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faithemt's review against another edition
5.0
my review is posted here: 2021 Book Review #1:A Name Unknown
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
A Name Unknown is the first book in Shadows over England series by Roseanna M. White. We are taken back to 1914 when tensions are on the rise throughout Europe (war has yet to break out). Rosemary Gresham is a thief in London who helps support her “family”. The group consists of twelve orphans who have banded together and become a family. Rosemary has done two previous jobs for Mr. V and now he is offering her a third with a handsome payout. Mr. V wants Rosemary to find documented proof of Peter Holstein’s loyalties. He is loyal to England or Germany? Peter is of German descent and has the ear of the King of England, George V. War is sure to be declared soon and time is of the essence. Peter has just returned home to Kensey Manor from London. He is happy to be away from the crowds and return to his writing. Peter needs important documents to be found in his library or what his friend, Gryffyn calls the cave. With troubling times coming, he needs the documents that prove his nationality (his loyalty). Rosemary arrives as a librarian to apply for the position Peter has available (to sort the items in the cave). As time passes, Peter’s character is revealed to Rosemary. He is a kind, Christian man, but few people get to know Peter because of his stutter. Will Rosemary find the documentation she needs to complete the job? Or will she find a far greater prize in Cornwall?
A Name Unknown is set in beautiful Cornwall. I thought the story idea was interesting (and the cover is just lovely), but the execution (for me) was lacking. The book starts out with a good pace, but then it slows down to a crawl. The story gets bogged down (too much detail), and I felt like I was sinking in quicksand (I kept looking to see if I was any closer to the end). A little rewriting and editing would have made a significant difference. My rating for A Name Unknown is 3 out of 5 stars. The Christian element is moderate (just the right amount). Peter is a Christian man who prays and leads by example (many people look up to him and correspond with him). I particularly enjoyed Rosemary finding comfort in the Bible and God (becoming a Christian). It was the best part of the book. The mystery element was not complicated, and I easily identified the culprit. The mysterious Mr. V was an intriguing figure, and I believe people will be surprised by his motives. The romance plays out slowly over the course of book and had an expected outcome. A Name Unknown does have a charming ending. A Name Unknown has some good elements, but I was not wowed. It needs some reworking to improve the flow and eliminate the extraneous (it is too long).
A Name Unknown is set in beautiful Cornwall. I thought the story idea was interesting (and the cover is just lovely), but the execution (for me) was lacking. The book starts out with a good pace, but then it slows down to a crawl. The story gets bogged down (too much detail), and I felt like I was sinking in quicksand (I kept looking to see if I was any closer to the end). A little rewriting and editing would have made a significant difference. My rating for A Name Unknown is 3 out of 5 stars. The Christian element is moderate (just the right amount). Peter is a Christian man who prays and leads by example (many people look up to him and correspond with him). I particularly enjoyed Rosemary finding comfort in the Bible and God (becoming a Christian). It was the best part of the book. The mystery element was not complicated, and I easily identified the culprit. The mysterious Mr. V was an intriguing figure, and I believe people will be surprised by his motives. The romance plays out slowly over the course of book and had an expected outcome. A Name Unknown does have a charming ending. A Name Unknown has some good elements, but I was not wowed. It needs some reworking to improve the flow and eliminate the extraneous (it is too long).
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I enjoyed the last series, and the premise of this book sounded very interesting. I’m happy to say that it delivered in almost every way. Rosemary, and the eccentric recluse (who of course turns out to be the author of adventure novels), Peter Holstein were both wonderful, well-drawn characters with realistic flaws and strengths. Londoners are known for being rough tough and often brash, and I think Rosemary’s character portrayed this very well.
I also found the historical background and details interesting with Peter’s German ancestry and connections, and the parts about Rosemary’s life in London. The landscape and landmarks of Cornwall were also well-used in the story, not just dropped in, but used as the basis and backdrop for various scenes. There were times when immersed in the audio version I was almost able to forget that this was written by an American, it came across as so natural. Always a good thing with British Fiction I think.
Almost. There were only a few bloopers in the story, but sadly, they stood out. One was the characters calling the King’s son and heir ‘The Prince of England’, or ‘The Crown Prince of England’. The heir to the British throne is called the Prince of Wales. This has been the official title for the last 700 years, and pretty much everyone in Britain ought to know that. Also, Rosemary describes her unofficial guardian and adoptive father as a ‘Barkeeper’. I’ve never heard of the person who runs a pub being called that before. They’re usually called a Landlord, and there is a difference between a pub and a bar in Britain.
Aside from that though, I loved this story and how the faith elements were worked into it. The whole matter of Rosemary and her siblings being professional thieves might be a bit of an issue, that one hopes can be overcome or addressed. I understand in the next story, it's more related to espionage as a necessary evil. I look forward to reading Willa the violin prodigy’s story in it.
I requested a PDF of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley and purchased the paperback. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
I also found the historical background and details interesting with Peter’s German ancestry and connections, and the parts about Rosemary’s life in London. The landscape and landmarks of Cornwall were also well-used in the story, not just dropped in, but used as the basis and backdrop for various scenes. There were times when immersed in the audio version I was almost able to forget that this was written by an American, it came across as so natural. Always a good thing with British Fiction I think.
Almost. There were only a few bloopers in the story, but sadly, they stood out. One was the characters calling the King’s son and heir ‘The Prince of England’, or ‘The Crown Prince of England’. The heir to the British throne is called the Prince of Wales. This has been the official title for the last 700 years, and pretty much everyone in Britain ought to know that. Also, Rosemary describes her unofficial guardian and adoptive father as a ‘Barkeeper’. I’ve never heard of the person who runs a pub being called that before. They’re usually called a Landlord, and there is a difference between a pub and a bar in Britain.
Aside from that though, I loved this story and how the faith elements were worked into it. The whole matter of Rosemary and her siblings being professional thieves might be a bit of an issue, that one hopes can be overcome or addressed. I understand in the next story, it's more related to espionage as a necessary evil. I look forward to reading Willa the violin prodigy’s story in it.
I requested a PDF of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley and purchased the paperback. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
rek216's review
The characters were engaging. I liked the idea of an orphan street theif family. However, the plot was too slow for me.
lielos99's review against another edition
5.0
I laughed so much with Rosemary being like “who is this guy?!” Lol because writers rule xD
So relatable and i just love it.
So relatable and i just love it.
kbpeanut's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
meghan_heart's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
library_of_kindredspirits's review against another edition
4.0
OPINION: ****.5
QUALITY: ****.5
MY RATING SYSTEM
OPINION
* "I hated it. I wish I hadn't wasted my time."
** "I wouldn't read it again, but I didn't hate it." or "It frustrated me."
*** "It was good, it just wasn't my thing."
**** "It entertained me. I will probably read it again."
***** "I loved it. I will definitely reread."
QUALITY of WRITING
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good enough to satisfy me."
***** "Impeccable."
4.5 stars
PROS: The writing is on point, and the characters have depth. Both characters have internal conflicts that aid their overall character arc and romance. I really liked Peter. He was a sweetie, and so well suited to Rosemary. Their romance was clean and tasteful.
CONS: The action doesn't really begin until the next book, so if you're a reader who likes a lot of action, you'll have to read through the less action-packed beginnings Roseanna tends to write. This book, however, leads into the finale where everything really goes down. The action really picks up in book two, as well.
This book was very good and to be honest, the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is because I struggled to get into it and enjoyed the rest of the series more. That is more of a preference than a flaw in the writing. I highly recommend it as a series to young adults and adults alike.
QUALITY: ****.5
MY RATING SYSTEM
OPINION
* "I hated it. I wish I hadn't wasted my time."
** "I wouldn't read it again, but I didn't hate it." or "It frustrated me."
*** "It was good, it just wasn't my thing."
**** "It entertained me. I will probably read it again."
***** "I loved it. I will definitely reread."
QUALITY of WRITING
* "I can't believe this got published!"
** "Mediocre."
*** "It was still missing something."
**** "Good enough to satisfy me."
***** "Impeccable."
4.5 stars
PROS: The writing is on point, and the characters have depth. Both characters have internal conflicts that aid their overall character arc and romance. I really liked Peter. He was a sweetie, and so well suited to Rosemary. Their romance was clean and tasteful.
CONS: The action doesn't really begin until the next book, so if you're a reader who likes a lot of action, you'll have to read through the less action-packed beginnings Roseanna tends to write. This book, however, leads into the finale where everything really goes down. The action really picks up in book two, as well.
This book was very good and to be honest, the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is because I struggled to get into it and enjoyed the rest of the series more. That is more of a preference than a flaw in the writing. I highly recommend it as a series to young adults and adults alike.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
5.0
It is rare that I find two 5 star books in a row but that is what has happened for me this week! The second 5 star rating arrived in the form of A Name Unknown by Roxanne White. The book falls in my favorite genre of historical romance--but even better, this one includes interactions with the British royal family during the onset of WW1. I have this thing about learning about the royal family. LOL.
The story includes exploring the prejudice that arrived with hints of war with Germany. Secret societies. The wealth gap. Redemption. Family. Sacrifice. A lead character with a speech impediment. A secret novel. It was simply lovely and the plot kept me guessing to the end--I did not see it coming!
The previous 5 star book brought me to tears. This one made me smile and kept me enthralled. I couldn't put it down!
Definitely recommend it and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
The story includes exploring the prejudice that arrived with hints of war with Germany. Secret societies. The wealth gap. Redemption. Family. Sacrifice. A lead character with a speech impediment. A secret novel. It was simply lovely and the plot kept me guessing to the end--I did not see it coming!
The previous 5 star book brought me to tears. This one made me smile and kept me enthralled. I couldn't put it down!
Definitely recommend it and can't wait to read the next book in the series!