A Name Unknown (Shadows Over England Book #1)
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4.7 • 20 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?
Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.
But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
White (the Ladies of the Manor series) opens her Shadows Over England series with a rollicking tale of thieves on the eve of World War I. Rosemary Gresham, a London thief, is hired to find evidence that Peter Holstein, who is close to the king, has German sympathies. She poses as a librarian to organize his messy library at Kensey Manor, planning to find the evidence and collect a hefty payment that will feed her "family" of thieves and homeless children back in London. Holstein has secrets, but Rosemary finds his stuttering speech hides a deeply spiritual and caring heart. Love slowly blossoms, but will enemies from all sides ruin it as each reveals secrets about who they really are? The book has many moments of charm, but the plot is overburdened with frivolous asides. Regardless, White's fans will no doubt enjoy this beginning of a new historical adventure.
Customer Reviews
See AllLoved it 😀
I absolutely loved this book😀 This is such a great read. I definitely plan on reading this again. This book shows Gods awesome Love. I would definitely recommend this to anyone
A delightful read.
I seriously think that Roseanna has a time machine. She must travel back to each year and place that she writes about to give it such authenticity. A Name Unknown is beautifully crafted with raw and organic characters that will capture any historical fiction fan’s heart.
Books like this book are a once in a lifetime read, you will be transported in the time machine to the streets of London,with a charming Rosemary. I loved that she was a “librarian” as that is a profession I have held and loved dearly. She is strong opinionated character that at some points probably drove the author to talking out loud. I mean this as she flies off the pages into your mind,and certainly into Peter’s home and heart.One aspect this author always does perfectly is her research, I swear I could smell the streets, and the fog of London. I really loved the conflict for Peter of England v. Germany, his heritage and ultimately the outcome of Rosemary’s mission. The details were great and made me more curious for the time period. I was blown away, knowing that the book would amazing but didn’t know it would be so mind blowing that I would be speechless. Another highly successful new series for Roseanna M. White.
This is an incredible historical romance!
I was enthralled by the fact that this book in set in 1914 Edwardian England. This is a period that I have rarely seen novels written about. That means that it drew me into a new era for me. It captivated me.
I love both of the main characters. They are vastly different from each other and they both have very deep secrets that they are concealing. Though they both live in England their worlds are at opposite ends of the spectrum. They are so wonderfully well developed that I was able to connect with both of them from the beginning. I quickly found things about their lives to sympathize with.
The hint of mystery and suspense that flows through the book was well crafted. I was caught up from very early on in trying to figure out who Mr. V was as well as the identity of the person harassing Peter Holstein.
I’m already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book 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. 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.*