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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!
what_ella_reads's review
4.0
My rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
It had been a year or so since I read My last Roseanne M. White book. After reading "A Name Unknown," I remembered why I like Ms. White' s books.
Ms. White's way off telling a story is so compelling. While " A Name Unknown, " isn't the most exciting book by Ms. White that I have read, it still managed to keep my attention.
The last fourth of the book was especially interesting, as it has some great twists and historical tidbits.
Besides the story telling, I also liked the characters. Rosemary is spunky heroine, who is isn't afraid to take a stand. Even though she is a theif, and a talented one at that, it's impossible to not root for her.
Peter is practically opposite of Rosemary. He is cautious and conscientious. He is a great role model of a Christian who uses their privileges to help others.
While I do like both of the main characters, I don't love their romance. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. Peter and Rosemary had amazing banter and deep conversations. However, those interactions gave me more of friend vibes than romantic vibes.
I will say, though, that I'm glad that they have a happy ending.
While I didn't enjoy the romantical aspects of this book, I did enjoy the story itself enough to where I would recommend this book and to continue reading the rest of the series.
It had been a year or so since I read My last Roseanne M. White book. After reading "A Name Unknown," I remembered why I like Ms. White' s books.
Ms. White's way off telling a story is so compelling. While " A Name Unknown, " isn't the most exciting book by Ms. White that I have read, it still managed to keep my attention.
The last fourth of the book was especially interesting, as it has some great twists and historical tidbits.
Besides the story telling, I also liked the characters. Rosemary is spunky heroine, who is isn't afraid to take a stand. Even though she is a theif, and a talented one at that, it's impossible to not root for her.
Peter is practically opposite of Rosemary. He is cautious and conscientious. He is a great role model of a Christian who uses their privileges to help others.
While I do like both of the main characters, I don't love their romance. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. Peter and Rosemary had amazing banter and deep conversations. However, those interactions gave me more of friend vibes than romantic vibes.
I will say, though, that I'm glad that they have a happy ending.
While I didn't enjoy the romantical aspects of this book, I did enjoy the story itself enough to where I would recommend this book and to continue reading the rest of the series.
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 against another edition
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.