book brought life to music in my sense.. or like opened my eyes to the beauty of music.. I agree to it all.. literally there are many times I just felt I was literally there. With them.. feeling them.
Willa is wonderful and her character build up and transformation of faith was the best part .. she's just you know a person who's hurt so much that she doesn't believe in God but the way she comes to trust Him and have faith just speaks volumes about this book
I was truly truly amazed by the characters they were all so good.. like it's amazing y'all
Lukas -Swoony hero, his faith and back to devotion from his old life was definitely appreciated part, the best goes to His love for Willa.
Mmm should I say more.😁😁
Now I'm even more excited about the next book cauze I'm already in love with Barclay's character
This book is like a journey for me.. It feels great to read a real good historical fiction. And this has it all.. suspense, love, faith, WW1, tension,plot, I like every character in this book except for Cor
I highly recommend this series
See This was an Amazing book .. huu.. I enjoyed it so much.. like so much.. it's written wonderfully
Like literally the writing, the plot, the romance, the characters, the build up, the life, the Faith, family... Oh my !! What's not in this to love
I was hooked from right on first page.. to literally last page
Mrs. White is Incroyable!!
What an amazing series is this
This book brought life to music in my sense.. or like opened my eyes to the beauty of music.. I agree to it all.. literally there are many times I just felt I was literally there. With them.. feeling them.
Willa is wonderful and her character build up and transformation of faith was the best part .. she's just you know a person who's hurt so much that she doesn't believe in God but the way she comes to trust Him and have faith just speaks volumes about this book
I was truly truly amazed by the characters they were all so good.. like it's amazing y'all
Lukas -Swoony hero, his faith and back to devotion from his old life was definitely appreciated part, the best goes to His love for Willa.
Mmm should I say more.😁😁
Now I'm even more excited about the next book cauze I'm already in love with Barclay's character
This book is like a journey for me.. It feels great to read a real good historical fiction. And this has it all.. suspense, love, faith, WW1, tension,plot, I like every character in this book except for Cor
I highly recommend this series
February 22, 2018
I've been hearing nothing but rave reviews for Ms. White's stories for a few years now, so she's been on my radar. And after seeing the same gushing over this particular story, something about it convinced me I needed to try it. I'm so glad I did! Because the chemistry between Willa and Lukas...?? Oh my stars!!! :D
Yet it's not just their chemistry, I think my favorite part is simply how music resonates for both of them. It reaches down deep in their hearts and settles there, inspiring and encouraging them. The way Willa, especially, gets swept up in her violin playing struck me from the very first pages and is why I, ultimately, decided to bring this one home from the store. (Although I can't deny that the romantic tension was also a big factor in that decision! ;)
The combination of connecting with the characters and their delightful romance, as well as the building tension of the mysteries to be uncovered, all come together to create a beautifully written story. I was thoroughly swept up and closed the final pages with a happy sigh. It's a keeper, friends! For sure.
Yet it's not just their chemistry, I think my favorite part is simply how music resonates for both of them. It reaches down deep in their hearts and settles there, inspiring and encouraging them. The way Willa, especially, gets swept up in her violin playing struck me from the very first pages and is why I, ultimately, decided to bring this one home from the store. (Although I can't deny that the romantic tension was also a big factor in that decision! ;)
The combination of connecting with the characters and their delightful romance, as well as the building tension of the mysteries to be uncovered, all come together to create a beautifully written story. I was thoroughly swept up and closed the final pages with a happy sigh. It's a keeper, friends! For sure.
January 30, 2018
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this book?? I have heard lovely things about this author and jumped at the chance of reviewing this. I had high expectations for this book and wow, it was even better than I thought it would be. I have definitely found a new favorite author.
THE SETTING
The setting of this book was so perfect. London, the war, spies, music sheets, violins, fancy dinner parties, the little French phrases thrown in. Ah, I completely fell in love with this story. The authors writing style is beautiful and I was immediately pulled into the story.
THE CHARACTERS
Oh my goodness, these characters. <3 Lukas and Willa were so different yet so perfect for each other. I don't know why but I really liked that Willa was a theft?? I feel like it suited her character really well. And then there's Lukas De Wilde.. the guy who's used to flirting with every girl until Willa comes along. Their relationship from the beginning was so cute, and yet most of the book she was trying to steal from him. I loved it. ;) Jules was also a favorite character of mine. I loved the friendship that he and Lukas had.
I also really enjoyed the parts with Margot and her mom. I loved that the De Wilde family was included in the story. I thought that Gottlieb was a good fit to their part of the story, and I really liked learning more about him as the story went on.
I was very impressed with this book. The writing was delightful and I couldn't put it down. This book is a new favorite of mine, and I definitely recommend it!
"I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all thoughts are my own."
THE SETTING
The setting of this book was so perfect. London, the war, spies, music sheets, violins, fancy dinner parties, the little French phrases thrown in. Ah, I completely fell in love with this story. The authors writing style is beautiful and I was immediately pulled into the story.
THE CHARACTERS
Oh my goodness, these characters. <3 Lukas and Willa were so different yet so perfect for each other. I don't know why but I really liked that Willa was a theft?? I feel like it suited her character really well. And then there's Lukas De Wilde.. the guy who's used to flirting with every girl until Willa comes along. Their relationship from the beginning was so cute, and yet most of the book she was trying to steal from him. I loved it. ;) Jules was also a favorite character of mine. I loved the friendship that he and Lukas had.
I also really enjoyed the parts with Margot and her mom. I loved that the De Wilde family was included in the story. I thought that Gottlieb was a good fit to their part of the story, and I really liked learning more about him as the story went on.
I was very impressed with this book. The writing was delightful and I couldn't put it down. This book is a new favorite of mine, and I definitely recommend it!
"I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange of my honest review. I wasn't required to write a positive review and all thoughts are my own."
September 12, 2024
Quite some time ago, I read and enjoyed A Name Unknown, the first book in this series. Eventually, I ran across A Song Unheard and remembered my desire to continue the series. So I reread the first book, then dived into A Song Unheard.
This book delves into a little-known element of WWI in the United Kingdom: the Belgian refugees who flooded the country and how that affected the Welsh and English. As a fan of underserved history, I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of that part of the war and how Belgium played into the headlines of the day.
In A Name Unknown, Willa is the character who is most resistant to her sister’s change of heart. Roseanna White did a great job in this book of showing Willa’s gradual softening without changing her personality too much. She wasn’t just another Rosemary; she was definitely the same Willa. Just as caring, just as stubborn, just as self-reliant.
She doesn’t necessarily always act like a top-notch thief, especially where the romance is concerned. But I enjoyed her as a character all the same. I also enjoyed the glimpses we get of the rest of the “family,” especially Barclay, the protective, somewhat annoying big brother. I’m looking forward to reading his story in the future, and I liked seeing some of the decisions he made in this book (although he didn’t always act like a top-notch thief either).
Willa and Lukas made an interesting combination. Let it be noted that in real life, a guy as cocky as Lukas would drive anybody a little bit nuts. And yes, some of the romance was a bit passionate for my taste. But paired with Willa’s stubbornness, his absolute faith that she was the one for him was actually a little…endearing? Entertaining? I smiled a little every time Willa was on a rant and Lukas would casually toss out a very serious comment about their future kids or the music they would play as a couple.
But this is where I had a bit of trouble. Lukas is clearly described as a playboy who, over the course of the story, mends his ways. I did appreciate the tasteful way his past was handled and the ways he grew as the story went on. But Lukas and his family are Catholic, and his change of heart involves (a) the decision that God does exist and (b) an off-screen visit to a priest. What actually happened during that visit is just…silent.
I really loved Margot (and vaguely remembered reading her grown-up story in White’s The Number of Love). She’s a great character, and her interactions with Gottlieb added a completely different dimension to her story. But at the same time, there’s this silent assumption that her faithful Catholicism is really just biblical Christianity under another name. You go to church? She goes to Mass. You have a pastor? She has a priest. End of story.
I recognize that this is a controversial subject. I also recognize that Roseanna M. White has converted to Catholicism since the writing of this book and that historically speaking, Catholicism was prevalent in Belgium during WWI. I don’t object to Catholic characters, and I don’t object to Catholic doctrine portrayed accurately to the time and place, but I do object to the portrayal of Catholicism as basically identical to biblical faith in Christ.
There’s no acknowledgment of the other elements of Catholicism—baptismal regeneration, veneration of the saints, the Eucharist as the resacrificing of Christ for sin. No acknowledgment of the Council of Trent’s statement that anyone who believes in Christ alone for redemption is accursed. It’s this watered-down, dishonest version of Catholicism that disappoints me, and I regret that it’s becoming so widespread in Christian fiction, especially in cases like this where the true, life-changing gospel really could have shined.
This is in stark contrast to the way faith is presented in the rest of the story, and especially the way it was presented in A Name Unknown. In those instances, simple trust is shown as the only necessary response for salvation. I wish there had been more actual Scripture involved rather than characters being guided by some kind of internal music or mathematics, but I enjoyed seeing the gradual warming in Willa and how the strong, gentle faith of her hostesses slowly affected her. And if Lukas’s conversion is simply taken for granted, his growth throughout the rest of the book does reflect a realistic struggle to overcome his former reputation and do the right thing.
As for the plot—what a ride! I never expected the coding device to be what it was, and that made for a fascinating twist in the story. A simple decision suddenly becomes much less simple. As with the first book, things got a little convoluted toward the end, but it was an exciting tale all the way.
If you enjoy stories that involve professional musicians, romance, and some intrigue, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy A Song Unheard. It’s a fascinating look at a different aspect of WWI, and we have some great characters to root for along the way. Roseanna M. White is a talented writer, and despite our theological differences, I look forward to giving Barclay’s story a try.
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This book delves into a little-known element of WWI in the United Kingdom: the Belgian refugees who flooded the country and how that affected the Welsh and English. As a fan of underserved history, I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of that part of the war and how Belgium played into the headlines of the day.
In A Name Unknown, Willa is the character who is most resistant to her sister’s change of heart. Roseanna White did a great job in this book of showing Willa’s gradual softening without changing her personality too much. She wasn’t just another Rosemary; she was definitely the same Willa. Just as caring, just as stubborn, just as self-reliant.
She doesn’t necessarily always act like a top-notch thief, especially where the romance is concerned. But I enjoyed her as a character all the same. I also enjoyed the glimpses we get of the rest of the “family,” especially Barclay, the protective, somewhat annoying big brother. I’m looking forward to reading his story in the future, and I liked seeing some of the decisions he made in this book (although he didn’t always act like a top-notch thief either).
Willa and Lukas made an interesting combination. Let it be noted that in real life, a guy as cocky as Lukas would drive anybody a little bit nuts. And yes, some of the romance was a bit passionate for my taste. But paired with Willa’s stubbornness, his absolute faith that she was the one for him was actually a little…endearing? Entertaining? I smiled a little every time Willa was on a rant and Lukas would casually toss out a very serious comment about their future kids or the music they would play as a couple.
But this is where I had a bit of trouble. Lukas is clearly described as a playboy who, over the course of the story, mends his ways. I did appreciate the tasteful way his past was handled and the ways he grew as the story went on. But Lukas and his family are Catholic, and his change of heart involves (a) the decision that God does exist and (b) an off-screen visit to a priest. What actually happened during that visit is just…silent.
I really loved Margot (and vaguely remembered reading her grown-up story in White’s The Number of Love). She’s a great character, and her interactions with Gottlieb added a completely different dimension to her story. But at the same time, there’s this silent assumption that her faithful Catholicism is really just biblical Christianity under another name. You go to church? She goes to Mass. You have a pastor? She has a priest. End of story.
I recognize that this is a controversial subject. I also recognize that Roseanna M. White has converted to Catholicism since the writing of this book and that historically speaking, Catholicism was prevalent in Belgium during WWI. I don’t object to Catholic characters, and I don’t object to Catholic doctrine portrayed accurately to the time and place, but I do object to the portrayal of Catholicism as basically identical to biblical faith in Christ.
There’s no acknowledgment of the other elements of Catholicism—baptismal regeneration, veneration of the saints, the Eucharist as the resacrificing of Christ for sin. No acknowledgment of the Council of Trent’s statement that anyone who believes in Christ alone for redemption is accursed. It’s this watered-down, dishonest version of Catholicism that disappoints me, and I regret that it’s becoming so widespread in Christian fiction, especially in cases like this where the true, life-changing gospel really could have shined.
This is in stark contrast to the way faith is presented in the rest of the story, and especially the way it was presented in A Name Unknown. In those instances, simple trust is shown as the only necessary response for salvation. I wish there had been more actual Scripture involved rather than characters being guided by some kind of internal music or mathematics, but I enjoyed seeing the gradual warming in Willa and how the strong, gentle faith of her hostesses slowly affected her. And if Lukas’s conversion is simply taken for granted, his growth throughout the rest of the book does reflect a realistic struggle to overcome his former reputation and do the right thing.
As for the plot—what a ride! I never expected the coding device to be what it was, and that made for a fascinating twist in the story. A simple decision suddenly becomes much less simple. As with the first book, things got a little convoluted toward the end, but it was an exciting tale all the way.
If you enjoy stories that involve professional musicians, romance, and some intrigue, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy A Song Unheard. It’s a fascinating look at a different aspect of WWI, and we have some great characters to root for along the way. Roseanna M. White is a talented writer, and despite our theological differences, I look forward to giving Barclay’s story a try.
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