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bookishwhims's review against another edition
5.0
Roseanna M. White is one of my new favorite authors. This is the second book of hers that I've read and absolutely loved it! I didn't want to put it down. I loved the representation of the male protagonist's stutter. And can we please just talk about Peter for a minute!? He was perfect and everything he should be. He was kind and so very sweet. I loved seeing Rosemary's prejudice against the wealthy crumble as she saw how much good there was in Peter. Peter allowed Christ to be the center of everything he did and said. It colored his actions and treatment of everyone around him. Suffice it to say, if I haven't already made it clear, I loved Peter!
a_kira's review against another edition
5.0
First book I have read by author and so happy I picked it up. Even though some of the scenarios are a stretch in terms of being probable, the writing was so engaging and thoughtful that I accept it as a probability though knowing it is fiction. Really appreciated how lessons from the bible, verses and wisdom was woven into the story to witness the spiritual growth of the MC. Can't wait to read next book in series.
sarah_less's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rusticreadingal's review
5.0
I'm a big fan of Roseanna White's, having read and loved many of her books. I was so excited when I first heard about her new series. I couldn't wait to delve right into 'A Name Unknown'. And oh my goodness, was it good or what? I didn't think it was possible, but 'A Name Unknown' is her best book yet!
At the brink of World War I, Peter Holstein is constantly looked at with suspicion and is accused of espionage because of his last name, his German heritage. Even though he's an Englishman through and through, having lived in Cornwall his whole life, some people wish for him to go back to Germany. Rosemary Gresham, thief extraordinaire, is sent on a mission by the mysterious Mr. V to discover the loyalties of Peter Holstein, going undercover as a librarian to uncover the truth.
I instantly fell for Peter. He's such a lovable and utterly endearing guy. He's a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and just an all around good guy. The strength of his faith and the way he handles himself amidst such harsh judgments is truly admirable. I liked Rosemary despite the... unconventional way she supports herself and her family. I wasn't sure I would, but she's just doing the only thing she can think of to care for her loved ones. I was totally rooting for her.
This was a pretty big book, but it never dragged. It kept me engaged throughout the entirety of the story. It started out great and just kept getting better and better the further I got into it. I seriously can't recommend 'A Name Unknown' highly enough! Any lover of historical fiction is sure to be captivated by this wonderful novel. I cannot wait for the sequel 'A Song Unheard'. It's going to the top of my TBR list as soon as it's out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
At the brink of World War I, Peter Holstein is constantly looked at with suspicion and is accused of espionage because of his last name, his German heritage. Even though he's an Englishman through and through, having lived in Cornwall his whole life, some people wish for him to go back to Germany. Rosemary Gresham, thief extraordinaire, is sent on a mission by the mysterious Mr. V to discover the loyalties of Peter Holstein, going undercover as a librarian to uncover the truth.
I instantly fell for Peter. He's such a lovable and utterly endearing guy. He's a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and just an all around good guy. The strength of his faith and the way he handles himself amidst such harsh judgments is truly admirable. I liked Rosemary despite the... unconventional way she supports herself and her family. I wasn't sure I would, but she's just doing the only thing she can think of to care for her loved ones. I was totally rooting for her.
This was a pretty big book, but it never dragged. It kept me engaged throughout the entirety of the story. It started out great and just kept getting better and better the further I got into it. I seriously can't recommend 'A Name Unknown' highly enough! Any lover of historical fiction is sure to be captivated by this wonderful novel. I cannot wait for the sequel 'A Song Unheard'. It's going to the top of my TBR list as soon as it's out!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
It's 1914. Rosemary Gresham has been living on the streets of London since she was eight years old. Her only family is a gang of other orphans who have banded together to look after each other by picking pockets. As the story opens, their thieving expertise has reached the level of museum-heists, and they have gained a level of pseudo-sophistication that allows them to enter the homes of the elite. A shadowy character named Mr. V approaches Rosemary and demands that she spy on a gentleman of German descent in Cornwall. If she complies, her needy "family" will receive a thousand pounds. If she refuses, he will turn her in to the authorities.
Peter Holstein's grandparents emigrated from Germany sixty years ago, but that doesn't stop all of the locals in Cornwall from considering him a spy. His stutter and social anxiety confirm the fact in everyone's mind, and should war break out with Germany, he may face deportation or worse. The only way to prove his loyalty to England is to locate his family's naturalization papers, and with the overwhelming state of his overcrowded library that will take some doing.
When Rosemary shows up on Mr. Holstein's doorstep and announces herself as a librarian looking to assist in organization, Peter sees her arrival as a gift from God. As the weeks pass, she contrives to hide her real aims and adjust to his eccentric ways, and a strange friendship develops between the two. Intrigued by his kindness to his servants and his faith in God, she begins to develop a sympathy toward him and a desire to defend him from the abuse of his neighbors. But if Peter Holstein is not a a German spy, then why does he spend all day clicking away on the typewriter in his study? And if he's not writing letters to the Kaiser, then what exactly is he writing in such a secretive manner?
The premise of this book was a little farfetched, but I still enjoyed it immensely. Rosemary and Peter's relationship unfolded in a delightful manner, and Peter's stutter and quirks added a lot of originality to the story. I look forward to seeing the adventures of Rosemary's "siblings" in the next installment of this series.
Peter Holstein's grandparents emigrated from Germany sixty years ago, but that doesn't stop all of the locals in Cornwall from considering him a spy. His stutter and social anxiety confirm the fact in everyone's mind, and should war break out with Germany, he may face deportation or worse. The only way to prove his loyalty to England is to locate his family's naturalization papers, and with the overwhelming state of his overcrowded library that will take some doing.
When Rosemary shows up on Mr. Holstein's doorstep and announces herself as a librarian looking to assist in organization, Peter sees her arrival as a gift from God. As the weeks pass, she contrives to hide her real aims and adjust to his eccentric ways, and a strange friendship develops between the two. Intrigued by his kindness to his servants and his faith in God, she begins to develop a sympathy toward him and a desire to defend him from the abuse of his neighbors. But if Peter Holstein is not a a German spy, then why does he spend all day clicking away on the typewriter in his study? And if he's not writing letters to the Kaiser, then what exactly is he writing in such a secretive manner?
The premise of this book was a little farfetched, but I still enjoyed it immensely. Rosemary and Peter's relationship unfolded in a delightful manner, and Peter's stutter and quirks added a lot of originality to the story. I look forward to seeing the adventures of Rosemary's "siblings" in the next installment of this series.
morgangiesbrecht's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐️
After reading the other five books featuring this ragtag family of thieves, I finally got to read the book where it all started!
I really liked Rosemary. Perhaps not *quite* as much as Willa and Margot but she was still wonderfully relatable.
Peter is an absolute dear. His writerly mind and habits are something I found myself relating to and laughing over. We writers are a peculiar bunch.
The heartfelt themes of identity and not letting your past define you were well done. Also, I loved the point about our names being a gift—what we do with them and how we use them is up to us.
I’m sad to leave these characters behind for now, but I’ll return again someday!
After reading the other five books featuring this ragtag family of thieves, I finally got to read the book where it all started!
I really liked Rosemary. Perhaps not *quite* as much as Willa and Margot but she was still wonderfully relatable.
Peter is an absolute dear. His writerly mind and habits are something I found myself relating to and laughing over. We writers are a peculiar bunch.
The heartfelt themes of identity and not letting your past define you were well done. Also, I loved the point about our names being a gift—what we do with them and how we use them is up to us.
I’m sad to leave these characters behind for now, but I’ll return again someday!
maryfaithreads's review against another edition
5.0
I firmly believe Roseanna M. White is incapable of writing a bad book. After falling in love with her Codebreakers series last year, I knew I needed to read more of her work, and I decided to start with Shadows Over England, mainly because there are connections between this series and Codebreakers. It feels almost unfair comparing this to the Codebreakers books since they are some of my all-time favorites, but I have to say I didn't enjoy this *quite* as much. That being said, I still loved it.
I think the most important thing to get out of the way here is that I absolutely adore Peter. He has got to be one of my favorite male MCs ever. His humility and faith were truly admirable, but I also loved his awkwardness and writer's habits. He was just adorable. I liked Rosemary as well, more than I expected to really since she's a thief. Her redemption arc was lovely, and her relationship with Peter...ugh, so cute.
I think the most important thing to get out of the way here is that I absolutely adore Peter. He has got to be one of my favorite male MCs ever. His humility and faith were truly admirable, but I also loved his awkwardness and writer's habits. He was just adorable. I liked Rosemary as well, more than I expected to really since she's a thief. Her redemption arc was lovely, and her relationship with Peter...ugh, so cute.
ccsmith23's review against another edition
4.0
For what this book is - I enjoyed it. It’s safe, about libraries, and I honestly didn’t see the twist at the end. For that, I’m appreciative. Definitely will read the next one in the series.
bookmebabe's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant New (to new) Author and achingly beautiful book
Once in awhile an author comes along who writes so brilliantly that it makes me ( an aspiring author) want to throw in the towel. Madeline L’Engle and Lin Manuel Miranda come to mind, for example. This author, Roseanna M. White, is every bit as talented as the aforementioned. She is Heartbreakingly talented. Rich scenes, brilliant dialogue, deep , complicated characters- this book has it all. Pour yourself a cup of hot tea, grab and quilt and settle in , because you won’t be able to put this charming tale down until you’ve read it from cover to cover.
Once in awhile an author comes along who writes so brilliantly that it makes me ( an aspiring author) want to throw in the towel. Madeline L’Engle and Lin Manuel Miranda come to mind, for example. This author, Roseanna M. White, is every bit as talented as the aforementioned. She is Heartbreakingly talented. Rich scenes, brilliant dialogue, deep , complicated characters- this book has it all. Pour yourself a cup of hot tea, grab and quilt and settle in , because you won’t be able to put this charming tale down until you’ve read it from cover to cover.